Abner sought to protect his position in waning times of Saul’s dynasty and thus stirred a complex power struggle.
“It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.” (v.6) This verse describes a pivotal moment following the death of King Saul (which occurred around 1010 BC), in which Saul’s military commander, Abner, rose in influence. Abner, who had served Saul faithfully, sought to secure his position in the diminishing power structure associated with Saul’s lineage. The text notes that there was active conflict during this period, with one faction loyal to Saul’s house, represented by Abner and Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, and another recognizing David as the rightful king. This clash highlights the prolonged tension of transitioning from Saul’s reign to David’s God-appointed rule (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Moreover, Abner’s ambition to “make himself strong” demonstrates his effort to hold together the remnants of Saul’s realm in the midst of this ongoing war.
By stating that “Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul,” (v.6) the verse underscores Abner’s consolidation of power. Abner, who likely assumed command after Saul’s death, was maneuvering to maintain his clout in the face of David’s growing popularity among the people of Israel (1 Samuel 18:7). During this period, the kingdom was not yet fully united under David, and regions like Hebron in the tribal territory of Judah supported David, whereas other northern territories still looked to Ish-bosheth and Abner for leadership. Geographically, this deepened the divide in Israel, with an uneasy boundary separating David’s sphere of influence in the south from Saul’s supporters in the north.
From a broader biblical narrative perspective, the verse signals God’s unfolding plan to exalt David as king over a consolidated Israel, foreshadowing the promise of the everlasting kingdom that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). Abner’s self-assertion—while temporarily shifting the balance of power—would ultimately be overshadowed by David’s divine calling to govern all the tribes of Israel. Abner’s attempts to dominate the political landscape serve as a reminder that human efforts, when set against God’s sovereign plan, cannot prevail indefinitely.
Set to dark mode
2 Samuel 3:6 meaning
“It came about while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David that Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.” (v.6) This verse describes a pivotal moment following the death of King Saul (which occurred around 1010 BC), in which Saul’s military commander, Abner, rose in influence. Abner, who had served Saul faithfully, sought to secure his position in the diminishing power structure associated with Saul’s lineage. The text notes that there was active conflict during this period, with one faction loyal to Saul’s house, represented by Abner and Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, and another recognizing David as the rightful king. This clash highlights the prolonged tension of transitioning from Saul’s reign to David’s God-appointed rule (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Moreover, Abner’s ambition to “make himself strong” demonstrates his effort to hold together the remnants of Saul’s realm in the midst of this ongoing war.
By stating that “Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul,” (v.6) the verse underscores Abner’s consolidation of power. Abner, who likely assumed command after Saul’s death, was maneuvering to maintain his clout in the face of David’s growing popularity among the people of Israel (1 Samuel 18:7). During this period, the kingdom was not yet fully united under David, and regions like Hebron in the tribal territory of Judah supported David, whereas other northern territories still looked to Ish-bosheth and Abner for leadership. Geographically, this deepened the divide in Israel, with an uneasy boundary separating David’s sphere of influence in the south from Saul’s supporters in the north.
From a broader biblical narrative perspective, the verse signals God’s unfolding plan to exalt David as king over a consolidated Israel, foreshadowing the promise of the everlasting kingdom that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17). Abner’s self-assertion—while temporarily shifting the balance of power—would ultimately be overshadowed by David’s divine calling to govern all the tribes of Israel. Abner’s attempts to dominate the political landscape serve as a reminder that human efforts, when set against God’s sovereign plan, cannot prevail indefinitely.