2 Samuel 3:35

Then all the people came and urged David to eat something while it was still day, but David took an oath, saying, "May God punish me, and ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything else before the sun sets!"

Study Bible

Then all the people came
This phrase indicates a collective movement of the people towards David, reflecting a communal concern and respect for their leader. In the historical context, this gathering signifies the unity and support of the Israelites for David during a time of mourning. The Hebrew root for "people" (עָם, 'am) often denotes a nation or community, emphasizing the collective identity of Israel under David's leadership.

urged David to eat bread
The act of urging David to eat bread is a cultural expression of care and an attempt to console him. In ancient Near Eastern customs, eating was a communal activity that symbolized life and fellowship. Bread (לֶחֶם, lechem) is a staple food, representing sustenance and survival. The people's insistence highlights their desire for David to continue leading them with strength and vitality.

while it was still day
This phrase underscores the urgency and immediacy of the people's request. In the historical context, daylight was associated with activity and life, while night symbolized rest and sometimes danger. The emphasis on "day" (יוֹם, yom) suggests a pressing need for David to regain his strength and composure during a time of crisis.

But David took an oath
David's response by taking an oath reflects his deep sense of personal conviction and integrity. In the Hebrew tradition, oaths were solemn promises made before God, binding the individual to their word. The act of taking an oath (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba) demonstrates David's commitment to his mourning and his reliance on God for justice and strength.

saying, 'May God punish me, and ever so severely,'
This phrase reveals David's earnestness and the seriousness of his vow. The invocation of divine punishment (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) as a consequence for breaking his oath underscores the gravity of his commitment. It reflects a deep-seated belief in God's sovereignty and justice, a central tenet of the conservative Christian perspective.

if I taste bread or anything else
David's refusal to eat signifies his profound grief and dedication to mourning. The act of tasting (טָעַם, ta'am) is symbolic of partaking in life's pleasures and sustenance. By abstaining, David expresses his solidarity with the loss and his focus on seeking God's guidance and comfort during this period of sorrow.

before the sun sets!
The mention of the sun setting marks the end of a day and, symbolically, the end of a period of mourning. In the biblical context, the setting sun (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh) often represents the passage of time and the transition from one state to another. David's vow to abstain until sunset highlights his respect for the mourning process and his reliance on God's timing for healing and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The anointed king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his leadership qualities. In this passage, he is mourning the death of Abner.

2. Abner
The commander of Saul's army who had defected to David's side. His death was a significant event, causing political and personal turmoil.

3. The People
The Israelites who were present with David, urging him to eat. Their concern reflects the communal nature of mourning and support.

4. Hebron
The city where this event takes place, significant as a city of refuge and David's initial capital.

5. Mourning
The cultural and religious practice of expressing grief, which in this context, includes fasting as a sign of respect and sorrow.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Mourning
Mourning is a profound expression of loss and respect. David's refusal to eat demonstrates the depth of his grief and respect for Abner, showing us the importance of honoring those who have passed.

The Power of Oaths
David's oath before God underscores the seriousness with which we should approach our promises. It reminds us to be mindful of our words and commitments, especially those made before God.

Community Support in Grief
The people's urging for David to eat highlights the role of community in times of sorrow. It teaches us the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.

Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
David's fast is an act of devotion and humility. This teaches us about the spiritual discipline of fasting as a way to draw closer to God and express earnestness in prayer and mourning.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's response to Abner's death reflect his character and leadership qualities?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of making and keeping oaths in our daily lives, especially in our commitments to God?

3. How does the community's role in this passage inform our understanding of supporting others in times of grief?

4. What are some modern-day practices of mourning that align with biblical principles, and how can they be incorporated into our lives?

5. How can fasting be used as a spiritual discipline in our personal walk with God, and what are some practical ways to implement it?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 14:24
This passage describes Saul's oath of fasting, which parallels David's oath, highlighting the seriousness of vows made before God.

Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus teaches about fasting, emphasizing sincerity and the heart's condition, which connects to David's genuine mourning.

Psalm 35:13-14
David speaks of fasting as a form of humility and mourning, reflecting his consistent practice of seeking God in times of distress.