The name Abner (also spelled Abiner) is a compound of ab (father) and ner (lamp, light). It means 'my father is a lamp' or 'the father is a light.' Abner was the commander of King Saul's army and a pivotal figure in the transition from Saul's dynasty to David's reign.
Abner son of Ner was the general of Israel's armies under King Saul and the most powerful military figure of his day (1 Samuel 14:51). After Saul's death, Abner set up Ish-bosheth as king over Israel in opposition to David (2 Samuel 2:8). His name — 'my father is a lamp' — ironically fits his role as the one who tried to keep the fading flame of Saul's house burning. After a series of battles, Abner sought peace with David, but was treacherously killed by Joab (2 Samuel 3:27). David mourned him, saying, 'A prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel' (2 Samuel 3:38), acknowledging the tragic loss of a leader whose light was extinguished too soon.