2 Samuel 3:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 3:17 mean?

2 Samuel 3:17 describes how Abner, a powerful military leader, spoke with the elders of Israel and reminded them that they had previously wanted David to be their king. Abner is encouraging these leaders to support David’s rise to the throne, pointing out their earlier desire for his kingship.

In this verse, Abner is not speaking to David or his own troops, but to the elders (leaders) of the tribes of Israel. The situation is tense: Saul, the previous king, has died, and there is uncertainty about who should rule. Abner, who had supported Saul’s family, is now shifting his loyalty and trying to bring the rest of Israel to accept David as king, using their own past wishes as leverage.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 3:17

• "communication" (הָיָה, hayah; דָּבָר, davar): The phrase here combines the idea of "being" or "happening" (hayah) with "word" or "matter" (davar), suggesting that Abner initiated a significant conversation or negotiation, not just casual talk.
• "elders" (זָקֵן, zaqen): This word refers to respected leaders or heads of tribes, emphasizing that Abner is addressing the decision-makers of Israel, not the general population.
• "sought" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This verb means "to seek" or "to desire," showing that the elders had previously shown real interest or longing for David to be their king, not just a passing thought.

Why 2 Samuel 3:17 matters

• This verse clarifies that the desire for David as king was not a new idea, but something the leaders of Israel had already considered, which helps explain why Abner’s appeal would be persuasive.
• The verse highlights Abner’s political skill; he is using the elders’ own wishes to guide them toward supporting David, showing how alliances and leadership were negotiated in ancient Israel.
• Understanding this moment helps make sense of the larger story, where David’s rise to kingship is not just about military power, but also about winning the support of influential leaders across the nation.