Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you.” New Living Translation Then Abner sent messengers to David, saying, “Doesn’t the entire land belong to you? Make a solemn pact with me, and I will help turn over all of Israel to you.” English Standard Version And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.” Berean Standard Bible Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” Berean Literal Bible And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom is the land?” And saying, “Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand is with you to make turn to you all Israel.” King James Bible And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. New King James Version Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to David, saying, “Whose is the land?” saying also, “Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel to you.” New American Standard Bible Then Abner sent messengers to David at his place, saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” NASB 1995 Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” NASB 1977 Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Abner sent messengers to David in his place, saying, “Whose is the land? Cut your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to turn all Israel over to you.” Amplified Bible Then Abner sent messengers to David [who was] in his place [at Hebron], saying, “Whose is the land? Make your covenant (treaty) with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” Berean Annotated Bible Then Abner (my father is a lamp) sent messengers on his behalf to say to David (beloved), “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel (he wrestles with God) over to you. Christian Standard Bible Abner sent messengers as his representatives to say to David, “Whose land is it? Make your covenant with me, and you can be certain I am on your side to turn all Israel over to you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Abner sent messengers as his representatives to say to David, “Whose land is it? Make your covenant with me, and you can be certain I am on your side to hand all Israel over to you.” American Standard Version And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. Contemporary English Version Abner sent some of his men to David with this message: "You should be the ruler of the whole nation. If you make an agreement with me, I will persuade everyone in Israel to make you their king." English Revised Version And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Abner sent messengers to David to speak on his behalf. "Who owns this country?" he asked. "Make an agreement with me," he said. "I'll support you and bring all Israel to you." Good News Translation Abner sent messengers to David, who at that time was at Hebron, to say, "Who is going to rule this land? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you win all Israel over to your side." International Standard Version So Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron to ask him, "Who owns this land? Cut a deal with me, and look!—I'll lend my hand in bringing all of Israel over to you!" NET Bible Then Abner sent messengers to David saying, "To whom does the land belong? Make an agreement with me, and I will do whatever I can to cause all Israel to turn to you." New Heart English Bible Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, "Whose is the land?" and saying, "Make an agreement with me, and look, my hand shall be with you, to bring all Israel around to you." Webster's Bible Translation And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel to thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” World English Bible Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “Whose is the land?” and saying, “Make your alliance with me, and behold, my hand will be with you to bring all Israel around to you.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Abner sends messengers to David for himself, saying, “Whose [is] the land?” [And] saying, “Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand [is] with you, to bring around all Israel to you.” Berean Literal Bible And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom is the land?” And saying, “Make your covenant with me, and indeed my hand is with you to make turn to you all Israel.” Young's Literal Translation And Abner sendeth messengers unto David for himself, saying, 'Whose is the land?' saying, 'Make thy covenant with me, and lo, my hand is with thee, to bring round unto thee all Israel.' Smith's Literal Translation And Abner will send messengers to David for his sake, saying, To whom the land? saying, Cut out thy covenant with me, and behold, my hand with thee to turn about to thee all Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAbner therefore sent messengers to David for himself, saying: Whose is the land? and that they should say: Make a league with me, and my hand shall be with thee: and I will bring all Israel to thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, Abner sent messengers to David for himself, saying, “Whose is the land?” and so that they would say, “Make a friendship with me, and my hand will be with you, and I will lead back all of Israel to you.” New American Bible Then Abner sent messengers to David in Telam, where he was at the moment, to say, “Make a covenant with me, and you have me on your side, to bring all Israel over to you.” New Revised Standard Version Abner sent messengers to David at Hebron, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and I will give you my support to bring all Israel over to you.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abner sent messengers to David, saying, Whose is the land? Now make your covenant with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring all Israel to you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abnir sent Messengers to David saying, “What is your land? Covenant your covenant with me, and behold, my hand is with you to turn all of Israel to you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abner sent messengers to David straightway, saying: 'Whose is the land?' saying also: 'Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring over all Israel unto thee.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abenner sent messengers to David to Thaelam where he was, immediately, saying, Make thy covenant with me, and, behold, my hand is with thee to bring back to thee all the house of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Abner Joins David…11And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him. 12Then Abner sent messengers in his place to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.” 