Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 3:21. It’s a pretty dramatic and important passage about betrayal! Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it says: David, the King of Israel, felt he needed someone to help him with a big problem – he was facing a rebellion led by Saul. He decided to send Abner, his trusted advisor, away to meet with Saul. He asked Abner to gather all the Israelites (the people David ruled) and bring them to him, hoping they would agree to be under his rule. Let's unpack it further: “And Abner said unto David…” : This is a formal statement of what David wanted. “…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.” This is the core of the request. David was asking Abner to lead a group of Israelites, essentially establishing a new kingdom under him. He wanted to create a powerful alliance where he could have control and authority over them. “And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.” This is key. David made it clear that he wasn’t happy with the situation and didn't want Abner to stay. He essentially gave him a way out, but he still wanted the agreement to happen without any problems. What’s the big takeaway? This verse shows how easily a king can be manipulated or betrayed, even by those who are meant to serve him. It highlights the importance of loyalty and trust – David was willing to send his advisor away, but he also recognized the danger of trusting someone who might have ulterior motives. In short, it’s about a strategic move by David to consolidate power and establish a new kingdom, but it carries a significant risk of betrayal. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?