Ner is a biblical figure recognized primarily as the father of Abner, a prominent military commander in the service of King Saul. His lineage and role are briefly mentioned in the genealogical and historical narratives of the Old Testament, providing insight into the familial connections within the tribe of Benjamin and the early monarchy of Israel.

Genealogy and Family Connections

Ner is identified as a member of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is the son of Abiel, making him a part of a significant family line within the tribe. This lineage is outlined in 1 Samuel 14:50-51, which states: "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 son of Abiel." This passage highlights Ner's position within the family tree, linking him directly to King Saul, as Saul's father, Kish, is Ner's brother. Thus, Ner is Saul's uncle, and Abner, his son, is Saul's cousin.

Role and Significance

While Ner himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his significance is primarily derived from his son, Abner. Abner served as the commander of Saul's army and was a key figure during Saul's reign and the subsequent power struggles following Saul's death. The familial connection between Ner and Saul underscores the close-knit nature of the tribal leadership and the importance of family ties in the governance and military organization of ancient Israel.

Biblical References

Ner's name appears in several genealogical records, emphasizing his place within the Benjamite lineage. In 1 Chronicles 8:33 and 1 Chronicles 9:39, the genealogy is reiterated: "Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, Saul the father of Jonathan, Malchi-shua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal." These passages confirm Ner's role as the progenitor of a line that would include Israel's first king, Saul, and his descendants.

Historical and Theological Context

The mention of Ner and his family in the biblical text serves to establish the historical and tribal context of Israel's early monarchy. The tribe of Benjamin, though small, played a crucial role in the formation of Israel's united kingdom. Ner's position within this tribe and his connection to Saul highlight the tribal dynamics and the hereditary nature of leadership during this period.

From a theological perspective, the narrative involving Ner and his descendants illustrates the unfolding of God's plan for Israel, despite the challenges and failures of its leaders. The familial ties between Ner, Abner, and Saul reflect the complexities of human relationships and the impact of these relationships on the broader history of God's people.

In summary, while Ner himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his role as the father of Abner and uncle of Saul places him within the significant lineage of the tribe of Benjamin, contributing to the historical and theological tapestry of Israel's early monarchy.1 Samuel 14:50
And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
Nave's Topical Index

5369. Ner -- father of Abner, also the father of Kish
... Definition: Ner. Word Origin from the same as ner Definition father of Abner,
also the father of Kish NASB Word Usage Ner (16). Ner. The ...
/hebrew/5369.htm - 6k

74. Abner -- "my father is a lamp," an Israelite name
... Abner. Word Origin from ab and ner Definition "my father is a lamp," an
Isr. name NASB Word Usage Abner (62), Abner's (1). Abner. ...
/hebrew/74.htm - 6k

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... But as soon as Abner, the son of Ner, who was ... of the Grecians, The Camps; from whence
Abner made haste ... But Joab, whose father was Suri, and his mother Zeruiah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... He had also Abner, his uncle's son, for the captain of his host: that uncle's name
was Ner. Now Ner, and Kish the father of Saul, were brothers. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

The History of Solomon
... First on Joab that had been prince of his father's host, because he slew two good
men by treason and guile, that was Abner the son of Ner, and Amasa the son of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

The Horns of the Altar
... upon two men, more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my
father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

Letter Li. Addressed to the Emperor Theodosius after the Massacre ...
... Let Thine hand be upon me, and upon my father's house." [3627] And ... is guiltless
henceforth and for ever of the blood of Abner, the son of Ner," [3631] and ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter li addressed to the.htm

What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ...
... two generals out of envy, and those righteous and good men, Abner the son of Ner,
and Amasa ... but we only repay that debt which we owe to his father for what ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 what charge david.htm

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands ...
... all the days of eternity, the Son proceeds from the Father, and is ... 2 Samuel 3:25,
where De Wette translates, "Thou knowest Abner, the son of Ner; he came ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap v 1.htm

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