ESV Reformation Study Bible – 2 Sam 4:1
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right 2 Samuel chevron-right 2 Sam 4:1
2 Sam 4:1

4:1 Abner had died. The death of Abner affected Ish-bosheth and “all Israel” the same way, but for different reasons. Ish-bosheth’s “courage failed” because he knew that Abner’s death meant the loss of the backbone of his government. Israel, on the other hand, “was dismayed” by what may have appeared as a rejection of their friendly overture to David (3:17–21).