2 Samuel 3:21
New International Version
Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

New Living Translation
Then Abner said to David, “Let me go and call an assembly of all Israel to support my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you to make you their king, and you will rule over everything your heart desires.” So David sent Abner safely on his way.

English Standard Version
And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

King James Bible
And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

New King James Version
Then Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

New American Standard Bible
Abner said to David, “Let me set out and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” So David let Abner go, and he went in peace.

NASB 1995
Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

NASB 1977
And Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go, and gather all Israel to my lord the king that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may cut a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

Amplified Bible
Abner said to David, “Let me stand up and go, and gather all Israel to my lord the king, so that they may make a covenant (treaty) with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

Christian Standard Bible
Abner said to David, “Let me now go and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you, and you will reign over all you desire.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Abner said to David, “Let me now go and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you, and you will rule over all you desire.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

American Standard Version
And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Contemporary English Version
After the feast, Abner said, "Your Majesty, let me leave now and bring Israel here to make an agreement with you. You'll be king of the whole nation, just as you've been wanting." David told Abner he could leave, and he left without causing any trouble.

English Revised Version
And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abner told David, "I must go now so that I can gather all Israel for you, Your Majesty. They will make a treaty with you, and you will rule everything your heart desires." Then David dismissed Abner, who left peacefully.

Good News Translation
Abner told David, "I will go now and win all Israel over to Your Majesty. They will accept you as king, and then you will get what you have wanted and will rule over the whole land." David gave Abner a guarantee of safety and sent him on his way.

International Standard Version
So Abner told David, "Give me permission to go out and rally all of Israel to your majesty the king so they can enter into a formal agreement with you to reign over everything that your heart desires." So David sent Abner off, and he went away in peace.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Abner said to David, ?Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.? So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

NET Bible
Abner said to David, "Let me leave so that I may go and gather all Israel to my lord the king so that they may make an agreement with you. Then you will rule over all that you desire." So David sent Abner away, and he left in peace.

New Heart English Bible
Abner said to David, "I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires." David sent Abner away; and he left in peace.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abner said to David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

World English Bible
Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abner says to David, “I arise, and go, and gather the whole of Israel to my lord the king, and they make a covenant with you, and you have reigned over all that your soul desires”; and David sends Abner away, and he goes in peace.

Young's Literal Translation
And Abner saith unto David, 'I arise, and go, and gather unto my lord the king the whole of Israel, and they make with thee a covenant, and thou hast reigned over all that thy soul desireth;' and David sendeth away Abner, and he goeth in peace.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abner will say to David, I will arise and go and gather to my lord the king, all Israel, and they shall cut out with thee a covenant, and thou didst reign over all that thy soul shall desire. And David will send away Abner, and he will go in peace.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Abner said to David: I will rise, that I may gather all Israel unto thee my lord the king, and may enter into a league with thee, and that thou mayst reign over all as thy soul desireth. Now when David bad brought Abner on his way, and he was gone in peace,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Abner said to David, “I will rise up, so that I may gather all of Israel to you, my lord the king, and so that I may enter into a pact with you, and so that you may reign over all, just as your soul desires.” Then, when David had led Abner away, and he had departed in peace,

New American Bible
Then Abner said to David, “I will now go to assemble all Israel for my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you; you will then be king over all whom you wish to rule.” So David let Abner go on his way in peace.

New Revised Standard Version
Abner said to David, “Let me go and rally all Israel to my lord the king, in order that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went away in peace.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abner said to David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you and that you may reign over all that your soul desires. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abnir said to David: “I shall arise, I shall go, I shall gather to my Lord the King all of Israel, and they shall covenant with you a covenant and you shall reign over all that your soul desires!” And David sent Abnir and he went on in peace
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abner said unto David: 'I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thy soul desireth.' And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abenner said to David, I will arise now, and go, and gather to my lord the king all Israel; and I will make with him a covenant, and thou shalt reign over all whom thy soul desires. And David sent away Abenner, and he departed in peace.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Abner Joins David
20When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them. 21Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.

Cross References
1 Chronicles 12:38
All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

1 Kings 2:5
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet.

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

1 Samuel 16:1-13
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” / “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ / Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” ...

1 Samuel 18:3
Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 20:42
And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.

1 Samuel 23:17
saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.”

1 Samuel 24:20
Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 25:30
When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,

1 Samuel 28:17
He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.

1 Kings 11:34-36
Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of Solomon’s hand, because I have made him ruler all the days of his life for the sake of David My servant, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and statutes. / But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you. / I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.

Psalm 89:3-4
You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: / ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah

Psalm 89:19-21
You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people. / I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him.


