3:1 David was growing stronger and stronger The writer implies that Yahweh is with David and against Saul’s house.

3:2 And sons were born to David in Hebron For the parallel account, see 1 Chr 3:1–4.

3:6 Abner was strengthening himself Indicates that Abner, Saul’s cousin (see 2 Sam 2:8 and note) is growing in political authority and military power.

3:7 a concubine This refers to a secondary wife who had a lower status than a regular wife. The patriarchs Abraham (Gen 25:6) and Jacob (Gen 30:1–13) had concubines, and the practice continued into Israel’s early monarchy (e.g., 2 Sam 5:13; 1 Kgs 11:3).

Ish-bosheth Saul’s son who succeeded Saul as king of Israel. See 2 Sam 2:8 and note.

did you have sex with The Hebrew word used here is a common verb for coming in or going in, which can be a euphemism for sex. Sleeping with the wife or concubine of a past king was a public signal of an attempt to usurp the throne (e.g., 16:21–22). Ish-bosheth is accusing Abner of an attempted coup.

3:8 Abner became very angry The narrative never reveals whether Ish-bosheth’s accusation is true. However, Abner is so offended that he immediately switches loyalties; the man whom he helped to inherit Saul’s throne (2:8–9) now accuses him of subversion.

the head of a dog First and Second Samuel contain frequent comparisons to dogs that are meant to be degrading (e.g., 1 Sam 17:43; 24:14; 2 Sam 9:8; 16:9).

3:9 Thus may God punish Abner Compare 1 Sam 3:17 and note.

if I do not accomplish what Yahweh has sworn to David Offended, Abner pronounces his allegiance to David.

3:10 transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul Military commanders held great power, as they held the army’s loyalty.

from Dan to Beersheba See 1 Sam 3:20 and note.

3:11 he feared him Reminiscent of his father, Saul (see 1 Sam 10:22 and note).

3:13 Michal the daughter of Saul Refers to David’s first wife, who loved David and had previously saved his life (1 Sam 18:20; 19:12–17). Saul had ultimately given Michal to another man (1 Sam 25:44).

3:14 Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul It is unclear why Ish-bosheth is involved in this process, especially since Abner is working for David. It is possible that only a king could make such a demand, or perhaps he was involved through his status as Michal’s brother.

a hundred foreskins of Since David and Michal had not been divorced and the bride price (or its equivalent) had not been returned to him, they were still married (see 1 Sam 18:25).

3:17 seeking David The ease with which the rest of the kingdom is transferred to David suggests that some leaders likely preferred David as king. This could indicate discontentment with Ish-bosheth’s rule.

3:19 privately to Benjamin Refers to the Benjaminites, the tribe of Saul and his descendants.

3:21 he left in peace Though Abner had killed David’s nephew, Asahel (see 2 Sam 2:18 and note; 2:23), David and Abner are now on friendly terms.

3:22 Joab David’s nephew and the brother of Asahel, whom Abner had killed. See 2:18–23; note on 2:18.

3:25 came to deceive you Joab suspects the worst of his rival general, but Abner’s intentions are pure. Joab is likely trying to turn David against Abner.

3:27 he struck him Joab kills Abner in the same way that Abner killed his brother, Asahel—by stabbing him in the stomach (see 2:23 and note).

3:28 I and my kingdom are innocent before Yahweh forever Indicates that David had no knowledge of the plan to kill Abner and hadn’t sanctioned the murder.

3:29 May the blood come down on the head of Joab David pronounces a rather broad curse on Joab. However, he leaves it to his son, Solomon, to kill him (see 1 Kgs 2:5–6, 28–35). David may restrain himself because Joab’s mother is his sister, or because as commander of the army Joab is simply too useful to kill.

a bodily discharge or one with leprosy Refers to those who are ceremonially unclean. The constituent parts of the curse have a similar function to the curses that befall the enemies of Yahweh in Deut 28:15–68.

distaff This Hebrew word could refer to a crutch or staff, in which case this curse would refer to physical disability. However it could also refer to a distaff or spindle. If that is the case, this is a reference to the work of spinning, which in the ancient Near East was associated with women (compare Prov 31:19). The curse then would reference the men of Joab’s household becoming like women.

falls by the sword Describes the way in which Joab killed Abner.

lacking food Refers to starvation.

3:30 Abishai, his brother Although 2 Sam 3:26–27 doesn’t explicitly mention Abishai, he apparently conspired with Joab and was likely present at the city gate with him (see v. 27).

3:31 Tear your clothing and put on sackcloth Traditional signs of mourning (compare 1:2, 11).

mourn before Abner David scorns Joab, commanding him and his coconspirators to mourn Abner. This is the second of three instances where David mourns publicly (1:11–27; 19:1–8).

David Mourning in the Samuel Narratives

3:35 May God punish me See note on 1 Sam 3:17.

I taste food Fasting was a sign of mourning (compare 2 Sam 1:12 and note).

3:37 the king had not desired Describes the primary motivation behind David’s actions. A better course of action, according to the Law, would have been to exact justice for the murder (Num 35:16–21)—an action David leaves to his heir (see 2 Sam 3:29 and note).

3:39 are crueler than I David compares his restraint to the unbridled vengeance of the brothers.