Joab treated Abner as if he were a fool or enemy of David.1 This is the more literal translation of the Hebrew word. Abner died in a way that is not appropriate for someone of his stature. He was loyal to Saul, a general commanding the armies of Israel, a man who fought in many battles and sought the good of God’s people (albeit in his own way).
33 And the king lamented for Abner, saying, “Should Abner die as a fool dies?