13“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”… Cross References Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, 1 Chronicles 12:23 Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: Joshua 9:3-6 But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, / acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. / They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. … Genesis 32:3-5 Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. / He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now. / I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, menservants, and maidservants. I have sent this message to inform my master, so that I may find favor in your sight.’” “To whom does the land belong? 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 25:30-31 When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel, / then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your servant.” Psalm 2:8 Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. Make your covenant with me, 2 Samuel 5:3 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 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 1 Samuel 20:16-17 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” / And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. and surely my hand will be with you 2 Samuel 5:10 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him. Joshua 1:5 No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 1 Samuel 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. to bring all Israel over to you.” 2 Samuel 5:1-2 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.’” 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. 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 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. / They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them. / And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel. 1 Kings 5:1-12 Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David. / And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram: / “As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. … Treasury of Scripture And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make your league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel to you. Whose 2 Samuel 19:6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well. 2 Samuel 20:1-13 And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel… Make Psalm 62:9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Luke 16:5-8 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? … my hand 2 Samuel 3:21,27 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… 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh… 2 Samuel 19:14,41-43 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants… Jump to Previous Abner Agreement Behalf Covenant David Getting Hand Hebron Help Israel League Messengers Side Straightway Support TurnJump to Next Abner Agreement Behalf Covenant David Getting Hand Hebron Help Israel League Messengers Side Straightway Support Turn2 Samuel 3 1. During the war David becomes stronger2. 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 sent messengers on his behalf to say to David Abner, the commander of Saul's army, was a powerful figure in Israel. His decision to send messengers to David indicates a significant political move. This action follows a dispute with Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, which led Abner to shift his allegiance. The use of messengers highlights the formal and diplomatic nature of this communication, common in ancient Near Eastern politics. Abner's initiative reflects his recognition of David's growing power and God's anointing of David as king, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you Persons / Places / Events 1. AbnerThe commander of Saul's army and a powerful figure in Israel. He initially supported Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, as king over Israel but later sought to align with David. 2. David The anointed king of Judah, residing in Hebron at this time. He is recognized as a man after God's own heart and is destined to unite the tribes of Israel under his rule. 3. Messengers Representatives sent by Abner to communicate his proposal to David, indicating a shift in political allegiance. 4. Covenant A formal agreement or treaty. In this context, it refers to the proposed alliance between Abner and David to consolidate the kingdom under David's rule. 5. Israel The collective tribes of God's chosen people. At this time, the nation is divided, with Judah following David and the other tribes under Ish-bosheth. Teaching Points The Role of ProvidenceGod's hand is evident in the political shifts and alliances. Believers can trust that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even when human motives are at play. The Importance of Unity Abner's proposal to unite Israel under David reflects God's desire for His people to be united. Christians are called to seek unity within the body of Christ. The Power of Covenant Covenants are central to God's relationship with His people. Believers should honor their commitments and understand the weight of their promises. Leadership and Influence Abner's influence and decision to support David demonstrate the impact of leadership. Christians in leadership should use their influence to further God's kingdom. Repentance and Reconciliation Abner's change of allegiance can be seen as a form of repentance. Believers are encouraged to seek reconciliation and align themselves with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:12?2. How does Abner's initiative in 2 Samuel 3:12 demonstrate leadership qualities? 3. What does Abner's message reveal about his understanding of God's will for Israel? 4. How can we discern God's direction in our leadership roles today? 5. Compare Abner's actions with other biblical leaders who sought God's guidance. 6. What steps can we take to align our plans with God's purposes? 7. What was Abner's motivation in sending messengers to David in 2 Samuel 3:12? 8. How does 2 Samuel 3:12 reflect the political dynamics of ancient Israel? 9. What does 2 Samuel 3:12 reveal about Abner's character and intentions? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3? 11. Why did Joab kill Abner in the Bible story? 12. 2 Samuel 3:12–13: Does Abner’s sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era? 13. 