Definition: And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past [to be] king over you:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 3:17. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about betrayal. Here's a simple explanation: What it means: This verse tells us that Abner, who had been serving David, secretly contacted the elders of Israel – basically, the leaders of the kingdom – to try and convince them to turn against him. Let’s unpack it: “And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel…” This means Abner was meeting with a group of influential people in Israel. “…saying, Ye sought for David in times past [to be] king over you:” This is the key part. He’s saying: “You – the elders of Israel – wanted to have David as their king? You were looking for him?” What’s happening here? This is a significant moment because it suggests Abner was actively trying to undermine David’s authority and potentially his rule. He was essentially planting seeds of doubt about David's position. Why is this important? It highlights a crucial dynamic in the story: Abner was working against David. He wasn’t just observing; he was actively attempting to manipulate events to weaken David’s power. It sets the stage for a much larger conflict that unfolds later in the book of Samuel. In short: This verse tells us that Abner was trying to convince the leaders of Israel to want David as king, which is a very dangerous and secretive move. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger story or theme in the Bible? Discuss what it might mean for the future events that follow?