2 Samuel 3:17 recounts a key moment in the transition of power after the death of King Saul. Let's break down what this verse means:
"Abner had communication with the elders of Israel..." Abner was the commander of Saul's army and the power behind the throne for Ish-bosheth, Saul's son who was currently ruling over a portion of Israel. This verse tells us that Abner was actively speaking with the leaders, or elders, of the northern tribes of Israel. This implies a formal discussion, negotiation, or persuasion.
"...saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you." Here's the core of the message. Abner is reminding the elders of Israel that they had previously desired David to be their king. This refers to a time before Saul's death and the subsequent division of the kingdom. There's an implication here that their original desire for David was a good idea, or perhaps even divinely inspired.
The significance of this verse lies in its context:
Shift in Allegiance: Abner has just had a major falling out with Ish-bosheth. He realizes the futility of trying to maintain Saul's dynasty and is now considering throwing his support to David.
Laying the Groundwork for Change: Abner's communication is a strategic move. He's trying to gauge support for David and prepare the ground for a transition of power. By reminding the elders of their past desires, he's subtly nudging them toward reconciliation with David.
Acknowledge of David's Legitimacy: The fact that the elders previously wanted David as king is acknowledgment of his leadership qualities and potential legitimacy, as opposed to the weaker claim of Ish-bosheth.
In summary, this verse represents Abner's attempt to initiate a political shift by reminding the elders of Israel that they once desired David as their king, likely to persuade them to abandon Ish-bosheth and support David. It is a crucial step in unifying the kingdom of Israel under David's rule.
2 Samuel 3:17 recounts a key moment in the transition of power after the death of King Saul. Let's break down what this verse means:
"Abner had communication with the elders of Israel..." Abner was the commander of Saul's army and the power behind the throne for Ish-bosheth, Saul's son who was currently ruling over a portion of Israel. This verse tells us that Abner was actively speaking with the leaders, or elders, of the northern tribes of Israel. This implies a formal discussion, negotiation, or persuasion.
"...saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you." Here's the core of the message. Abner is reminding the elders of Israel that they had previously desired David to be their king. This refers to a time before Saul's death and the subsequent division of the kingdom. There's an implication here that their original desire for David was a good idea, or perhaps even divinely inspired.
The significance of this verse lies in its context:
Shift in Allegiance: Abner has just had a major falling out with Ish-bosheth. He realizes the futility of trying to maintain Saul's dynasty and is now considering throwing his support to David.
Laying the Groundwork for Change: Abner's communication is a strategic move. He's trying to gauge support for David and prepare the ground for a transition of power. By reminding the elders of their past desires, he's subtly nudging them toward reconciliation with David.
Acknowledge of David's Legitimacy: The fact that the elders previously wanted David as king is acknowledgment of his leadership qualities and potential legitimacy, as opposed to the weaker claim of Ish-bosheth.
In summary, this verse represents Abner's attempt to initiate a political shift by reminding the elders of Israel that they once desired David as their king, likely to persuade them to abandon Ish-bosheth and support David. It is a crucial step in unifying the kingdom of Israel under David's rule.