College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Samuel 3 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 3
David's family. As David reaches a turning point in his career, the reader of the Bible is introduced to his family. Several sons were born to him during the seven years when he ruled in Hebron. At the same time the reader is introduced to other wives whom David had married and who became the mothers of some of his children.
Abner rebels against lsh-bosheth. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of improper actions with Saul's concubine, Rizpah. Abner neither admitted the charge nor denied it. He did refuse to suffer the embarrassment of being accused and announced that he was transferring his allegiance from the son of his former king to David.
Abner contacts David. Abner was a faithful soldier, and he acted honorably in making his open contact with David. David showed himself to be a man of honor inasmuch as he sent word back to lsh-bosheth so that the king in Gilead would be informed of what was transpiring.
Joab murders Abner. Under the pretense of avenging his brother's death, Joab took Abner aside and killed him in cold blood. Joab was assisted by his other brother, Abishai.
David mourns for Abner. David made it plain that he did not have anything to do with the murder of the good soldier Abner. In fact he made personal lamentation of his death and ordered his people to mourn for this good man.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
Children are like arrows (Psalms 127:4). As David composed the psalm under the direction of the Holy Spirit, he said that children were like arrows and that the man was happy who had his quiver full of them. God certainly blessed David's home with a fine group of sons and daughters.
2.
A prince and a great man is fallen this day in Israel (2 Samuel 3:38). This is a classic text of lamentation over a great soldier of God that has fallen in the line of duty. It is applicable to Christian workers today as they lay down their armor.
CHAPTER 3 IN REVIEW
1.
Who was David's oldest son?
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2.
Which of David's wives was of royal blood?
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3.
How many sons were born to David in Hebron?
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4.
Who was Saul's concubine?
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5.
What epithet did Abner apply to himself?
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6.
Which of David's wives had been with Ish-bosheth?
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7.
To what other man had she been married?
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8.
Who killed Abner?
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9.
Where was Abner slain?
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10.
Whose blood were the men who killed Abner avenging?
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