Bible Figure

Abner

Male • Old Testament

cousin of King Saul and commander of his army, assassinated by Yoav

Abner was Saul's cousin and commander of his army who supported Ish-bosheth after Saul's death before transferring his allegiance to David.

Biography

Abner son of Ner commanded Saul's army and appears repeatedly during David's rise. After Saul died, Abner installed Saul's son Ish-bosheth over much of Israel, producing conflict with David's house in Judah. A confrontation at Gibeon led to battle, during which Abner killed Joab's brother Asahel after repeatedly warning him to turn aside. Later a dispute with Ish-bosheth caused Abner to negotiate with David and promise to bring Israel under David's kingship. David received him peacefully, but Joab murdered Abner in revenge for Asahel. David publicly mourned Abner, denied complicity, and lamented that a great man had fallen in Israel.

Biblical Significance

Abner's death illustrates the violent rivalries surrounding Israel's transition from Saul to David. David's mourning and repudiation of Joab's revenge helped demonstrate that his kingship was not being established through secret assassination.