Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 3

Verse 1

Saul. Note the Figure of speech Antimetabole ( App-6 ) in this verse, and the Introversion of the subjects of this chapter.

Verse 3

wife of Nabal . Figures of speech Epitheton and Ampliatio ( App-6 ), by which Abigail is still so called by way of explanation. See note on 1 Samuel 30:5 .

Absalom . Born in the Jubilee year, 958-957. Hence his name.

Verse 5

David's wife . Probably added, parenthetically, to indicate his first wife

Verse 7

Ish-bosheth . Ellipsis. But some codices, with three early printed editions, read "the name".

Verse 8

fault. Hebrew. avon, iniquity. See App-44 .

Verse 9

God . Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

as = according as.

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Verse 12

league = covenant.

behold . Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6 .

hand . Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 . Hand put for help given by it.

Verse 13

Well = Good!

Verse 15

her . Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "her" in the text.

Phaltiel. Same as Phalti (1 Samuel 25:44 ).

Verse 16

along weeping = weeping as he went.

Verse 18

do it = act.

Verse 20

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

Verse 21

thine heart = thy soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

sent Abner away = let Abner go.

Verse 22

pursuing a troop = making a raid.

Verse 24

What . . . ? . . . why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 26

blood . Hebrew = bloods. Figure of speech Heterosis (of Number) = much or noble blood. ( App-6 ).

Verse 28

rest = recoil.

or . See note on Judges 11:31 .

falleth on the sword . Figure of speech Periphrasis ( App-6 ) for death by executioner; or, in war: commonly used where guilt of some kind is involved.

Verse 30

Gibeon . Compare 2 Samuel 2:13 .

Verse 31

bier . Hebrew. mittah, a bed; See 2 Samuel 4:7 , and compare Exodus 8:3 . The poor man's couch by day was his bed by night, and sometimes his bier.

Verse 33

Died . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

a fool dieth: i.e. running into needless danger.

Verse 34

not bound : i.e. as a malefactor. Compare 1 Samuel 25:25 , 1 Samuel 25:26 .

fetters. Hebrew = brass, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for fetters made of it. App-6 .

wicked men = "sons of ` avlah". App-44 .

Verse 35

meat . Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Species) for food in general.

Verse 36

pleased them = was good in their eyes.

Verse 38

Know ye . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 39

shall reward . Compare 1Ki 2:5 , 1 Kings 2:6 .

evil . Hebrew. ra ` a `. App-44 .

wickedness . Hebrew. ra ' a `. App-44 .