Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Abner

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Abner, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a celebrated person from the tribe of Benjamin. He is best known for his role as the commander of Saul's army and his significant influence during the early monarchy of Israel. Abner was the son of Ner, who was Saul's uncle, making Abner a cousin to King Saul (1 Samuel 14:50-51).

Abner's military prowess and leadership were evident throughout Saul's reign. He was a key figure in the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:8-10). This division led to a prolonged civil war between the two houses.

Abner's loyalty to Ish-bosheth began to waver due to a personal dispute. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of taking Saul's concubine, Rizpah, which was seen as a challenge to the royal house's authority (2 Samuel 3:7-8). Offended by the accusation, Abner decided to shift his allegiance to David, recognizing David's divine anointing as king over all Israel. Abner's decision to support David was a turning point in the unification of the kingdom (2 Samuel 3:9-10).

Abner's negotiations with David were pivotal. He approached David with the promise of bringing all Israel under his rule, demonstrating his significant influence and political acumen (2 Samuel 3:12). David welcomed Abner's overtures, and they made a covenant, marking a crucial step toward the consolidation of David's kingship (2 Samuel 3:21).

Despite his efforts to unite the kingdom, Abner's life was cut short by Joab, David's military commander. Joab killed Abner in Hebron, seeking revenge for the death of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle (2 Samuel 3:27). David mourned Abner's death, lamenting the loss of a great leader and declaring his innocence in the matter (2 Samuel 3:31-34).

Abner's legacy is marked by his initial loyalty to Saul's house, his strategic shift to support David, and his role in the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule. His life and actions are a testament to the complex political and military dynamics of the early Israelite monarchy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 14:51
And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:55
And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... 5:14) contains an allusion to Benjamin, which is ... the families which constituted the
half-tribe of Manasseh ... of the people of Shechem, who celebrated under his ...
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