“And he called Abner; and Abner said, Art thou not a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.”
This verse is part of the narrative describing the events that occurred after the death of Saul, the first king of Israel. Following Saul’s death, David had been anointed as king over the tribe of Judah, while Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, reigned as king over the remaining tribes of Israel.
In this particular verse, Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, has called out to Joab, the commander of David’s army. Abner questions Joab’s actions and challenges his loyalty. Abner asks why Joab did not protect and keep watch over his lord, the king.
To understand the context better, let’s explore the surrounding verses:
- Verse 14: “And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.”
Abner and Joab had arranged a battle between twelve young warriors from each side to determine the outcome rather than engaging in a full‑scale war. However, it seems that this arrangement did not go as planned.
- Verse 15: “And he called Abner; and Abner said, Art thou not a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? for there came one of the people in to destroy the king thy lord.”
After the battle, Abner calls out to Joab and questions why he failed to protect his king, as someone from the opposing side managed to infiltrate and pose a threat to the life of the king.
Context:This verse reveals the tension and animosity between the two commanders, Abner and Joab. Abner accuses Joab of negligence and suggests that his failure to protect the king is a reflection of his character and loyalty.
This incident highlights the political and military struggles that took place during this period of Israel’s history, as different factions vied for power and control. It also sets the stage for further conflicts and developments in the story.
Conclusion:Overall, 2 Samuel 2:15 presents a snapshot of the turbulent times following Saul’s death, illustrating the challenges and conflicts faced by David and those loyal to him as he sought to establish his kingship over all of Israel.
