In contrast to David who enjoyed the Lord’s favour and was blessed by him (2 Samuel 3:1–5), Abner had to make himself strong.1 The details in 2 Samuel 3:7–11 give us an insight as to how he sought to do this. He took for himself that which belonged to Saul, his concubine Rizpah. Possibly this was an attempt to take the throne from Ish-bosheth.2 In the ancient Near East, it was understood that you claim the kingdom as your own if you take over the harem of a king (see 2 Samuel 16:21–22; 1 Kings 2:13–25).
6 Pendant la guerre entre la maison de Saül et la maison de David, Abner tint ferme pour la maison de Saül.