Lexical Definition
אַבְנֵר ʼAbnêr (ab-nare') Abner N:N-M-P
or (fully) אֲבִינֵר ʼĂbîynêr (ab-ee-nare') ; from אָב and נִיר; father of light (i.e. enlightening)
Abner.
- § Abner = "my father is a lamp"
- Abner, an Israelite
1) Saul's cousin and army captain, treacherously slain by Joab
Extended Information
- A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50
- son of: Ner (נֵר)
- father of: Jaasiel (יַעֲשִׂיאֵל)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
אֲבִינֵר proper name, masculine (my father is Nêr, or is a lamp compare 2Sam 21:17 accusative to LagBN 75 = אֲבֶן (= בֶּן) + נֵר = son of Ner; compare ᵐ5 Ἀβεννηρ) — so only 1Sam 14:50, elsewhere אַבְנֵר — cousin of Saul, and captain of his host 1Sam 14:50; 1Sam 14:51; 1Sam 17:55 (3 t. in verse) + 52 t. 1 & 2 Samuel; + 1Kgs 2:5; 1Kgs 2:32; 1Chr 26:28; 1Chr 27:21.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 1 Samuel | 14:50 · 14:51 · 17:55 |
| 2 Samuel | 21:17 |
| 1 Kings | 2:5 · 2:32 |
| 1 Chronicles | 26:28 · 27:21 |
Profile
Male • David's compatriot • Saul's cousin and commander of his army
David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy
Abner, the son of Ner, was King Saul's cousin and the commander of his army; he later supported Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king before defecting to David.
- David's compatriot from the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.14.50;
- only referred to as Abner אַבְנֵר;
- a son of Ner נֵר;
- father of Jaasiel יַעֲשִׂיאֵל.
Abner was the son of Ner and the cousin of King Saul, Israel's first monarch. He served as the commander of Saul's army (1 Samuel 14:50-51). Abner was a prominent figure during Saul's reign and demonstrated his loyalty to the king, as seen in his interactions with David (1 Samuel 17:55-57; 20:25; 26:5-15).
After Saul's death, Abner supported Saul's son Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah (2 Samuel 2:8-10). During this time, there was a long war between the houses of Saul and David (2 Samuel 3:1). Abner led Ish-bosheth's forces against David's army, commanded by Joab (2 Samuel 2:12-17). In a battle at Gibeon, Abner killed Joab's brother Asahel, who had pursued him (2 Samuel 2:18-23).
Later, Abner defected to David after a dispute with Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:6-21). He worked to transfer the kingdom to David and made an agreement with him (2 Samuel 3:12-21). However, Joab, seeking revenge for his brother's death, murdered Abner (2 Samuel 3:22-27). David mourned Abner's death and declared his innocence in the matter (2 Samuel 3:28-39).
Abner's defection and death weakened Ish-bosheth's position, and he was eventually assassinated (2 Samuel 4:1-8). This paved the way for David to become king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5). David later reminded Solomon of Joab's actions against Abner (1 Kings 2:5, 32). Abner is also mentioned in connection with the treasures dedicated to the Lord (1 Chronicles 26:28) and as the father of Jaasiel, a leader in David's army (1 Chronicles 27:21).
All entries for Abner: אַבְנֵר