Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
, “enlightening”, the son of Ner and uncle of Saul. He was commander-in-chief of Saul’s army (1 Sam. 14:50; 17:55; 20:25). He first introduced David to the court of Saul after the victory over Goliath (1 Sam. 17:57). After the death of Saul, David was made king over Judah, and reigned in Hebron. Among the other tribes there was a feeling of hostility to Judah; and Abner, at the head of Ephraim, fostered this hostility in the interest of the house of Saul, whose son Ish-bosheth he caused to be proclaimed king (2 Sam. 2:8). A state of war existed between these two kings.
A battle fatal to Abner, who was the leader of Ish-boseth’s army, was fought with David’s army under Joab at Gibeon (2 Sam. 2:12). Abner, escaping from the field, was overtaken by Asahel, who was “light of foot as a wild roe,” the brother of Joab and Abishai, whom he thrust through with a back stroke of his spear (2 Sam. 2: 18-32). Being rebuked by Ish-bosheth for the impropriety of taking to wife Rizpah, who had been a concubine of King Saul, he found an excuse for going over to the side of David, whom he now professed to regard as anointed by the Lord to reign over all Israel.
David received him favourably, and promised that he would have command of the armies. At this time Joab was absent from Hebron, but on his return he found what had happened. Abner had just left the city; but Joab by a stratagem recalled him, and meeting him at the gate of the city on his return, thrust him through with his sword (2 Sam. 3:27, 31-39; 4:12. Comp. 1 Kings 2:5, 32).
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(father of light).
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
AB'NER (father of light), the son of Ner, was a first cousin of Saul, and a faithful and distinguished general of his armies. 1 Sam 14:50. We first hear of him, particularly, as the captain of the host, of whom Saul inquired concerning the stripling, David, whose victory over Goliath had excited his astonishment; and after a little time Abner introduced David to Saul, with the head of the giant Philistine in his hand. 1 Sam 17:57. It was through the want of vigilance in Abner that Saul's life was placed in David's power in the wilderness of Ziph. 1 Sam 26. See David, Saul.
After David was anointed king of Judah, Abner procured the appointment of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king of Israel; and in process of time the army of David, under Joab, and the army of Israel, under Abner, arrayed themselves on either side of the pool of Gibeon. While occupying this position twelve men of each army met and fought desperately. This contest was followed by a general battle, which resulted in Abner's defeat.
" ABO ABR When in the heat of pursuit, Abner counselled him to desist, and threatened to turn upon him and slay him if he did not, but Asahel refused to turn aside, and Abner, '' with the hinder end of the spear," smote him so that he died. Joab and Abishai were also engaged in the pursuit, but at Abner's entreaty they desisted and returned. 2 Sam 2. As David's strength increased, the house of Saul, though faithfully served by Abner, became gradually weaker, till at length Ish-bosheth charged Abner with an offence against Saul's family. 2 Sam 3:7.
He had taken Rizpah, the concubine of Saul, into his harem, and this act was interpreted according to Oriental ideas as an attempt to seize the throne. He was exceedingly irritated by the charge, and immediately forsook the interests of Saul's house and espoused the cause of David. David received him cordially, and sent him away in peace to persuade Israel to submit to David's government. While he was gone on this errand, Joab returned ; and hearing what had been done, he went to the king and warned him against Abner as a spy and traitor.
Soon after, and without David's knowledge, Joab sent for Abner ; and when he arrived, took him aside privately, and murdered him in revenge of the death of his brother Asahel ; and they buried him in Hebron. The estimation in which he was held by the king and people appears from the sacred history. The king wept and refused his food, and all the people wept; "And the king said unto his servants. " 2 Sam 3:38.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
father of light