By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, Office for Global Engagement, University of Mobile
CROWNED
2 Samuel 3:8–21
Last week we read that David had been crowned king over the tribe of Judah, but Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (“man of shame”) reigned over the other Israelite tribes.
The intervening passage described how the armies of Saul made war with David’s army. Judah grew stronger and Saul’s army lost momentum.
At the same time, Israel’s commanding general Abner gained power as one of the survivors in Saul’s family. This led to royal jealousy, false accusation and a new alliance.
A New Ally (8–11)
Abner had demonstrated faithfulness as a commander under Saul. When Ish-bosheth dishonored his cousin by accusing him of sexual misconduct, the general resigned his commission.
Abner reminded the king of his years of faithful service to the family and then warned Ish-bosheth that God was certain to accomplish His purposes. Abner called a curse upon himself if he did not accomplish God’s directive.
Scripture provides few details regarding the king’s spiritual condition or cultic practices. King Ish-bosheth (called Esh-Baal in 1 Chron. 9:39) had no reply to Abner’s prophetic announcement.
Whether he walked with Yahweh, served Canaanite fertility gods Baal and Asherah in the high places or hedged his bets by offering sacrifices to both like others before and after him, Ish-bosheth offered no response to Abner’s proclamation to align himself with the revealed Word of God. What could he say?
A Restored Relationship (12–16)
Then there was the other king. Abner and David had a history. The general first met David as a youth when he had no idea who David was. After this bold young warrior with a faith to match defeated Goliath, Abner brought him to King Saul (1 Sam. 17:55–58).
Later David crept into Saul’s camp, stole a spear and jug and then publicly rebuked Abner for not protecting the king (1 Sam. 26:9–16). David had shown himself a worthy adversary and Abner knew that God’s hand was upon David.
When Abner committed his allegiance to David in this passage, David asked him for a pledge of good faith. Abner was to retrieve Saul’s daughter Michal, who had been David’s wife. Readers may recall that Saul gave her away to another man (1 Sam. 25:44). If he would bring Michal to David, the king would trust him.
Abner found success and Michal’s brother Ish-bosheth allowed her to return to David.
A Consolidated Kingdom (17–21)
In order for the tribes of Israel to join forces Abner would have to convince them, especially the tribe of Benjamin, that Israel would fare better under David’s leadership than under Ish-bosheth.
Once again Abner invoked the name of Yahweh as the reason why all of Israel should commit to David.
God honors leaders who are committed to His purposes.
Abner’s commitment to honoring God earned David’s respect. Though they had been adversaries David allowed him to depart in peace.
Upon hearing the news of Abner’s death a short time later, David was heartbroken (2 Sam. 3:32–37).
Here is a lesson for us: When former foes hear the gospel, repent and trust Christ, we should rejoice that they have become members of our family.
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