What does 2 Samuel 3:7 mean?
"And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?" - 2 Samuel 3:7
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 3:7 in the King James Version reads: "And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?"
This verse comes from the book of 2 Samuel, which tells the story of King David's reign over Israel. In this particular verse, we delve into the complex political and social dynamics of the time.
The verse begins by mentioning Saul, the previous king of Israel, who had a concubine named Rizpah. In ancient times, concubines were women who had an officially recognized relationship with a man, but did not have the same status as a wife. They were often secondary wives or mistresses. Rizpah's connection to Saul suggests that she was a significant figure in the court, perhaps as a symbol of Saul's power and influence.
The verse then introduces Ishbosheth, Saul's son, who questions Abner, one of his father's military commanders, about his relationship with Rizpah. Ishbosheth's inquiry indicates a power struggle within the royal court, as he seeks to maintain control and authority over his father's concubine.
This verse is rich with themes of power, loyalty, and relationships. The power dynamics within the royal court are complicated, with multiple factions vying for control and influence. Ishbosheth's questioning of Abner reveals his concern for maintaining his father's legacy and authority, especially in regards to his father's concubine.
Furthermore, the verse raises questions about loyalty and betrayal. Abner's relationship with Rizpah could be seen as a potential betrayal of Ishbosheth's trust, as he was Saul's loyal servant. This highlights the treacherous nature of palace politics, where allegiances can shift and relationships can be manipulated for personal gain.
Symbolism also plays a significant role in this verse. Rizpah, as a concubine, represents the complexities of relationships and power dynamics within the royal court. Her status as Saul's concubine symbolizes his authority and influence, while her interaction with Abner reflects the shifting allegiances and loyalties among the king's advisors.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. The book of 2 Samuel depicts the tumultuous transition of power from Saul to David, as David ultimately rises to become the king of Israel. In this context, the verse serves as a glimpse into the inner workings of the royal court during this period of political upheaval and intrigue.
Overall, 2 Samuel 3:7 offers a window into the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and relationships within the royal court of ancient Israel. It raises questions about the nature of authority and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their position in the hierarchy. Through its rich themes and symbolism, this verse provides valuable insight into the political and social complexities of the time.
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2 Samuel 3:7 - "And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?"
"And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?" - 2 Samuel 3:7
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."
1 Samuel 3:7 - "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."
"And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee." - 2 Samuel 7:3
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2 Samuel 7:1–29
2 Samuel 5:7 - "Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David."
2 Samuel 3:2 - "¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;"
2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"
2 Samuel 7:4 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,"
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;"
"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him." - 1 Samuel 3:7
2 Samuel 3:11 - "And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him."
2 Samuel 10:7 - "And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men."
1 Samuel 2:7 - "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
2 Samuel 8:7 - "And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
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 7:2 - "That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains."
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 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."
2 Samuel 7:13 - "He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."
2 Thessalonians 3:6-7
![I Samuel 7:3 NKJV
[3] Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”](https://media.bible.art/a819cdf3-1a60-45ba-9530-7fc29d05ccec-thumbnail.jpg)
I Samuel 7:3 NKJV [3] Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”
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."
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
2 Samuel 3:15 - "And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish."