Introduction:
Abner, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known as the cousin of King Saul and the commander of Saul's army. His account is interwoven with the early history of the Israelite monarchy, particularly during the reigns of Saul and David. Abner's actions and decisions significantly influenced the political landscape of Israel during this tumultuous period.

Family and Background:
Abner was the son of Ner, who was Saul's uncle, making Abner Saul's cousin. This familial connection placed him in a position of influence and power within the kingdom of Israel. His role as the commander of Saul's army is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 14:50: "The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner son of Ner, and Ner was the father of Saul."

Role in Saul's Reign:
As the commander of Saul's army, Abner was a key military leader during the ongoing conflicts with the Philistines and other neighboring nations. He was present during significant events, such as the battle against the Philistines where David defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Abner's loyalty to Saul was evident throughout Saul's reign, even as Saul's mental state deteriorated and his relationship with David became increasingly strained.

Conflict with David:
After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah. This division led to a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abner played a crucial role in this power struggle, as described in 2 Samuel 2:8-9: "Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, brought him over to Mahanaim, and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel."

Defection to David:
The turning point in Abner's account came when he decided to defect to David's side. This decision was partly due to a falling out with Ish-bosheth, who accused Abner of taking Saul's concubine, Rizpah (2 Samuel 3:7-10). Feeling insulted and undervalued, Abner reached out to David, offering to bring all Israel under David's rule. David accepted Abner's offer, and they made a covenant (2 Samuel 3:12-21).

Death:
Abner's life came to a tragic end when he was murdered by Joab, David's military commander. Joab killed Abner in Hebron, seeking revenge for the death of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle (2 Samuel 3:27). David mourned Abner's death and publicly lamented his murder, distancing himself from the act and honoring Abner as a great leader (2 Samuel 3:31-39).

Legacy:
Abner's legacy is complex, as he was both a staunch supporter of Saul's house and a pivotal figure in the unification of Israel under David. His actions and decisions had lasting impacts on the political and military landscape of ancient Israel, and his account is a testament to the intricate dynamics of power, loyalty, and ambition in the biblical narrative.74. Abner -- "my father is a lamp," an Israelite name
... 73, 74. Abner. 75 . "my father is a lamp," an Israelite name. Transliteration:
Abner Phonetic Spelling: (ab-nare') Short Definition: Abner. ...
/hebrew/74.htm - 6k

One Fold and one Shepherd
... Only in the south David held his ground, and Abner had to cross Jordan to find
a place of security for the remnants of the royal house. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... Son Of. Saul Reigned Over The Rest Of The Multitude; And How, In The Civil
War Which Then Arose Asahel And Abner Were Slain. 1. This ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

The King.
... it had had while the king was one of the tribe, made it the nucleus of a feeble
and lingering opposition to David, headed by Saul's cousin Abner, and rallying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and
also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.8. But Abner the son ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm

That Upon the Slaughter of Ishbosheth by the Treachery of his ...
... 1. When Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, had heard of the death of Abner, he took it
to heart to be deprived of a man that was of his kindred, and had indeed given ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 that upon the.htm

Sunday Before Lent
... however, are immeasurably suspicious; always solicitous not to be underrated, they
put the worst construction on everything, as Joab construed Abner's deeds.2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday before lent.htm

Continued.
... After the victory, Saul is represented as not knowing who David was, and
as sending Abner to find out where he comes from. Abner ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

Abner's (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Abner's (4 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 14:51 And Kish was the
father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. (See NIV). ...
/a/abner's.htm - 7k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner
(2 Samuel 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

Loudly (31 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Samuel 3:32 And they put Abner's body to rest in Hebron; and the king and
all the people were weeping loudly by the resting-place of Abner's body. ...
/l/loudly.htm - 15k

Resting-place (211 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Samuel 3:32 And they put Abner's body to rest in Hebron; and the king and
all the people were weeping loudly by the resting-place of Abner's body. ...
/r/resting-place.htm - 39k

Weep (97 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:32 And they put Abner's body to rest in Hebron; and the king and all
the people were weeping loudly by the resting-place of Abner's body. ...
/w/weep.htm - 37k

Ish-bosheth (14 Occurrences)
... Through the influence of Abner, Saul's cousin, he was acknowledged as successor
to the throne of Saul, and ruled over all Israel, except the tribe of Judah ...
/i/ish-bosheth.htm - 15k

Ishbosheth (13 Occurrences)
... Through the influence of Abner, Saul's cousin, he was acknowledged as successor
to the throne of Saul, and ruled over all Israel, except the tribe of Judah ...
/i/ishbosheth.htm - 14k

Fasting (34 Occurrences)
... David demonstrated his grief at Abner's death (2 Samuel 3:35) by fasting, just as
the Psalmist indicated his sympathy with his adversaries' sorry plight in the ...
/f/fasting.htm - 23k

Rizpah (4 Occurrences)
... Her marriage to Abner was the occasion of a quarrel between him and Ishbosheth,
which led to Abner's going over to the side of David (2 Samuel 3:17-21). Int. ...
/r/rizpah.htm - 10k

Abnormally (1 Occurrence)

/a/abnormally.htm - 6k

What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Abner in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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