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   The repeated use of “all” in 2 Samuel 3 (17 times) reinforces the   
   passage’s stress on total allegiance, total transfer of loyalty, and   
   total disclosure. The word carries weight in the flow of the narrative,   
   and several patterns emerge.   
      
   First, “all” highlights Abner’s rising influence in Saul’s house.   
   Ish-bosheth confronts him and fears him because Abner controlled “all   
   Israel.” This broad reach explains why Abner’s defection carries such   
   significance. His shift does not affect a small circle. It affects “all   
   the elders of Israel” and “all Israel and Judah.” The writer uses   
   “all”   
   to show sweeping authority moving from Saul’s failing dynasty toward David.   
      
   Second, “all” marks Abner’s persuasion. When he speaks to Benjamin, then   
   to all Israel, he appeals to what the tribes already desired: David’s   
   rule over all Israel. This repetition points to God’s promise that David   
   would shepherd the entire nation (2 Samuel 3:18). The narrative uses   
   “all” to portray a national consensus moving into alignment with God’s   
   plan. God already promised David the throne of all Israel, and the   
   tribes now recognize it.   
      
   Third, “all” underscores Joab’s secrecy and guilt. After Joab kills   
   Abner, David distances himself before “all the people” and “all   
   Israel.”   
   The public nature of the lament, the funeral, and David’s refusal to eat   
   until evening displays his innocence to all who watched. The word binds   
   the people together as witnesses. It shows that David held no grudge and   
   sought peace, unlike Joab whose actions stirred renewed tension.   
      
   Fourth, “all” shows the people’s discernment. The people recognized   
   “all” that David had done that day pleased them. This pattern reinforces   
   the theme of public vindication. David acted righteously before all   
   Israel. God used this broad witness to strengthen David’s legitimacy.   
      
   Altogether, the word “all” in this chapter emphasizes totality in four   
   spheres: total national loyalty shifting toward David, total persuasion   
   by Abner, total public witness to David’s innocence, and total agreement   
   among the people about David’s integrity. It reinforces how God advanced   
   His promise to give David rule over all Israel (2 Samuel 3:18).   
      
   --   
   Have you heard the good news Christ died for our sins (†), and God   
   raised Him from the dead?   
      
   That Christ died for our sins shows we're sinners who deserve the death   
   penalty. That God raised Him from the dead shows Christ's death   
   satisfied God's righteous demands against our sin (Romans 3:25; 1 John   
   2:1-2). This means God can now remain just, while forgiving you of your   
   sins, and saving you from eternal damnation.   
      
   On the basis of Christ's death and resurrection for our sins, call on   
   the name of the Lord to save you: "For 'everyone who calls on the name   
   of the Lord will be saved'" (Romans 10:13, ESV).   
      
   https://christrose.news/salvation   
      
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   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)