2 Samuel 3:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David orders public mourning for Abner and personally walks behind the funeral bier.
What Does 2 Samuel 3:31 Mean?
David commands Joab and the people to tear their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn for Abner, and the king himself walks behind the funeral bier. He even compels Joab to grieve the man he killed.
David's public sorrow is both genuine and wise. By leading the mourning, he honors a fallen leader and makes plain to all Israel that he abhorred the murder. Even toward a former enemy, David shows honor in death. There is dignity in grieving rightly, and a leader who mourns the slain reveals a heart that values life and answers cruelty with humility.
2 Samuel 3:31 in the Original Language
saq (שַׂק), 'sackcloth' -- coarse cloth worn against the skin as a sign of mourning and grief.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 3:31
What does 2 Samuel 3:31 mean?
David orders public mourning for Abner and personally walks behind the funeral bier.