Abner Joins Forces With David

II Samuel 3:1–25
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Israel and Judah had lost sight of God’s plan for them to settle in the land (Gen. 12:7), to drive out the Canaanites (Deut. 7:1-4), and to obey God’s laws (Deut. 8:1). Instead of uniting to accomplish these goals they fought each other (v. 1). More and more the people of Israel were in support of David even though Ishbosheth was their king. In actuality Ishbosheth was a figurehead more than a real king. It was Abner who was in control. During the seven plus years at Hebron David continued to prosper. He took three additional wives, one of whom was the daughter of the king of Geshur. Each of his wives bore him one son during this period (vv. 2-5).

Early on Abner was very loyal to the house of Saul. At the same time he viewed David as a threat to the nation (v. 6). He took a concubine of Saul’s as one of his own which was a common practice in those days when someone wanted to indicate his succession to a king. When Ishbosheth found out about this he rebuked Abner (v. 7). In anger Abner responded that he would now work to deliver the kingdom of Saul over to David and proceeded to make an agreement with David to do this (vv. 8-12). Before David would consider a covenant, however, he insisted that his first wife Michal, daughter of Saul, be returned to him (vv. 13-14). Ishbosheth sent and took her from her husband while Abner communicated with the elders of Israel about surrendering to David’s leadership (vv. 15-19).

When Joab found out that David had entertained Abner at a feast (v. 20) and made overtures of friendship to him (vv. 21-23) he rebuked him saying that Abner’s purpose was to spy on David (vv. 24-25). Possibly he said this because he was afraid of Abner taking his job as military leader away.

Application

To Abner, God was someone whom he would cooperate with if it suited his plans. Otherwise he did what seemed best to him at the time. It can be so easy for me to do the same thing. Obedience is easy when God’s word fits my plans but what do I do when his plans are contrary to my plans!