Smith's Bible Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Abner
(father of light).
1. Son of Ner, who was the brother of Kish, 1Ch 9:36 the father of Saul. (B.C. 1063.) Abner, therefore, was Saul's first cousin, and was made by him commander-in-chief of his army. 1Sa 14:51; 17:57; 26:5-14 After the death of Saul David was proclaimed king of Judah; and some time subsequently Abner proclaimed Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, king of Israel. War soon broke out between the two rival kings, and a "very sore battle" was fought at Gibeon between the men of Israel under Abner and the men of Judah under Joab. 1Ch 2:16 Abner had married Rizpah, Saul's concubine, and this, according to the views of Oriental courts, might be so interpreted as to imply a design upon the throne. Rightly or wrongly, Ish-bosheth so understood it, and he even ventured to reproach Abner with it. Abner, incensed at his ingratitude, opened negotiations with David, by whom he was most favorably received at Hebron. He then undertook to procure his recognition throughout Israel; but after leaving his presence for the purpose was enticed back by Joab, and treacherously murdered by him and his brother Abishai, at the gate of the city, partly, no doubt, from fear lest so distinguished a convert to their cause should gain too high a place in David's favor, but ostensibly in retaliation for the death of Asahel. David in sorrow and indignation, poured forth a simple dirge over the slain hero. 2Sa 3:33,34
2. The father of Jaasiel, chief of the Benjamites in David's reign, 1Ch 27:21 probably the same as the preceding.
Bibliography Information
Smith, William, Dr "Meaning and Definition for 'abner' in Smiths Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Smith's; 1901.
Copyright Information
© Smith's Bible Dictionary
Smith's Bible Dictionary Home
Bible History Online Home
Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
Online Bible (KJV)
Naves Topical Bible
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Hitchcock's Bible Dictionary