2 samuel 3:21 - Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
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What does "2 samuel 3:21" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 3:21, is a pivotal moment in the power struggle following the death of King Saul. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Abner was previously the commander of Saul's army and the power behind Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, who ruled over most of Israel after Saul's death. David, recognized as king by the tribe of Judah, had only a smaller territory. Abner had just broken ties with Ish-bosheth due to a disagreement. He's now approaching David to switch allegiances.
"Abner said to David, 'I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king...'" This is the core of Abner's proposal. He's offering to use his influence to bring the rest of the tribes of Israel under David's rule. "I will arise and go" emphasizes his initiative and commitment to taking action. "My lord the king" is a respectful acknowledgment of David's claim to the throne, and a crucial change from supporting Ish-bosheth.
"...that they may make a covenant with you..." This highlights the importance of a formal agreement. A covenant was a binding pact, often sealed with oaths and rituals. It signified that the people would acknowledge David as their rightful king and would pledge their loyalty to him. The covenant provides stability and legitimacy to David's reign.
"...and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.'" This is a flattering statement meant to entice David. It implies that with Abner's help, David's aspirations for a united kingdom will be fulfilled. It appeals to David's ambition and vision.
"David sent Abner away; and he went in peace." David accepts Abner's offer in principle, and he sends him away with his blessing to begin the work of persuading the rest of Israel. "He went in peace" suggests that David trusted Abner's word and intentions (at least for the time being) and gave him safe passage. There's an implication of a truce and a positive initial outcome.
In essence, this verse signifies a turning point in David's path to becoming king of a united Israel. Abner, a powerful and influential figure, is offering to deliver the kingdom into David's hands through political maneuvering and persuasion. David's decision to accept the offer sets the stage for the eventual unification of Israel under his rule. It's a strategic move that recognizes the power dynamics and the need for Abner's influence to achieve David's goals. However, it's also important to remember that David needs to be cautious as Abner has been an enemy in the past.
2 samuel 3:21 - Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
What does "2 samuel 3:21" mean?
This verse, 2 Samuel 3:21, is a pivotal moment in the power struggle following the death of King Saul. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Abner was previously the commander of Saul's army and the power behind Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, who ruled over most of Israel after Saul's death. David, recognized as king by the tribe of Judah, had only a smaller territory. Abner had just broken ties with Ish-bosheth due to a disagreement. He's now approaching David to switch allegiances.
"Abner said to David, 'I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king...'" This is the core of Abner's proposal. He's offering to use his influence to bring the rest of the tribes of Israel under David's rule. "I will arise and go" emphasizes his initiative and commitment to taking action. "My lord the king" is a respectful acknowledgment of David's claim to the throne, and a crucial change from supporting Ish-bosheth.
"...that they may make a covenant with you..." This highlights the importance of a formal agreement. A covenant was a binding pact, often sealed with oaths and rituals. It signified that the people would acknowledge David as their rightful king and would pledge their loyalty to him. The covenant provides stability and legitimacy to David's reign.
"...and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.'" This is a flattering statement meant to entice David. It implies that with Abner's help, David's aspirations for a united kingdom will be fulfilled. It appeals to David's ambition and vision.
"David sent Abner away; and he went in peace." David accepts Abner's offer in principle, and he sends him away with his blessing to begin the work of persuading the rest of Israel. "He went in peace" suggests that David trusted Abner's word and intentions (at least for the time being) and gave him safe passage. There's an implication of a truce and a positive initial outcome.
In essence, this verse signifies a turning point in David's path to becoming king of a united Israel. Abner, a powerful and influential figure, is offering to deliver the kingdom into David's hands through political maneuvering and persuasion. David's decision to accept the offer sets the stage for the eventual unification of Israel under his rule. It's a strategic move that recognizes the power dynamics and the need for Abner's influence to achieve David's goals. However, it's also important to remember that David needs to be cautious as Abner has been an enemy in the past.