2 Samuel - Caput 3

2 Samuel 3.1 facta est ergo longa concertatio inter domum Saul et inter domum David David proficiens et semper se ipso robustior domus autem Saul decrescens cotidie 2 Samuel 3.2 nati quoque sunt filii David in Hebron fuitque primogenitus eius Amnon de Ahinoem Iezrahelitide 2 Samuel 3.3 et post eum Chelaab de Abigail uxore Nabal Carmeli porro tertius Absalom filius Maacha filiae Tholomai regis Gessur 2 Samuel 3.4 quartus autem Adonias filius Aggith et quintus Safathia filius Abital 2 Samuel 3.5 sextus quoque Iethraam de Agla uxore David hii nati sunt David in Hebron 2 Samuel 3.6 cum ergo esset proelium inter domum Saul et domum David Abner filius Ner regebat domum Saul 2 Samuel 3.7 fuerat autem Sauli concubina nomine Respha filia Ahia dixitque Hisboseth ad Abner 2 Samuel 3.8 quare ingressus es ad concubinam patris mei qui iratus nimis propter verba Hisboseth ait numquid caput canis ego sum adversum Iuda hodie qui fecerim misericordiam super domum Saul patris tui et super fratres et proximos eius et non tradidi te in manu David et tu requisisti in me quod argueres pro muliere hodie 2 Samuel 3.9 haec faciat Deus Abner et haec addat ei nisi quomodo iuravit Dominus David sic faciam cum eo 2 Samuel 3.10 ut transferatur regnum de domo Saul et elevetur thronus David super Israhel et super Iudam a Dan usque Bersabee 2 Samuel 3.11 et non potuit respondere ei quicquam quia metuebat illum 2 Samuel 3.12 misit ergo Abner nuntios ad David pro se dicentes cuius est terra et loquerentur fac mecum amicitias et erit manus mea tecum et reducam ad te universum Israhel 2 Samuel 3.13 qui ait optime ego faciam tecum amicitias sed unam rem peto a te dicens non videbis faciem meam antequam adduxeris Michol filiam Saul et sic venies et videbis me 2 Samuel 3.14 misit autem David nuntios ad Hisboseth filium Saul dicens redde uxorem meam Michol quam despondi mihi centum praeputiis Philisthim 2 Samuel 3.15 misit ergo Hisboseth et tulit eam a viro suo Faltihel filio Lais 2 Samuel 3.16 sequebaturque eam vir suus plorans usque Baurim et dixit ad eum Abner vade revertere qui reversus est 2 Samuel 3.17 sermonem quoque intulit Abner ad seniores Israhel dicens tam heri quam nudius tertius quaerebatis David ut regnaret super vos 2 Samuel 3.18 nunc ergo facite quoniam Dominus locutus est ad David dicens in manu servi mei David salvabo populum meum Israhel de manu Philisthim et omnium inimicorum eius 2 Samuel 3.19 locutus est autem Abner etiam ad Beniamin et abiit ut loqueretur ad David in Hebron omnia quae placuerant Israhel et universo Beniamin 2 Samuel 3.20 venitque ad David in Hebron cum viginti viris et fecit David Abner et viris eius qui venerant cum eo convivium 2 Samuel 3.21 et dixit Abner ad David surgam ut congregem ad te dominum meum regem omnem Israhel et ineam tecum foedus et imperes omnibus sicut desiderat anima tua cum ergo deduxisset David Abner et ille isset in pace 2 Samuel 3.22 statim pueri David et Ioab venerunt caesis latronibus cum praeda magna nimis Abner autem non erat cum David in Hebron quia iam dimiserat eum et profectus fuerat in pace 2 Samuel 3.23 et Ioab et omnis exercitus qui erat cum eo postea venerant nuntiatum est itaque Ioab a narrantibus venit Abner filius Ner ad regem et dimisit eum et abiit in pace 2 Samuel 3.24 et ingressus est Ioab ad regem et ait quid fecisti ecce venit Abner ad te quare dimisisti eum et abiit et recessit 2 Samuel 3.25 ignoras Abner filium Ner quoniam ad hoc venit ut deciperet te et sciret exitum tuum et introitum tuum et nosset omnia quae agis 2 Samuel 3.26 egressus itaque Ioab a David misit nuntios post Abner et reduxit eum a cisterna Sira ignorante David 2 Samuel 3.27 cumque redisset Abner in Hebron seorsum abduxit eum Ioab ad medium portae ut loqueretur ei in dolo et percussit illum ibi in inguine et mortuus est in ultionem sanguinis Asahel fratris eius 2 Samuel 3.28 quod cum audisset David rem iam gestam ait mundus ego sum et regnum meum apud Dominum usque in sempiternum a sanguine Abner filii Ner 2 Samuel 3.29 et veniat super caput Ioab et super omnem domum patris eius nec deficiat de domo Ioab fluxum seminis sustinens et leprosus tenens fusum et cadens gladio et indigens pane 2 Samuel 3.30 igitur Ioab et Abisai frater eius interfecerunt Abner eo quod occidisset Asahel fratrem eorum in Gabaon in proelio 2 Samuel 3.31 dixit autem David ad Ioab et ad omnem populum qui erat cum eo scindite vestimenta vestra et accingimini saccis et plangite ante exequias Abner porro rex David sequebatur feretrum 2 Samuel 3.32 cumque sepelissent Abner in Hebron levavit rex vocem suam et flevit super tumulum Abner flevit autem et omnis populus 2 Samuel 3.33 plangensque rex Abner ait nequaquam ut mori solent ignavi mortuus est Abner 2 Samuel 3.34 manus tuae non sunt ligatae et pedes tui non sunt conpedibus adgravati sed sicut solent cadere coram filiis iniquitatis corruisti congeminansque omnis populus flevit super eum 2 Samuel 3.35 cumque venisset universa multitudo cibum capere cum David clara adhuc die iuravit David dicens haec faciat mihi Deus et haec addat si ante occasum solis gustavero panem vel aliud quicquam 2 Samuel 3.36 omnisque populus audivit et placuerunt eis cuncta quae fecit rex in conspectu totius populi 2 Samuel 3.37 et cognovit omne vulgus et universus Israhel in die illa quoniam non actum fuisset a rege ut occideretur Abner filius Ner 2 Samuel 3.38 dixit quoque rex ad servos suos num ignoratis quoniam princeps et maximus cecidit hodie in Israhel 2 Samuel 3.39 ego autem adhuc delicatus et unctus rex porro viri isti filii Sarviae duri mihi sunt retribuat Dominus facienti malum iuxta malitiam suam

