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2 Samuel 3:21

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 3:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
2 Samuel 3:21 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18now then do it; for Jehovah hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
19And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and to the whole house of Benjamin.
20So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
21And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
22And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
23When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
24Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Abner said to David, I will arise and go, etc.] Into the several parts of the land of Israel: and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king; the princes of the several tribes, and the elders of the people, their heads and principal men: that they may make a league with thee; come into the league and covenant now made with Abner, and those with him: and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth: which he supposed reached to all the people of the house of Israel and of Judah, though David had not expressed any eager and impatient desire of government, but waited the Lord’s time to be put into the possession of the whole kingdom of Israel: and David sent Abner away, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Abner repeats the offer 2 Samuel 3:12; and the condition of Michal’s return 2 Samuel 3:13 being now fulfilled, David accepts it, and the league between them was solemnly ratified at David’s board, amidst the rites of hospitality. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:21 The narrator emphasized that David sent Abner safely on his way as a friend and an ally (restated in 3:22-23). David was at peace with Abner and was not involved in the renowned military leader’s murder (cp. 3:28-29). • Despite the murder of Abner (3:27), the northern tribes eventually did make a covenant with David to make him their king, just as Abner had promised (5:1-3).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“will gather: Sa2 3:10, Sa2 3:12, Sa2 2:9; Phi 2:21 reign over: Kg1 11:37; Psa 20:4 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:24”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification