September 29, 2021
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Reading along with us in 2 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Samuel 3 (NIV)
1 The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
2 Sons were born to David in Hebron:
His firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel;
3 his second, Kileab the son of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel;
the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
4 the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
5 and the sixth, Ithream the son of David’s wife Eglah.
So Abner sees the light and finally supports God’s desire for David to be king and David agrees to meet. It is funny that he requires Abner to return Michal. I remember that David did love her (Despite his hefty collection of wives at this point) but it also keeps him close to the inheritance of Saul as his son-in-law.
Joab, unfortunately, can not see past his distrust of Abner and his need to avenge his brother’s death and takes Abner’s life but David needs to separate himself from this act as Abner was just so instrumental in starting to reunite the tribes. Again we see the end result of not following God’s will is death and destruction this time for Joab and his family.
The civil war continues with David’s people getting stronger and Saul’s getting weaker. Eventually Abner asks to speak to David basically telling him that he (Abner) is willing to help him join Israel and Judah under David’s kingship as the Lord intended. However, Joab chooses to take revenge on Abner for killing his brother (in battle). David curses Joab for his actions and recognizes Abner as a great commander. David distances himself from the death of Abner if there is to be any hope a combining the kingdoms.
Well God’s plan for David to be king is unfolding and yet David’s weakness for women is revealed in the first verses. It is a weakness that many men share but God is always ready with the power to overcome sin when we make the choice to follow His ways. This same issue even effects Abner’s relationship with Ish-Bosheth. I think he doth protest too much? It is unfortunate that it is this event and the turn of the tide that leads Abner to support the idea that David should be king. This same knowledge and conviction of God’s will should have lead to different decisions all the way and could have avoided the civil war that has ensued. May we learn to follow God’s will independent of the circumstances and consequences.
So Abner comes to David and he accepts him. Joab is suspicious and takes matters into his own hands. It is so important for those under authority not to do this without discussing it with the one in authority. Joab thinks he knows better than David and probably thinks he is doing right and protecting David, but it is wrong for him to do so without discussing it with David and changing his mind. Now David has to call down curses on Joab and his family and distance himself from Joab’s crime. David also recognizes Abner and genuinely mourns for him and this does well in softening the hearts of Israel towards David.
2 Samuel 3
2 Samuel 3
David. Too many wives. Too many kids. That certainly ones to give David great heartache. One wife works excellent. CAN’T imagine two with more children. No thanks!! Abner seems like a good guy. David’s opponent for years. But they come to peace. CAN’T blame Abner for death of Joab’s brother. Abner warned him twice stop chasing me. Seems like Abner used God when he needed him. Otherwise he followed his own agenda
Abner recognizes God’s plan for David and they reconcile to unify Israel, but it is quickly sabotaged by Joab’s suspicion and desire for revenge.
Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39 And I am weak today, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. The Lord shall repay the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
Should Abner die as a fool dies?
Your hands were not bound
Nor your feet put into fetters;
As a man falls before wicked men, so you fell.”
I was thinking, “David is quite poetic.” Then I thought, oh yeah, he wrote Psalms. 😛
I can see why he has success with the ladies – good looking, a hero, plays the harp, and writes poetry.
2 Samuel 3