The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 3:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him: Rend your garments, and gird yourselves with sackcloths, and mourn before the funeral of Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּאמֶר֩ דָּוִ֨ד אֶל־יוֹאָ֜ב וְאֶל־כָּל־הָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־אִתּ֗וֹ קִרְע֤וּ בִגְדֵיכֶם֙ וְחִגְר֣וּ שַׂקִּ֔ים וְסִפְד֖וּ לִפְנֵ֣י אַבְנֵ֑ר וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ דָּוִ֔ד הֹלֵ֖ךְ אַחֲרֵ֥י הַמִּטָּֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

He recognized bravery, even among his adversaries, believing it essential to uphold justice not just for his own but also for those who bore arms against him. He respected Avenir, the courageous commander of his foes, who opposed him in battle. When Avenir sought peace, he granted him this kindness and honored him with a banquet. Upon Avenir’s treacherous death, David expressed his sorrow and grief, paying tribute by participating in the funeral procession.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.