2 Samuel 3:39 (BSB)

And I am weak this day, though anointed as king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too fierce for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!”

From 2 Samuel 3. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:39

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:22-39: We have here an account of the murder of Abner by Joab, and David's deep resentment of it. I. Joab very insolently fell foul upon David for treating with Abner. He happened to be abroad upon service when Abner was with David, pursuing a troop, either of Philistines or of Saul's party; but, upon his return, he was informed that Abner was just gone (Sa2...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on 2 Samuel 3:39: And I am this day weak, though anointed king,.... Which seems to be given as a reason, or for an excuse why he did not inflict just punishment upon the murderer, according to the law of God, because he was "weak"; not in body or mind, but with respect to the kingdom, that was like a tender branch, or in its infant state; and great...
• Adam Clarke (Methodist), Clarke's Commentary on the Bible on 2 Samuel 3:39: I am this day weak - Had Abner lived, all the tribes of Israel would have been brought under my government. Though anointed king - I have little else than the title: first, having only one tribe under my government; and secondly, the sons of Zeruiah, Joab and his brethren, having usurped all the power, and reduced me to the shadow of royalty.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on 2 Samuel 3:6-39: 2Sa 3:6-39 Decline of the House of Saul. - 2Sa 3:6-11. Abner’s quarrel with Ishbosheth. - During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner adhered firmly to the house of Saul, but he appropriated one of Saul’s concubines to himself.