2 Samuel 3 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

An editorial note, including an account of David's family. It is curious that the last-named wife, Eglah, and she only, is expressly called David's wife. The letters in the Heb. may be a corruption of some description which would have conveyed further information. ICC suggests that the original reading was sister of David. 2 Samuel 13:13 shows that such marriages were legitimate in Israel at the time.

2 Samuel 3:6 to 2 Samuel 4:12. Quarrel between Abner and Ishbaal. Treachery of Abner. Death of Abner, and of Ishbaal (J). Cf. p. 286.

2 Samuel 3:6-11. Abner went in to Rizpah, Saul's concubine; an act of lè se majesté, as the harem of a king was the property of his successor (2 Samuel 12:8; 2 Samuel 16:22). He met Ishbaal's remonstrances with contemptuous and indignant anger. Was he, to whom the house of Saul owed so much, to be treated like a dog, on account of a trifling matter about a woman? He would soon show the nominal king who was master. Ishbaal dared not answer him.

2 Samuel 3:8. a dog's head that belongeth to Judah: the expression dog's head is not found elsewhere. The words that belongeth to Judah should be omitted. Some scribe reading Dog (caleb) took it to mean the tribe, and added an explanatory note on that supposition.

Abner offers to bring all Israel under the authority of David. As a preliminary Michal is restored to David. Having sounded the elders of the various tribes, Abner visited David to arrange matters.

Joab had been absent on a foray during Abner's visit; on his return, he induced Abner to come back and meet him and then treacherously assassinated him, to avenge the death of Asahel.

2 Samuel 3:26. Sirah: not identified.

2 Samuel 3:27. midst: read, side of with LXX.

David made it clear that he had nothing to do with the murder. He gave Abner honourable burial, and king and people lamented him. The dirge in 2 Samuel 3:33 f. is generally accepted as the work of David.