33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
33 The king sang this lament for Abner: "Should Abner have died as the lawless die?
33 And the king lamented for Abner, saying, "Should Abner die as a fool dies?
33 Then the king sang this tribute to Abner: Can this be? Abner dead like a nameless bum?
33 And the king sang a lament over Abner and said: "Should Abner die as a fool dies?
33 Then the king sang this funeral song for Abner: "Should Abner have died as fools die?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:33
Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22-39
(Read 2 Samuel 3:22-39)
Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner; but Joab, in what he did, acted wickedly. David laid Abner's murder deeply to heart, and in many ways expressed his detestation of it. The guilt of blood brings a curse upon families: if men do not avenge it, God will. It is a sad thing to die like a fool, as they do that any way shorten their own days, and those who make no provision for another world. Who would be fond of power, when a man may have the name of it, and must be accountable for it, yet is hampered in the use of it? David ought to have done his duty, and then trusted God with the issue. Carnal policy spared Joab. The Son of David may long delay, but never fails to punish impenitent sinners. He who now reigns upon the throne of David, has a kingdom of a nobler kind. Whatever He doeth, is noticed by all his willing people, and is pleasing to them.