The long war between Saul's house and David's continues, with David growing stronger; six sons are born to him in Hebron, including Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah. When Ish-bosheth accuses Abner of taking Saul's concubine Rizpah, the insulted Abner negotiates to bring all Israel to David. David demands Michal's return before any agreement; Ish-bosheth takes her from her weeping husband Paltiel. Abner speaks to Benjamin and Israel, then comes to Hebron where David feasts him; but Joab, returning from a raid, privately murders Abner at Hebron's gate to avenge Asahel. David publicly curses Joab's house, leads Abner's mourning, and all Israel recognizes the king had no part in Abner's death.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 3 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
David
King of Israel whose reign is chronicled with both triumphs and failures
Bathsheba
Woman with whom David committed adultery, later mother of Solomon
Nathan
Prophet who confronted David about his sin and delivered God's covenant
Absalom
David's son who rebelled and tried to take the throne
Joab
David's military commander, loyal but sometimes ruthless
Saul
First King of Israel
Daniel
Prophet in Babylon
Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
Benjamin
Youngest Son of Jacob
Places in This Chapter
Beersheba
View on MapBeersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.
Position in Book
David's Rise to PowerChapters 1-5
David mourns Saul and Jonathan, reigns in Hebron, becomes king over all Israel, captures Jerusalem.
David's TriumphsChapters 6-10
David's Sin and ConsequencesChapters 11-20
EpilogueChapters 21-24