What does 2 Samuel 3:17 mean?
"¶ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:" - 2 Samuel 3:17
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 3:17 states (KJV): "And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you." This passage is part of the larger narrative in the book of 2 Samuel, which tells the story of David's rise to power as the king of Israel. The verse focuses on the character of Abner, who was a prominent military leader and close advisor to Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul.
To understand the deeper meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it is situated. The verse is part of a larger narrative that explores the political and social dynamics of ancient Israel. At this point in the story, King Saul, the first king of Israel, has died in battle, and his son Ish-bosheth has been proclaimed king over the northern tribes of Israel. Meanwhile, David, who has already been anointed as the future king by the prophet Samuel, is gaining strength and support in the southern region of Judah.
In this verse, Abner, who was a key figure in Ish-bosheth's administration, is shown to have been in communication with the elders of Israel. The phrase "Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you" suggests that there was a previous desire or longing among the Israelites for David to be their king. This reflects the shifting loyalties and political maneuvering that characterized the period following Saul's death.
One of the prominent themes in this verse is the idea of kingship and the will of the people. The verse highlights the desire of the elders of Israel for David to be their king, indicating that they saw in him the qualities of leadership and kingship that they valued. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, as the Israelites grapple with the concept of kingship and the qualities that make a good ruler.
Another important theme that can be derived from this verse is the idea of divine providence and the fulfillment of prophecy. Despite the political intrigue and human desires for power, the ultimate establishment of David as the king of Israel is presented as part of God's plan. This theme underscores the larger theological framework of the biblical narrative, in which human actions are ultimately subject to the will and providence of God.
Symbolism in this verse can be found in the character of Abner. As a powerful and influential figure, Abner represents the complexities of human ambition and the pursuit of power. His communication with the elders of Israel reflects the political maneuvering and alliances that characterized the period, and his actions have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape of Israel.
In conclusion, the verse 2 Samuel 3:17 is a significant passage within the larger narrative of David's rise to power as the king of Israel. It highlights important themes such as kingship, divine providence, and human ambition, and provides valuable insight into the political and social dynamics of ancient Israel. Through its depiction of Abner's communication with the elders of Israel, the verse sheds light on the complexities of power and the ways in which human actions intersect with the will of God. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of the biblical narrative and its insights into the complexities of human nature and the providence of God.
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2 Samuel 3:17 - "¶ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:"
"¶ And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:" - 2 Samuel 3:17
2 Samuel 17:3 - "And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace."
1 samuel 17:3
2 Samuel 1. 17-27
2 Samuel 22:17-20
2 Samuel 17:26 - "So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead."
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
2 Samuel 2:17 - "And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David."
1 Samuel 17:3 - "And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them."
2 Samuel 1:17 - "¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:"
2 Samuel 17:17 - "Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David."
2 Samuel 8:17 - "And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;"
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 3:2 - "¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;"
2 Samuel 17:24 - "Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."
1 Samuel 2:17 - "Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."
2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"
2 Samuel 22:17 - "He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;"
1 Samuel 17:2 - "And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines."
2 Samuel 17:19 - "And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known."
2 Samuel 3:4 - "And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;"
2 Samuel 3:3 - "And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;"
2 Samuel 3:11 - "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him."
2 Samuel 17:28 - "Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,"
2 Samuel 17:5 - "Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith."
2 Corinthians 3:17 - "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."