2 Samuel 3:6-21
Expanded Bible
Abner Joins David
6 During the war between the ·supporters of Saul’s family [L house of Saul] and the ·supporters of David’s family [L house of David], Abner made himself ·a main leader [strong] ·among the supporters [L in the house] of Saul.
7 Saul once had a ·slave woman [concubine; C a secondary wife of lower status than a primary wife, but higher than a common servant] named Rizpah, who was the daughter of Aiah. Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, “Why ·did you have sexual relations with [L have you gone in to] my father’s ·slave woman [concubine]?”
8 Abner was ·very angry [furious; in a rage] because of what Ish-Bosheth said, and he replied, “I have ·been loyal [shown kindness/faithful love] to [L the house of your father] Saul and his ·family [L brothers] and friends! I didn’t hand you over to David. ·I am not a traitor working for Judah! [L Am I a Judean dog/dog’s head for Judah?] But now you are ·saying I did something wrong with [finding fault with me/charging me with wrong regarding] this woman! 9 May God ·help [deal severely with] me if I don’t ·join David! I will make sure that what the Lord promised does happen [L …accomplish for David everything the Lord has promised him]! 10 I will ·take [transfer] the kingdom from the ·family [L the house] of Saul and ·make David king of [L establish the throne of David over] Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba [C in the far north and south of Israel]!” 11 Ish-Bosheth ·couldn’t [dared not] say anything to Abner, because he was afraid of him.
12 Then Abner sent messengers to ask David [L on his own behalf; or at his place], “·Who is going to rule the land [L Whose land is it]? Make an ·agreement [treaty; covenant] with me, and ·I will help you unite [L my hand will be with you to bring over to you] all Israel.”
13 David answered, “Good! I will make an ·agreement [treaty; covenant] with you, but I ·ask [demand/require of] you one thing. I will not ·meet with you [L allow you to see my face/in my presence] unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal to me [L when you come; C to strengthen his claim to the throne; 1 Sam. 18:26–29].” 14 Then David sent messengers to Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth, saying, “Give me my wife Michal. She was ·promised [engaged; betrothed] to me, ·and I killed a hundred Philistines to get her [L for one hundred Philistine foreskins].”
15 So Ish-Bosheth sent men to take Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. 16 Michal’s husband went with her, crying as he followed her ·to [as far as] Bahurim. But Abner said to Paltiel, “Go back home.” So he went home.
17 Abner ·sent this message to [consulted/conferred with] the elders of Israel: “[L For some time now] You have been wanting to make David your king. 18 Now do it! The Lord said of David, ‘·Through [L By the hand of] my servant David, I will ·save [rescue; T deliver] my people Israel from the [L hand of the] Philistines and all their enemies.’”
19 Abner also said these things to the people of Benjamin. He then went to Hebron to tell David what the Benjaminites and Israel ·wanted [agreed] to do. 20 Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron. There David prepared a ·feast [banquet] for them. 21 Abner said to David, “·I will [Let me] go and ·bring all the Israelites [L gather all Israel] to my ·master [lord] and king. Then they will make an ·agreement [treaty; covenant] with you so you will rule over all ·Israel as you wanted [L that your soul desires].” So David let Abner go, and he left in peace.
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