2 samuel 3:10 - to transfer the kingdom from Saul’s house, and to set up David’s throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 samuel 3:10" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 3:10 is a key piece in understanding the political maneuvering taking place after the death of King Saul. It reveals the ambition and intentions of Abner, Saul's commander, who is trying to consolidate power despite David's growing influence. Let's break down the meaning:
"To transfer the kingdom from Saul's house": This acknowledges that Saul's dynasty is losing power and legitimacy. Saul was killed in battle (1 Samuel 31), and while his son Ish-bosheth was made king (2 Samuel 2:8-9), his reign was weak and largely controlled by Abner. This part of the verse suggests Abner intends to end any pretense of Saul's family continuing to rule.
"And to set up David's throne over Israel and over Judah": This is the crucial part. Abner is claiming he intends to establish David as king over both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. David had already been anointed king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) but was not yet recognized as king of the entire nation.
"From Dan even to Beersheba": This is a common phrase in the Old Testament used to describe the entire territory of Israel. Dan was the northernmost city, and Beersheba the southernmost. This indicates the extent of the kingdom over which David would rule, covering all of the promised land.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Abner's recognition that Saul's dynasty is over.
Abner's deliberate decision to support David as the next king of a united Israel and Judah.
Abner's ambition to be the one who brokers this transition, thereby retaining power and influence in the new kingdom.
Why is this significant?
Political Shift: This represents a major turning point in the narrative. Abner's support is crucial because he controls the military forces that support Ish-bosheth. Without Abner, Ish-bosheth's claim to the throne is significantly weakened.
Fulfillment of God's Promise: The verse hints at the fulfillment of God's promise to David that he would be king over all Israel. It sets the stage for the eventual unification of the kingdom under David.
Abner's Motives: While the verse may seem to paint Abner as a noble peacemaker, it's important to consider his motives. He likely realized David's superior strength and recognized that supporting him was the best way to secure his own position. In the following verses, it becomes clear that Abner is acting in his own self-interest as well, which ultimately leads to his downfall. (see 2 Samuel 3:6-11, 2 Samuel 3:12-27)
Therefore, 2 Samuel 3:10 is a pivotal verse that highlights the transfer of power from Saul's lineage to David's and sets the stage for David's rise as king over a united Israel, a transition orchestrated by the ambitious and politically savvy Abner.
2 samuel 3:10 - to transfer the kingdom from Saul’s house, and to set up David’s throne over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.”
What does "2 samuel 3:10" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 3:10 is a key piece in understanding the political maneuvering taking place after the death of King Saul. It reveals the ambition and intentions of Abner, Saul's commander, who is trying to consolidate power despite David's growing influence. Let's break down the meaning:
"To transfer the kingdom from Saul's house": This acknowledges that Saul's dynasty is losing power and legitimacy. Saul was killed in battle (1 Samuel 31), and while his son Ish-bosheth was made king (2 Samuel 2:8-9), his reign was weak and largely controlled by Abner. This part of the verse suggests Abner intends to end any pretense of Saul's family continuing to rule.
"And to set up David's throne over Israel and over Judah": This is the crucial part. Abner is claiming he intends to establish David as king over both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. David had already been anointed king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) but was not yet recognized as king of the entire nation.
"From Dan even to Beersheba": This is a common phrase in the Old Testament used to describe the entire territory of Israel. Dan was the northernmost city, and Beersheba the southernmost. This indicates the extent of the kingdom over which David would rule, covering all of the promised land.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Abner's recognition that Saul's dynasty is over.
Abner's deliberate decision to support David as the next king of a united Israel and Judah.
Abner's ambition to be the one who brokers this transition, thereby retaining power and influence in the new kingdom.
Why is this significant?
Political Shift: This represents a major turning point in the narrative. Abner's support is crucial because he controls the military forces that support Ish-bosheth. Without Abner, Ish-bosheth's claim to the throne is significantly weakened.
Fulfillment of God's Promise: The verse hints at the fulfillment of God's promise to David that he would be king over all Israel. It sets the stage for the eventual unification of the kingdom under David.
Abner's Motives: While the verse may seem to paint Abner as a noble peacemaker, it's important to consider his motives. He likely realized David's superior strength and recognized that supporting him was the best way to secure his own position. In the following verses, it becomes clear that Abner is acting in his own self-interest as well, which ultimately leads to his downfall. (see 2 Samuel 3:6-11, 2 Samuel 3:12-27)
Therefore, 2 Samuel 3:10 is a pivotal verse that highlights the transfer of power from Saul's lineage to David's and sets the stage for David's rise as king over a united Israel, a transition orchestrated by the ambitious and politically savvy Abner.