1 Samuel 14:50

King James Version (KJV)

And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle.

Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

The only other “Ahimaaz” mentioned in Scripture was the son of Zadok the priest. The word “Ahi” (brother) is frequently found in composition in names in the High Priest‘s family, e. g. in Ahijah, Ahimelech. It is not improbable that Ahimaaz may have been of this family, as marriages between the reval and priestly houses were not unusual 2 Kings 11:2; 2 Chronicles 22:11, and perhaps it may have been owing to such a connection that Ahijah was brought into prominence by Saul. If there be any truth in the above supposition, it would be an indication that Saul was not married until after his election to the throne.

Was this helpful?

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Here is a general account of Saul's court and camp. He had little reason to be proud of his royal dignity, nor had any of his neighbours cause to envy him, for he had but little enjoyment after he took the kingdom. And often men's earthly glory makes a blaze just before the dark night of disgrace and woe comes on them.

Was this helpful?

SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

50. Abner, the son of Ner. This verse alone does not make it entirely clear whether Abner or Ner was Saul’s uncle. Ner is called the son of Abiel (v. 51) and also of Jehiel (1 Chron. 9:35, 36); therefore it is probable that Abiel and Jehiel are two names for the same man (see on Ex. 2:18). Since Kish, the father of Saul, is also called “the son of Abiel” (1 Sam. 9:1), it might seem that Kish and Ner were brothers, but the record says that “Ner begat Kish” (1 Chron. 9:39). This apparent contradiction involves a difference not merely of names but of generations, for Ner is also called the son of Abiel. Yet this does not necessarily mean a conflict between the books of Samuel and Chronicles. As elsewhere in the Scriptures, independent accounts seem to differ in the details presented, but are found to harmonize when examined in the light of Hebrew customs and modes of thought and expression. There are two possible situations that might explain these differing names: (1) The list in 1 Sam. 9:1 may have omitted the name of Ner and recorded Kish as the (grand)son of Abiel, for “son” is sometimes used of a grandson or even a more remote descendant, and Bible genealogies do not always include every link in the chain (see on 1 Kings 19:16; Dan. 5:11, 13, 18; see also Vol. I, pp. 181, 186). (2) Kish the son of Ner may have become his grandfather’s son by adoption, as Joseph’s children Manasseh and Ephraim became the sons of Jacob and were listed among his sons as heads of tribes (Gen. 48:5, 6; Num. 1:10; Joshua 14:4). Either of these explanations, which would be in harmony with the facts given, would make Abner the uncle of Saul. For similar cases, see on Num. 10:29 and Matt. 1:12.

chapter 15

1 Samuel sendeth Saul to destroy Amalek. 6 Saul favoureth the Kenites. 8 He spareth Agag and the best of the spoil. 10 Samuel denounceth unto Saul, commending and excusing himself, God’s rejection of him for his disobedience. 24 Saul’s humiliation. 32 Samuel killeth Agag. 34 Samuel and Saul part.

1. Hearken thou. Literally, “hear,” with the additional thought of obeying. Samuel implied that Saul had once heard the specifications laid down regarding his presence at Gilgal, but was not obedient. Now he was to be tested again to see whether he would carry out the wishes of God, or again yield to his own desires.

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Patriarchs and Prophets, 698

The Philistines did not oppose the action of Judah in making David king. They had befriended him in his exile, in order to harass and weaken the kingdom of Saul, and now they hoped that because of their former kindness to David the extension of his power would, in the end, work to their advantage. But David's reign was not to be free from trouble. With his coronation began the dark record of conspiracy and rebellion. David did not sit upon a traitor's throne; God had chosen him to be king of Israel, and there had been no occasion for distrust or opposition. Yet hardly had his authority been acknowledged by the men of Judah, when through the influence of Abner, Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, was proclaimed king, and set upon a rival throne in Israel. PP 698.1

Ishbosheth was but a weak and incompetent representative of the house of Saul, while David was pre-eminently qualified to bear the responsibilities of the kingdom. Abner, the chief agent in raising Ishbosheth to kingly power, had been commander-in-chief of Saul's army, and was the most distinguished man in Israel. Abner knew that David had been appointed by the Lord to the throne of Israel, but having so long hunted and pursued him, he was not now willing that the son of Jesse should succeed to the kingdom over which Saul had reigned. PP 698.2

The circumstances under which Abner was placed served to develop his real character and showed him to be ambitious and unprincipled. He had been intimately associated with Saul and had been influenced by the spirit of the king to despise the man whom God had chosen to reign over Israel. His hatred had been increased by the cutting rebuke that David had given him at the time when the cruse of water and the spear of the king had been taken from the side of Saul as he slept in the camp. He remembered how David had cried in the hearing of the king and the people of Israel, “Art not thou a valiant man? and who is like to thee in Israel? wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the king? ... This thing is not good that thou hast done. As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the Lord's anointed.” This reproof had rankled in his breast, and he determined to carry out his revengeful purpose and create division in Israel, whereby he himself might be exalted. He employed the representative of departed royalty to advance his own selfish ambitions and purposes. He knew that the people loved Jonathan. His memory was cherished, and Saul's first successful campaigns had not been forgotten by the army. With determination worthy a better cause, this rebellious leader went forward to carry out his plans. PP 698.3

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Cross References

the name of the captain

1 Samuel 17:55

2 Samuel 2:8

2 Samuel 3:27

The Ministry of Samuel and Anointment of Saul

Saul, 1000 BCE

The Kingdom of Saul and His Wars

BibleTools.info

Bible Verse Explanations and Resources

1 Samuel 14:50