The Tragic Story of Abner: Loyalty, Betrayal, and Violence in the Bible

In the Bible, Abner is a name that appears in the book of 2 Samuel. He was the commander of Saul's army and later became a key figure in the conflict between the houses of David and Saul.

Abner was the son of Ner, who was one of Saul's brothers. He was known for his bravery and military skill, and he became the leader of Saul's army after the death of Jonathan, Saul's eldest son.

In 2 Samuel 2:13-3:4, Abner plays a significant role in the conflict between David and Saul. He is appointed by Saul to lead an attack on David, but instead of fighting against David, Abner becomes a secret ally of David and helps him gain support among the tribes of Israel. However, when Saul finds out about Abner's betrayal, he kills him in a fit of rage.

Overall, Abner is portrayed as a complex character who is torn between his loyalty to Saul and his admiration for David's leadership abilities. His story highlights the political intrigue and violence that marked the early years of King David's reign.