Study note

2 Samuel 3:7

  • Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?: It is not clear whether Abner actually did this. Taking a king’s wife or concubine was often a sign that someone was trying to take the king’s place (that is, trying to become king; see 2 Samuel 12:8; 16:21; 1 Kings 2:17–25).

  • Rizpah: See also 2 Samuel 21:8–14.