John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. And Saul had a concubine, whose name [was] Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah , etc.] By whom he had two sons, ( 2 Samuel 21:8).
Josephus calls her father’s name Sibathus: and [Ishbosheth] said to Abner ; though the word “Ishbosheth” is not in the text, it is rightly supplied; for no other can be supposed to speak: wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine ? and defiled her; though perhaps it was not so much the act of uncleanness that so much offended him, or the dishonour reflected on him and his family thereby, as it discovered an ambitious view in Abner to get the kingdom into his own hands, to which this was the leading step; (see 1 Kings 2:22). Whether Abner was really guilty of this sin or no is not easy to determine; though, by his not absolutely denying it, it looks as if it was not merely a jealousy of Ishbosheth, or a false report made unto him; though, especially if he was not fully satisfied of it, it would have been his wisdom to have said nothing of it to him, since his continuance on the throne so much depended on him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-21 - Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes, who are to proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of being guilty. While me go on in sin, and apparently without concern, they are often consciou that they are fighting against God. Many mean to serve their ow purposes; and will betray those who trust them, when they can get an advantage. Yet the Lord serves his own designs, even by those who ar thus actuated by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. Ther was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was separated from his partly by her father's authority. Let no man set his heart on tha which he is not entitled to. If any disagreement has separated husban and wife, as they expect the blessing of God, let them be reconciled and live together in love.
Original Hebrew ולשׁאול7586 פלגשׁ6370 ושׁמה8034 רצפה7532 בת1323 איה345 ויאמר559 אל413 אבנר74 מדוע4069 באתה935 אל413 פילגשׁ6370 אבי׃1
