This verse from 2 Samuel 3:23 is essentially summarizing the situation when Joab returns from a military expedition and learns that Abner, a prominent figure from the opposing side (the house of Saul), had just visited King David and left peacefully. Let's break it down:
"When Joab and all the army who was with him had come..." This sets the scene. Joab, David's military commander, and his troops have returned from a campaign. This implies they were away and unaware of what had transpired in Hebron (where David was ruling).
"...they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king..." This is the report given to Joab. The soldiers are informing him that Abner, a significant political and military figure from the opposing side (he was previously the commander of Saul's army and later installed Ishbosheth as king), had visited King David.
"...and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”" This is the crucial part. The soldiers relay that David allowed Abner to leave peacefully. This is significant for several reasons:
Peaceful Departure: Abner wasn't arrested, imprisoned, or executed, which would have been common for an enemy commander.
Implication of Negotiation: Abner's visit and peaceful departure suggest that David was likely negotiating with Abner. This could imply David was seeking to unite the kingdom under his rule by gaining Abner's allegiance and the support of the tribes loyal to Saul's lineage.
Joab's Perspective: Knowing Joab's character (ruthless, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to David), this news sets the stage for his likely reaction. He wouldn't have been privy to David's motivations and likely viewed Abner as a threat to David and to his own position.
In summary, this verse is important because it highlights:
The unexpected visit of Abner to David.
David's willingness to engage with a former enemy.
The potential for a political shift as David sought to unite the kingdom.
The setup for Joab's disapproval and the subsequent tragic events that unfold, as Joab sees Abner's peaceful departure as a threat, rather than an opportunity for peace and unity. Joab ends up assassinating Abner shortly after, which leads to more complications for David.
This verse from 2 Samuel 3:23 is essentially summarizing the situation when Joab returns from a military expedition and learns that Abner, a prominent figure from the opposing side (the house of Saul), had just visited King David and left peacefully. Let's break it down:
"When Joab and all the army who was with him had come..." This sets the scene. Joab, David's military commander, and his troops have returned from a campaign. This implies they were away and unaware of what had transpired in Hebron (where David was ruling).
"...they told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king..." This is the report given to Joab. The soldiers are informing him that Abner, a significant political and military figure from the opposing side (he was previously the commander of Saul's army and later installed Ishbosheth as king), had visited King David.
"...and he has sent him away, and he has gone in peace.”" This is the crucial part. The soldiers relay that David allowed Abner to leave peacefully. This is significant for several reasons:
Peaceful Departure: Abner wasn't arrested, imprisoned, or executed, which would have been common for an enemy commander.
Implication of Negotiation: Abner's visit and peaceful departure suggest that David was likely negotiating with Abner. This could imply David was seeking to unite the kingdom under his rule by gaining Abner's allegiance and the support of the tribes loyal to Saul's lineage.
Joab's Perspective: Knowing Joab's character (ruthless, ambitious, and fiercely loyal to David), this news sets the stage for his likely reaction. He wouldn't have been privy to David's motivations and likely viewed Abner as a threat to David and to his own position.
In summary, this verse is important because it highlights:
The unexpected visit of Abner to David.
David's willingness to engage with a former enemy.
The potential for a political shift as David sought to unite the kingdom.
The setup for Joab's disapproval and the subsequent tragic events that unfold, as Joab sees Abner's peaceful departure as a threat, rather than an opportunity for peace and unity. Joab ends up assassinating Abner shortly after, which leads to more complications for David.