August 22, 2025
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Reading along with us in 2 Samuel and Acts? 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;……Continue Reading
This chapter is a bit like a soap opera. There is much intrigue as Israel decides what to do about the death of Saul, the anointed state of David, and whether he or a descendent of Saul will be the king of all Israel. It is difficult to know what to make of Abner, but it is wise for him to recognize the right place that David has and use his influence in Israel to convince them to make David king. If he does this after promoting Saul’s decedent as king in the last chapter, because he sees the tide shifting to David, that is not laudable. We should always do what is true and right independent of what people think. But it is definitely wrong for Joab to kill Abner. That is why God says vengeance is mine says the Lord. But David is wise to surely make sure Joab is held responsible for his death.
2 Samuel 3
Abner is a great example of where our hearts should not be in decision making! Abner’s decisions in this chapter and similar to his decision to force Ish-Bosheth as king in the first place are driven by pride. It seems obvious that he just wanted to be the puppet master behind the throne and when Ish-Bosheth actually tries to stand up to him Abner won’t have that! He jumps ship and goes where the crowd is leaning anyway, David, the true God chosen king, to see where he can again try to make himself a better position again. Another example of poor decision making is done by Joab, thinking it is our job to make things right by killing Abner. So important to check ourselves in whatever we are doing to really reveal our motivation and ask ourselves is this really what God wants or what I want!
Abner changes his allegiance to David. It is hard to discern right from wrong when it comes to war and kingdoms. However, God has anointed David, so there is where the kingdom rests.
2 Samuel 3
2 Samuel 3