2 Samuel 3:38 Meaning and Explanation

David turns to his servants and declares that a prince and a great man has fallen that day in Israel. He recognizes Abner's stature and the gravity of the loss, even though Abner had been his opponent.

David is able to honor an enemy's true worth. He does not let past hostility blind him to the man's greatness or diminish the tragedy of his death. To esteem the good in those who opposed us is the mark of a generous and godly heart. David grieves not a rival defeated but a leader lost to Israel by a shameful crime.