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Abner

Bible Dictionary

Son of Ner, who was the brother of Kish, (1 chronicles 9:36)the father of Saul. (b.c. 1063.) Abner, therefore, was Saul sfirst cousin, and was made by him commander-in-chief of hisarmy. (1 samuel 14:51; 17:57; 26:5-14) After the death ofSaul David was proclaimed king of Judah; and some timesubsequently Abner proclaimed Ish-bosheth, Saul s son, kingof Israel. War soon broke out between the two rival kings,and a "very sore battle" was fought at Gibeon between the menof Israel under Abner and the men of Judah under Joab. (1chronicles 2:16) Abner had married Rizpah, Saul s concubine,and this, according to the views of Oriental courts, might beso interpreted as to imply a design upon the throne. Rightlyor wrongly, Ish-bosheth so understood it, and he evenventured to reproach Abner with it. Abner, incensed at hisingratitude, opened negotiations with David, by whom he wasmost favorably received at Hebron. He then undertook toprocure his recognition throughout Israel; but after leavinghis presence for the purpose was enticed back by Joab, andtreacherously murdered by him and his brother Abishai, at thegate of the city, partly, no doubt, from fear lest sodistinguished a convert to their cause should gain too high aplace in David s favor, but ostensibly in retaliation for thedeath of Asahel. David in sorrow and indignation, pouredforth a simple dirge over the slain hero. (2 samuel 3:33,34)

The father of Jaasiel, chief of the Benjamites in David sreign, (1 chronicles 27:21) probably the same as thepreceding.