2 Samuel 3:27–30: Why doesn’t David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act? 14. What are Joab's key achievements and lessons in the Bible? What Does 2 Samuel 3:12 Mean Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David• Abner, commander of Saul’s army, has just fallen out with Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:6–11). His decision to negotiate with David shows a dramatic shift in allegiance. • By sending messengers rather than going himself, Abner tests David’s willingness while protecting himself from immediate danger (cf. 2 Samuel 3:20, where he later appears in person). • God had already promised the kingdom to David (1 Samuel 16:13). Abner’s move, though politically motivated, unwittingly advances the divine plan (2 Samuel 3:9–10). To whom does the land belong? • The question is rhetorical; Abner knows the answer is “David.” • It acknowledges that the whole land—“from Dan to Beersheba” (2 Samuel 3:10)—rightfully belongs under the anointed king. Compare Israel’s earlier recognition of David’s victories (1 Samuel 18:7) and the elders’ later confession, “You were the one who led Israel out and back” (2 Samuel 5:2). • The land ultimately belongs to the LORD, who assigns it to whomever He chooses (Psalm 24:1; Genesis 15:18). Abner’s words align, perhaps unintentionally, with God’s sovereign allocation. Make your covenant with me • A covenant is a solemn, binding agreement. Abner is asking David to formalize their alliance. • David has a history of covenant-making for kingdom purposes—Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3), the elders of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4), and later all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). • Bullet points on what Abner offers: – Military experience and influence over Saul’s former forces. – Political leverage with the elders he had previously persuaded to follow Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:17). – A pathway to a peaceful, unified kingdom rather than extended civil war. • David’s eventual agreement (2 Samuel 3:13) shows wisdom in embracing reconciliation without compromising God’s promise. Surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you • “My hand” signals Abner’s active, personal involvement. His authority carried weight; the tribes had followed his lead before (2 Samuel 2:8-9). • Abner’s pledge echoes earlier prophecies: Samuel’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:1-13) and Abigail’s assurance that David would rule over Israel (1 Samuel 25:30). • God often uses unexpected agents—even one formerly hostile—to fulfill His word (Proverbs 16:7; Isaiah 45:1). • The outcome: Abner rallies the elders (2 Samuel 3:17-18) and begins the process that culminates in “all the tribes of Israel” coming to David at Hebron (2 Samuel 5:1-3). summary Abner’s message marks the turning point in Israel’s civil conflict. By acknowledging David’s rightful claim, seeking covenant, and pledging to deliver the nation, Abner moves the story from division toward the God-ordained unity of Israel under David’s throne. (12) Whose is the land?--These words in themselves may be understood in either of two senses: (1) "Is not the land thine by promise?" or (2) "Who has the power to bring the land into subjection to whom he will except myself?" Since the question is put forward as the basis for making a league with Abner, the latter is evidently the sense intended, and it is quite in accordance with the pride and haughtiness of Abner's character. He proposes a league, that he may have a definite assurance of consideration for himself, and he makes this the price of exerting his influence on David's behalf. The repetition of the word "saying" has occasioned some difficulty to the commentators, but this disappears when it is remembered that the two clauses are separate parts of Abner's message. His messengers were charged first to represent the importance of Abner's influence, and then afterwards to say that he would exert it for David for a satisfactory consideration.Verse 12. - Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf; Hebrew, under him. The Revised Version renders this "where he was;" but the phrase really means "immediately" (see note on ch. 2:23). And this agrees with the haughty temper of Abner. Without waiting for advice, or allowing his anger to cool, he at once sent trusty envoys to open negotiations with David. Whose is the land? Abner's meaning in these words is plain. You, David, he seems to say, will answer that the land is mine; for Jehovah has promised it to me. But, as a matter of fact, much of the land is mine (Abner's), or at least belongs to the house of Saul, whose prime minister I am. Yours is an abstract right; mine is actual possession. Come, let us make the two agree. Give me fitting assurances of safety and reward, and I will make your claim a reality.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then Abnerאַבְנֵ֨ר (’aḇ·nêr) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 74: Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name sent וַיִּשְׁלַח֩ (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out messengers מַלְאָכִ֧ים ׀ (mal·’ā·ḵîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel in his place תַּחְתָּ֥יו (taḥ·tāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of to say לֵאמֹ֖ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to David, דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse “To whom [does] לְמִי־ (lə·mî-) Preposition-l | Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix the land [belong]? אָ֑רֶץ (’ā·reṣ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land Make כָּרְתָ֤ה (kā·rə·ṯāh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant your covenant בְרִֽיתְךָ֙ (ḇə·rî·ṯə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1285: A covenant with me, אִתִּ֔י (’it·tî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among and you can be certain וְהִנֵּה֙ (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! my hand [will be] יָדִ֣י (yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand on your side עִמָּ֔ךְ (‘im·māḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with to turn לְהָסֵ֥ב (lə·hā·sêḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every Israel יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc to you.” אֵלֶ֖יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Links 2 Samuel 3:12 NIV2 Samuel 3:12 NLT 2 Samuel 3:12 ESV 2 Samuel 3:12 NASB 2 Samuel 3:12 KJV 2 Samuel 3:12 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 3:12 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 3:12 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 3:12 French Bible 2 Samuel 3:12 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 3:12 Abner sent messengers to David on his (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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