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2 Samuel 3:9

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 3:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Jehovah hath sworn to David, I do not even so to him;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Jehovah hath sworn to David, I do not even so to him;
2 Samuel 3:9 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong in the house of Saul.
7Now Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and [Ish-bosheth] said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father`s concubine?
8Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am I a dog`s head that belongeth to Judah? This day do I show kindness unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David; and yet thou chargest me this day with a fault concerning this woman.
9God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Jehovah hath sworn to David, I do not even so to him;
10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.
11And he could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.
12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying [also], Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
← 2 Samuel 3:82 Samuel 3:10 →
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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
“So do God to Abner, and more also, etc.] He wishes the worst of evils to himself, such as he cared not to name; but left them to be supposed what he meant as utter ruin and destruction of himself, soul and body: except as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; meaning if he did not do that David, which God had sworn should be done, namely, what follows, the translation of the kingdom to him; by which it appears that Abner knew of the promise and oath of God respecting this matter; and therefore acted against his conscience, in setting up Ishbosheth on the throne; which he knew would not prosper, and that he was fighting against God; which shows what a hardened wicked creature he…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:9 help David get what the Lord has promised him! Abner was aware that God had chosen David to be king over all Israel (see also 3:18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“So do God: Sa2 3:35, Sa2 19:13; Rut 1:17; Sa1 3:17, Sa1 14:44, Sa1 25:22; Kg1 19:2 as the Lord: Sa1 15:28, Sa1 16:1-13, Sa1 28:17; Ch1 12:23; Psa 89:3, Psa 89:4, Psa 89:19, Psa 89:20, Psa 89:35-37 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 3:10”
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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