2 samuel 3:37 - So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to kill Abner the son of Ner.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 3:37

What does "2 samuel 3:37" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 3:37 essentially means that everyone knew and recognized that King David was not responsible for the death of Abner, son of Ner. It highlights that the killing of Abner was not done on David's orders or with his approval.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning and significance:

"So all the people and all Israel understood that day...": This emphasizes the widespread public awareness. The feeling wasn't just confined to a small group but was a general consensus across the entire nation.
"...that it was not of the king...": This is the core point. It clarifies that David was not the instigator, orchestrator, or accomplice to the killing. The action was separate from him.
"...to kill Abner the son of Ner.": Specifically, it refers to Abner's murder, highlighting the particular event and the person involved.

Why is this important in the context of the story?

David's Innocence: David was in a precarious position. Abner, a powerful military leader, had been instrumental in bringing the northern tribes over to David's side, unifying the kingdom. If it appeared David had ordered Abner's death, it would have damaged his credibility, threatened his alliance with the northern tribes, and made him appear ruthless.
Political Savvy: David's public mourning and condemnation of Joab (who actually killed Abner) were strategic. He needed to publicly distance himself from the murder to maintain his image and consolidate his power without alienating powerful figures like Joab.
Maintaining Public Trust: By making it clear he wasn't involved, David maintained the trust and support of the people, essential for ruling a unified kingdom.

In essence, 2 Samuel 3:37 is a statement of public understanding and acceptance of David's innocence in Abner's death. It underscores David's political acumen in a delicate and potentially damaging situation.