2 Samuel 3

2 Samuel 3

As the war between the house of David and the descendants of Saul continued, God slowly turned things over in David’s favor. David and his family grew stronger, and many sons were born to David. These are the children that will play a pivotal role in the book of 2 Samuel. As for the descendants of Saul, they grew weaker, and eventually wars broke out amongst themselves. For instance, Abner had been of great help for Ish-bosheth, but when Ish-bosheth accused Abner of taking one of his father’s concubines, their friendship and alliance broke down. Abner was hurt that Ish-bosheth would think such a thing, and he stood his ground, rightfully upset with Ish-bosheth. So Abner decided to turn his back on Ish-bosheth and join forces with David.


But Abner’s motives were all wrong. While he was being truthful with David about helping him gain control of all Israel, as had been promised by God, he was doing it not for David’s benefit but to get back at Ish-bosheth. Furthermore, Joab, one of David’s men, was rightfully concerned about Abner’s sudden allegiance to David. Knowing that Abner had been loyal to Ish-bosheth and had fought against David for so long, he questioned whether Abner’s motives were true. This then created strife between David and Joab. While David wanted to trust Abner, Joab was afraid that they were going to be defeated because of David’s blind faith and trust in Abner.

So Joab decided to take matters in his own hands without consulting David. He called Abner back to meet with him, and when Abner returned, Joab murdered him. Of course, word returned to David of what Joab had done, and he was rightfully upset with Joab’s rash actions. So David condemned Joab for murdering Abner and led the nation in a state of mourning over Abner’s death.

So who was at fault in this twisted and confusing story? In a sense almost every single one of them are at fault, except David. First Ish-bosheth wrongfully accused Abner, but then Abner did not handle the situation properly. Instead of working things out with Ish-bosheth, he fought against him with David. While it was a good move to align with David, for he was the one who was truly following God, Abner did it for the wrong reasons (out of spite and revenge). Then there was Joab, who was one of David’s trusted men. While he was right in worrying about Abner’s true motives, he should have learned to have had more faith. It was alright for him to be cautious, but when he spoke with David and realized that David trusted Abner, he should have left it at that. Even he did not trust Abner, murder should have been the last thing he thought of. In the end, David showed why he had been chosen by God. He handled the situation very well. He trusted Abner, and defended Abner in the end, even over his own man, Joab. He did not approve of Joab’s actions, even though Joab was one of his men.

One lesson we can learn from David is that we cannot support sin even if that means turning away from our closest friends and family members. Of course, we should not turn our backs on them forever and never try to restore that relationship. Instead, we should show them love and seek to restore what was lost, but we cannot support their sinful actions. Although it may be hard, what is worse, losing that family member or friend for a short time here on earth or for eternity?

Matt