John Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 3:7

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

And Saul had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah, etc.] By whom he had two sons, (<102108>2 Samuel 21:8). Josephus f53 calls her father’s name Sibathus: and [Ishbosheth] said to Abner; though the word “Ishbosheth” is not in the text, it is rightly supplied; for no other can be supposed to speak: wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine? and defiled her; though perhaps it was not so much the act of uncleanness that so much offended him, or the dishonour reflected on him and his family thereby, as it discovered an ambitious view in Abner to get the kingdom into his own hands, to which this was the leading step; (see <110222>1 Kings 2:22). Whether Abner was really guilty of this sin or no is not easy to determine; though, by his not absolutely denying it, it looks as if it was not merely a jealousy of Ishbosheth, or a false report made unto him; though, especially if he was not fully satisfied of it, it would have been his wisdom to have said nothing of it to him, since his continuance on the throne so much depended on him.

Read 2 Samuel 3:7 →Read the full chapter →Barnes' Notes →Tyndale Open Study Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →

How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.