And for fear of AbnerAbner was the commander of Saul's army and a powerful figure in Israel. His influence was significant, and he held considerable sway over the northern tribes. The fear Ish-bosheth had for Abner highlights the political instability and the power dynamics at play during this period. Abner's role as a kingmaker is evident, as he was instrumental in establishing Ish-bosheth as king over Israel after Saul's death. This fear also underscores the lack of true authority Ish-bosheth had, as he was reliant on Abner's support to maintain his rule.
Ish-bosheth did not dare
Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was a weak and indecisive leader, contrasting sharply with David's strong and charismatic leadership. His inability to confront Abner shows his lack of confidence and authority. This phrase reflects the internal conflict within the house of Saul and the challenges Ish-bosheth faced in asserting his kingship. The political tension between Ish-bosheth and Abner foreshadows the eventual decline of Saul's dynasty and the rise of David as the undisputed king of Israel.
to say another word to him
This indicates a complete submission to Abner's authority, highlighting the imbalance of power between the two. Ish-bosheth's silence can be seen as a strategic move to avoid conflict, but it also reveals his dependency on Abner. This dynamic is crucial in understanding the eventual shift of power to David, as Abner later defects to David's side, further weakening Ish-bosheth's position. The inability to speak against Abner also reflects the broader theme of God's providence in establishing David's kingdom, as the internal strife within Saul's house paves the way for David's ascension.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Ish-boshethThe son of King Saul, who was made king over Israel by Abner after Saul's death. His reign was marked by weakness and reliance on Abner's military strength.
2.
AbnerThe commander of Saul's army and a powerful figure in Israel. He played a crucial role in establishing Ish-bosheth as king but later shifted his allegiance to David.
3.
FearThe emotion that Ish-bosheth felt towards Abner, highlighting the power dynamics and lack of true authority in Ish-bosheth's reign.
4.
IsraelThe northern kingdom over which Ish-bosheth reigned, in contrast to Judah, where David was king.
5.
DavidThe anointed king of Judah, who was gaining strength and support, eventually leading to the unification of Israel under his rule.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Fear-Based LeadershipIsh-bosheth's inability to confront Abner reveals the pitfalls of leadership driven by fear rather than faith and conviction. Leaders should seek strength in God rather than relying on human alliances.
The Importance of Godly CounselAbner's influence over Ish-bosheth shows the impact of counsel. Believers should seek guidance from those who are aligned with God's will, rather than those who may lead them astray.
God's Sovereignty in Leadership TransitionsThe shifting power dynamics between Ish-bosheth and David illustrate God's hand in leadership changes. Trust in God's timing and plan is crucial, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
The Role of Courage in FaithIsh-bosheth's fear contrasts with the courage seen in David's life. Believers are called to act with courage, trusting in God's promises and presence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 3:11?
2.Why did Ish-bosheth fear Abner and remain silent in 2 Samuel 3:11?
3.How can we address fear when confronting authority, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:11?
4.What does Ish-bosheth's silence reveal about his leadership in 2 Samuel 3:11?
5.How does 2 Samuel 3:11 relate to Proverbs 29:25 about fear of man?
6.How can we apply Ish-bosheth's example to our own leadership challenges today?
7.Why did Ish-bosheth fear Abner in 2 Samuel 3:11?
8.What does Abner's authority reveal about leadership in 2 Samuel 3:11?
9.How does fear influence decisions in 2 Samuel 3:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 3?
11.2 Samuel 3:33-34: Why does David publicly lament Abner's death as though he were innocent when Abner led opposing forces?
12.2 Samuel 3:27-30: Why doesn't David punish Joab immediately for murdering Abner if he truly opposes the act?
13.2 Samuel 3:12-13: Does Abner's sudden support for David align with known tribal loyalties and historical realities of that era?
14.Who was Rizpah in the Bible?What Does 2 Samuel 3:11 Mean
And for fear of Abner2 Samuel 3:11: “And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.”
• The scene follows Abner’s furious response to Ish-bosheth’s accusation over Rizpah (2 Samuel 3:7–10).
• Abner has long been Saul’s commander (1 Samuel 14:50); with Saul and Jonathan gone, he controls the northern tribes’ army and politics (2 Samuel 2:8-9).
• Ish-bosheth’s “fear” shows that Abner’s influence eclipses the king’s. Similar moments of intimidation appear when men quail before a powerful leader rather than trust the Lord (Proverbs 29:25;John 9:22).
• The text presents fear as a decisive motive: Ish-bosheth is not persuaded by truth, but paralyzed by dread of the man who holds the swords.
Ish-bosheth did not dare• Ish-bosheth is king in name, but Abner is the real power broker. From the day Abner “made him king” (2 Samuel 2:9), Ish-bosheth has depended on the general.
• “Did not dare” exposes his character. Unlike David, who strengthened himself in the Lord when threatened (1 Samuel 30:6), Ish-bosheth shrinks back.
• The contrast illustrates God’s pattern: leaders who lack faith and courage forfeit authority (Numbers 13:31-14:1;1 Samuel 17:24).
to say another word to him• Ish-bosheth’s silence finalizes Abner’s dominance. The king’s inability to rebut signals the end of their alliance and the start of Abner’s shift toward David (2 Samuel 3:12).
• Scripture often records moments when human fear silences speech—whether the Sanhedrin silencing disciples (Acts 4:18) or religious leaders fearing the crowd (Matthew 21:26).
• By refusing to confront sin or assert rightful authority, Ish-bosheth relinquishes the throne God had already promised to David (1 Samuel 16:13).
summaryAbner’s political clout terrifies Ish-bosheth, leaving the king speechless and impotent. The verse exposes the danger of relying on human strength, for when that strength turns threatening, fear stifles truth and leadership collapses. God’s unfolding plan moves forward anyway, clearing the path for David’s rightful reign.
Verse 11. -
He could not answer Abner. Though the reply was one of open treason, and was spoken with violence, yet Ishbosheth did not venture to bring the matter to an issue. Perhaps he looked round upon his officers to see if any would take his side, and, when all were silent, he was too feeble to dare to order the arrest and trial of his too powerful captain.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And for fearמִיִּרְאָת֖וֹ(mî·yir·’ā·ṯōw)Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten[of Abner],אֹתֽוֹ׃(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseIsh-bosheth did not dareיָכֹ֣ל(yā·ḵōl)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201:To be able, have powerto sayלְהָשִׁ֥יב(lə·hā·šîḇ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againanother wordדָּבָ֑ר(dā·ḇār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeto [him].אַבְנֵ֖ר(’aḇ·nêr)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 74:Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name
Links
2 Samuel 3:11 NIV2 Samuel 3:11 NLT2 Samuel 3:11 ESV2 Samuel 3:11 NASB2 Samuel 3:11 KJV
2 Samuel 3:11 BibleApps.com2 Samuel 3:11 Biblia Paralela2 Samuel 3:11 Chinese Bible2 Samuel 3:11 French Bible2 Samuel 3:11 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Samuel 3:11 He could not answer Abner another word (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
