Who was Abner in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Abner?

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 (1Sa.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 (1Sa.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 (2Sa.2.8-10). During this time, there was a long war between the houses of Saul and David (2Sa.3.1). Abner led Ish-bosheth's forces against David's army, commanded by Joab (2Sa.2.12-17). In a battle at Gibeon, Abner killed Joab's brother Asahel, who had pursued him (2Sa.2.18-23). Later, Abner defected to David after a dispute with Ish-bosheth (2Sa.3.6-21). He worked to transfer the kingdom to David and made an agreement with him (2Sa.3.12-21). However, Joab, seeking revenge for his brother's death, murdered Abner (2Sa.3.22-27). David mourned Abner's death and declared his innocence in the matter (2Sa.3.28-39). Abner's defection and death weakened Ish-bosheth's position, and he was eventually assassinated (2Sa.4.1-8). This paved the way for David to become king over all Israel (2Sa.5.1-5). David later reminded Solomon of Joab's actions against Abner (1Ki.2.5, 32). Abner is also mentioned in connection with the treasures dedicated to the Lord (1Ch.26.28) and as the father of Jaasiel, a leader in David's army (1Ch.27.21).

Where does Abner appear in the Bible?

Abner is referenced in 49 verses across 3 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 1 Kings 2:5
• 1 Kings 2:32
• 1 Samuel 14:50
• 1 Samuel 14:51
• 1 Samuel 17:55
• 1 Samuel 17:57
• 1 Samuel 20:25
• 1 Samuel 26:5
• 1 Samuel 26:14
• 1 Samuel 26:15
• 2 Samuel 2:8
• 2 Samuel 2:12
• 2 Samuel 2:14
• 2 Samuel 2:17
• 2 Samuel 2:19
• 2 Samuel 2:20
• 2 Samuel 2:21
• 2 Samuel 2:22
• 2 Samuel 2:23
• 2 Samuel 2:24
• 2 Samuel 2:25
• 2 Samuel 2:26
• 2 Samuel 2:29
• 2 Samuel 2:30

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Abner.