And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.

2 SAMUEL 3:36KJV
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2 Samuel 3:36 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 3:36 mean?

2 Samuel 3:36 describes how all the people noticed King David’s actions and were pleased with them; whatever the king did was pleasing in their eyes. The verse highlights the public approval and support David received at this moment.

The setting is after the death of Abner, a key military leader. David is careful to show he had no part in Abner’s murder, and the people observe his conduct closely. Their positive reaction shows David’s reputation and leadership were strengthened in the eyes of the nation during a sensitive time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 3:36

  • "people" (עָם, ʿam): This word refers to the general population or nation, emphasizing that it was not just a few but the whole community who noticed and approved.
  • "notice" (נָכַר, nākar): This verb means to pay close attention or recognize, suggesting the people were watching David’s actions carefully, not just passively observing.
  • "pleased" (יָשַׁר, yāshar and עַיִן, ʿayin): "yāshar" means to be right or pleasing, while "ʿayin" literally means "eye," but here it refers to what seemed good or right in their view. The verse uses these words to stress that David’s actions met with approval not just outwardly, but in the judgment of the people.

Why 2 Samuel 3:36 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s response to Abner’s death was not just politically wise, but also genuinely recognized and appreciated by the people, helping to unify support for his kingship.
  • The emphasis on the people’s approval shows how important public perception was in David’s rise to power, especially during a time of national transition and unrest.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that David’s careful actions and public mourning for Abner were effective in distancing himself from the murder and building trust with the nation.

Where else these words appear

“notice” Hebrew H5234 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 27:23 And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.
  • Ruth 2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.
  • Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

“pleased” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 30:5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
  • Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.