Treasury of Scripture

And Abner said to David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a league with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

will gather

2 Samuel 3:10,12
To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba…

2 Samuel 2:9
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Philippians 2:21
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

reign over

1 Kings 11:37
And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel.

Psalm 20:4
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

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Abner Arise Covenant David Desires Desireth Gather Heart Israel League Mayest Peace Reign Soul
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Abner Arise Covenant David Desires Desireth Gather Heart Israel League Mayest Peace Reign Soul
2 Samuel 3
1. During the war David becomes stronger
2. Six sons are born to him in Hebron
6. Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth
7. revolts to David
13. David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal
17. Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed
22. Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner
28. David curses Joab
31. and mourns for Abner














Then Abner said to David
Abner, the commander of Saul's army, approaches David, indicating a significant shift in allegiance. This moment is pivotal as it represents a move towards unifying the kingdom under David. Abner's decision to speak to David highlights the political dynamics at play and the weakening of Saul's house.

“Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel
Abner's proposal to gather all Israel signifies his influence and authority. It reflects the tribal nature of Israel at the time, where unity was often fragile. Abner's willingness to bring the tribes together under David's rule is a strategic move to consolidate power and ensure stability.

to my lord the king
By referring to David as "my lord the king," Abner acknowledges David's rightful claim to the throne. This acknowledgment is crucial as it comes from a former supporter of Saul, indicating a broader acceptance of David's kingship. It also fulfills the divine promise made to David regarding his future as king.

that they may make a covenant with you
Covenants were solemn agreements often sealed with religious rituals. Abner's intention to facilitate a covenant underscores the seriousness of the political alliance and the commitment to David's leadership. This echoes the biblical theme of covenants as foundational to Israel's relationship with God and its leaders.

and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.”
This phrase suggests the fulfillment of God's promise to David, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where David is anointed as king. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty in establishing leaders according to His will. David's rule is portrayed as divinely ordained and aligned with God's purposes.

So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.
David's dismissal of Abner in peace indicates a moment of reconciliation and trust. It contrasts with the violence and betrayal often seen in the narrative of Saul's house. This peaceful departure foreshadows the eventual unification of Israel under David's reign and highlights David's role as a king who seeks peace and justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abner
The commander of Saul's army, who played a significant role in the power dynamics of Israel after Saul's death. He sought to bring the tribes of Israel under David's rule.

2. David
The anointed king of Israel, who was in the process of consolidating his rule over all the tribes of Israel.

3. Israel
The nation consisting of twelve tribes, which at this time was divided between those loyal to Saul's house and those loyal to David.

4. Covenant
A formal agreement or treaty, in this context, between David and the tribes of Israel to recognize him as king.

5. Peace
The state in which Abner left David, indicating a temporary resolution and goodwill between the two parties.
Teaching Points
The Role of Leadership in God's Plan
God uses leaders, even those with flawed pasts like Abner, to accomplish His purposes. We should seek to understand how God might be using current leaders in our lives.

The Importance of Unity
Abner's efforts to unite Israel under David highlight the importance of unity among God's people. We should strive for unity in our communities and churches.

The Power of Covenants
Covenants are central to God's relationship with His people. Reflect on the covenants in your life, such as marriage or church membership, and their spiritual significance.

Trusting God's Timing
David's patience in waiting for God's timing to become king is a lesson in trusting God's plan. Consider areas in your life where you need to wait on God's timing.

Peace as a Fruit of Righteousness
Abner's departure in peace signifies the fruit of righteous actions. Pursue peace in your relationships as a reflection of your faith.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Abner
אַבְנֵ֣ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

said
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

David,
דָּוִ֡ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“Let me go at once,
וְֽאֵלֵ֡כָה (wə·’ê·lê·ḵāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and I will gather
וְאֶקְבְּצָה֩ (wə·’eq·bə·ṣāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

my lord
אֲדֹנִ֨י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

the king,
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

that they may make
וְיִכְרְת֤וּ (wə·yiḵ·rə·ṯū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

a covenant
בְּרִ֔ית (bə·rîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1285: A covenant

with you,
אִתְּךָ֙ (’it·tə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

and that you may rule
וּמָ֣לַכְתָּ֔ (ū·mā·laḵ·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

over all
בְּכֹ֥ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

your heart
נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ (nap̄·še·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

desires.”
תְּאַוֶּ֖ה (tə·’aw·weh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 183: To incline, desire

So David
דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

dismissed
וַיְּשַׁלַּ֥ח (way·yə·šal·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

Abner,
אַבְנֵ֖ר (’aḇ·nêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name

and he went
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in peace.
בְּשָׁלֽוֹם׃ (bə·šā·lō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace


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OT History: 2 Samuel 3:21 Abner said to David I will arise (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 3:20
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