What does 2 Samuel 3:28 mean?
"¶ And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:" - 2 Samuel 3:28
2 Samuel 3:28 (KJV) "And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord forever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner."
This verse from the book of 2 Samuel takes place after the death of Abner, who was the captain of the army under King Saul and continued in that role for Ishbosheth, Saul's son, after Saul’s death. Abner had been a significant figure in the political and military landscape of Israel, and his death had far-reaching implications.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. Abner was killed by Joab, the commander of David’s army. His death was in retaliation for the killing of Joab’s brother Asahel by Abner. This act of revenge created tension and hostility between David and Joab, as David had not sanctioned Abner's murder. David, on hearing the news of Abner's death, clearly denies any involvement or responsibility for the deed, thereby seeking to distance himself from the act and its consequences.
David’s statement, “I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord forever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner,” carries several layers of meaning. It demonstrates David's commitment to righteousness and justice, and his unwillingness to condone or overlook acts of violence or bloodshed, even when committed against his enemies. In proclaiming his own innocence and that of his kingdom, David is seeking to assert his moral authority and distance himself from the actions of Joab, who killed Abner without David's approval.
The themes of justice, guilt, and innocence are prominent in this verse. David is clearly concerned with upholding justice and maintaining his moral integrity before the Lord. His declaration of innocence is a reflection of his desire to lead his kingdom with righteousness and honor. Additionally, the verse underscores the tension and conflict within David's kingdom, as Joab’s actions have created a rift between him and the king.
The symbolism in this verse is significant as well. Abner represents a powerful and influential figure, and his death has profound implications for the political landscape of Israel. His demise marks a turning point in the power dynamics within the kingdom, and the ramifications of his death will be felt for some time. Furthermore, David’s declaration of innocence can be seen as symbolic of his own internal struggle to maintain his moral compass and uphold justice in the midst of political turmoil and personal vendettas.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 3:28 is a verse that carries deep moral and political implications. It reveals David’s commitment to righteousness and justice, even in the midst of conflict and personal vendettas. The verse also sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and influence within David's kingdom. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining moral integrity and upholding justice, even in the face of personal and political challenges.
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2 Samuel 3:28 - "¶ And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:"
"¶ And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:" - 2 Samuel 3:28
2 Samuel 23:28 - "Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,"
2 Chronicles 28:3
1 Samuel 28:3 - "¶ Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land."
2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."
2 Samuel 2:28 - "So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more."
"Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite," - 2 Samuel 23:28
2 Samuel 15:28 - "See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me."
2 Samuel 22:28 - "And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down."
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 3:2 - "¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;"
2 Samuel 7:28 - "And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:"
2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"
2 Samuel 12:28 - "Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it: lest I take the city, and it be called after my name."
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 3:33 - "And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?"
2 Samuel 3:5 - "And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron."
2 Samuel 2:3 - "And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron."
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."
Matthew 28:2-3 – "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it."
1 Samuel 28:15
2 Samuel 3:37 - "For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner."
1 Samuel 28:7
2 Samuel 3:15 - "And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish."
1 Samuel 28:2 - "And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever."
2 Samuel 14:3 - "And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth."
2 Samuel 3:36 - "And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people."