2 Samuel 3:18 net — Act now! For the LORD has said to David,‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philisti…

NET Bible

"Act now! For the LORD has said to David,‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.’”"

— 2 Samuel 3:18, NET Bible

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2 Samuel 3:18 in Other Translations

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2 Samuel 3 — Context

15

So Ish-bosheth took her from her husband Paltiel son of Laish.

16

Her husband went along behind her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Finally Abner said to him,“Go back!” So he returned home.

17

Abner advised the elders of Israel,“Previously you were wanting David to be your king.

18

Act now! For the LORD has said to David,‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.’”

19

Then Abner spoke privately with the Benjaminites. Abner also went to Hebron to inform David privately of all that Israel and the entire house of Benjamin had agreed to.

20

When Abner, accompanied by twenty men, came to David in Hebron, David prepared a banquet for Abner and the men who were with him.

21

Abner said to David,“Let me leave so that I may go and gather all Israel to my lord the king so that they may make an agreement with you. Then you will rule over all that you desire.” So David sent Abner away, and he left in peace.

2 Samuel 3:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 2 Samuel 3:18 say?
2 Samuel 3:18 in the NET Bible reads: “Act now! For the LORD has said to David,‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.’””
Where is 2 Samuel 3:18 in the Bible?
2 Samuel 3:18 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 2 Samuel, chapter 3, verse 18.
Who wrote 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Nathan and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 2 Samuel about?
2 Samuel records David's reign — his rise to the throne, the conquest of Jerusalem, the eternal covenant God makes with his house, and the moral failure with Bathsheba that fractures his family. From the highs of triumph to the depths of repentance, David remains the messianic prototype.
What are the major themes of 2 Samuel?
2 Samuel explores themes including Davidic Covenant, Sin & Repentance, Kingdom, Mercy, Consequences. These themes shape the meaning and context of 2 Samuel 3:18.
What translation should I read 2 Samuel 3:18 in?
2 Samuel 3:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 2 Samuel 3:18?
2 Samuel 3:18 reads (NET): “Act now! For the LORD has said to David,‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the Philistines and from all their enemies.’”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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