2 Samuel 3:1 – 21 “Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel; his second was Chileab, by Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.
During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul. Meanwhile, Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”
Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David as the LORD has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”
And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.
Then Abner sent messengers in his place to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be on your side to turn all Israel to you.”
“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”
Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”
So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.
Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies.’”
Abner also spoke to the Benjamites and went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and the whole house of Benjamin. When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.
Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.”
So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.”
David is persistently consolidating his position and continuing to build his family. David now has three wives and six sons. Meanwhile, it has become obvious that Abner is actually controlling Ish – bosheth and Israel. When Abner sleeps with one of Saul’s concubines, Ish – bosheth complains, only for Abner to explode in anger. “May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David as the LORD has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” Hmm. All this time, Abner has been well aware that the Lord has sworn to David to establish the throne of David. Evidently, Abner has been hoping that David’s ascent to power will take place sometime in the future; however, it is becoming obvious that David’s power is growing daily. Although Abner is Saul’s cousin and has tried to remain loyal to Saul’s family, Ish – bosheth’s idea of how to wield power is to fuss at Abner for a minor sexual peccadillo. As a highly successful military commander, Abner feels that he should certainly have access to a concubine of minimal social standing.
Abner is no fool; it’s clear that Ish – bosheth’s remaining days as a king are numbered. Abner likes power; there’s no point in backing a losing cause, even if it’s your cousin. Without delay, Abner begins his campaign. First, Abner sends messengers to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be on your side to turn all Israel to you.”
“Great!” says David. “You can come see me, but bring my wife Michal with you.” Poor Michal! In the beginning, Michal really did love David, who killed 200 Philistines to win her hand; however, Saul took her away from David and gave her to a man named Paltiel. Paltiel evidently has loved Michal dearly and is broken – hearted when Abner collects her and sends her to David. David makes this demand because of the suffering he endured to win Michal; he feels this is politically necessary. (Personally, I wish he had left Michal to remain with Paltiel; David’s relationship with Michal is terrible from this point forward.)
Next, Abner confers with the elders of Israel and the Benjamites, securing their support for David as well. Abner and twenty of his men then come to David, who receives Abner gladly, gives him a feast, and then sends him away in peace. David is a pragmatist. If Abner can help garner support for David, why not let him do everything he can? After all, when things were really desperate, David even went to live with the Philistines for a while. At least Abner is an Israelite.
APPLICATION: Politics has existed as long as the human race has been around, and very few things have changed. Clever politicians continually assess potential leaders, determining whom they should support. Disillusioned with Ish – bosheth, Abner swiftly changes his allegiance to David. What’s amazing is that all this time, Abner has been fully aware that God has selected David to succeed Saul. Why has Abner been supporting Ish – bosheth? Perhaps Abner has been getting rich from the Israelite court; certainly, Ish – bosheth is in no position to criticize or correct Abner. But Abner figures it’s time to move on.
Does David totally trust Abner? Highly doubtful! David is a bright guy and Abner’s motives are obvious. But David is not interested in fighting any more battles with the Israelites than necessary. If Abner can make good on his promises and deliver Benjamin and Israel, so much the better.
“But,” you ask, “I thought David was a man after God’s own heart! What’s David doing making alliances with a self – serving military leader?” Good question. The point here is that God can use all kinds of people to fulfill His perfect plans. While Abner is acting purely out of self – interest, he is still helping rally the rest of Israel behind David. Our minds may be limited, but God’s knowledge is infinite. Even when we can’t imagine what God’s up to, He is still working out His purposes.
Early in 1999, we were house – sitting in Kumasi, Ghana and wondering what God wanted us to do. A short commitment at one clinic had ended and we had no idea where we were to go next. That’s when God had us call the Regional Director of Health Services for the Northern Region. As soon as the Regional Director heard that we were available, he demanded that we appear in his office ASAP. I joined the Ghana Health Service and we were posted to a mission hospital where we served for five years before coming to our current post. God had to bring us to the point of near – despair before we were willing to be open to His next move for us. Don’t put God in a box!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You that no matter what happens, Your plans will continue to go forward. Thank You for working things out for us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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