2 Samuel : Caput 3

The Political Complexities of a Divided Kingdom

Chapter 3 of the book of 2 Samuel illustrates the political challenges of a kingdom in the grip of division. This text invites us to reflect on the impact of personal alliances on the destiny of a nation. Through the pivotal events of this chapter, we discover David's strengthening, Abner's defection from his side, and Abner's tragic murder by Joab. The themes of betrayal, revenge, and the difficulties of unifying a fractured kingdom are clearly evident.

David's Reaction and His Political Wisdom

David's reaction to Abner's murder demonstrates his political wisdom and integrity. He does not allow himself to be carried away by anger or the desire for revenge, but adopts a thoughtful and measured attitude. This noble response underscores the importance of justice and unity in a context of division.

Exploring the Themes of Justice and Unity

We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of justice and national unity present in this complex chapter.

Proverbs 25:8

"Do not rush to court, for what will you do if your neighbor humiliates you?" This proverb applies to the situation of Abner in 2 Samuel 3, who changes sides after being humiliated by Ish-bosheth.

Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." This verse contrasts with Joab's actions, who kills Abner, thus undermining peace efforts.

Romans 12:19

"Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but commit your anger to God, for it is written: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This verse highlights the difference between Joab's vengeance and David's peaceful stance.

Proverbs 20:22

"Do not say, 'I will avenge the evil they have done me!' Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." This proverb reflects the attitude of David, who chose not to seek revenge against the house of Saul, but to trust in God to establish his kingdom.

1 Peter 3:9

"Do not repay evil for evil, or insult for insult; but bless, for to this you were called, to receive a blessing as an inheritance." This verse highlights the cycle of violence and revenge observed in 2 Samuel 3, calling instead for a response of blessing.

In conclusion, 2 Samuel chapter 3 reminds us of the importance of justice and unity within our communities. Through David's example and the teachings of Scripture, we are invited to choose peace, avoid revenge, and trust God to direct our lives and our nation.