06 Abner Joins David?

As 2 Samuel 3 begins, one might well think they’re reading an overview of a current-day political scandal or novel. Yet, it in reality, it shows the machinations and fleshly impulses that are often present behind-the-scenes in many areas of society.

The chapter begins during what would become a two-year war between Israel and Judah, after David was anointed king of Judah, and Abner (Saul’s former military commander) made Ishbosheth (Saul’s lone remaining son) king of Israel:

2 Samuel 3:1

While David’s hold over Judah, and reputation in general grew stronger, Ishbosheth’s grip over Israel weakened, greatly because he was for the most part, a puppet of Abner.

1 David’s Family Grows

When David and his two wives, and his six hundred men returned to Judah from Philistia, David did not have any children.

It wasn’t until he settled in Hebron that he then married additional women, and acquired concubines, that he would then also father several children:

2 Samuel 3:2-5

The fact that David had multiplied wives, in addition to several concubines, showed a weakness that would plague him throughout his life. The fact that he fathered children by many women, would lead to familial dysfunction and jealousies that would even result in David being forced from the throne at one point, by one of his sons.

But this is also a one of those areas, which was a portent for what we see played out before us on a daily basis.

David’s multiplication of wives, was in direct disobedience to God’s commandment:

Deuteronomy 17:17

God alone, set’s the parameters for marriage (one man and one woman) since it is He who established it.

David however, found himself following the practice of most pagan kings, who would often have several wives and “royal” concubines.

2 Abner’s Scandal

David wasn’t the only high-profile individual involved in scandalous behavior, as Abner seems to have been as well:

2 Samuel 3:6-7

As Abner strengthened his hold on Israel, it appears as though he felt privileged to act much in the way kings would.

According to the passage, King Ishbosheth accused Abner of taking the late king Saul’s royal concubine.

It’s possible, that Abner desired to live like a king, even though he couldn’t be king himself. It’s also highly possible that he felt he had the power to manipulate Ishbosheth, who he’d established as monarch.

However, Ishbosheth confronted Abner, about his breach, which was illegal according to the law of that day. The concubine would have been considered to be “royal property” even after the king’s death. Therefore, anyone taking her for himself, would have been in effect attempting to usurp the monarchy, by committing a treasonous act of “laying claim” to the throne.

Therefore, Ishbosheth posed a question to Abner, that would have spoken to Saul’s disloyalty to the royal family, as well as brazenly breaking a known law.

3 Abner’s Response

Abner, seemed both surprised and offended that Ishbosheth would confront him over the situation:

2 Samuel 3:8-11

Abner’s response, indicated that he believed that he was above being questioned for his actions, especially since it was he, who had established Ishbosheth as king

 

Some have conjectured, that Ishbosheth was only levelling an accusation against Abner, one which was not even substantiated. The premise is that the king was so afraid of the power Abner had obtained, that he believed the only way he could remain in power himself, was to have Abner removed for treason (which carried a death sentence.)

Of course, that is pure speculation, as the Scripture doesn’t address that situation.

However, verse 11 states that Ishbosheth feared Abner.

One thing which is certain, is that Abner fully understood that David had been God’s choice as king, for the entire nation:

2 Samuel 2:9

That shows, how Abner had been willing to go against God’s plan, by installing Ishbosheth as king.

While Abner presented his case, as though everything he had done, was out of loyalty to Saul and his family, the reality, is that it had been an absolute “power grab” on his part, since he knew Ishbosheth’s weakness, would only mean more opportunity for him to assert himself, and further establish his own agendas.

Abner was so angered by Ishbosheth’s challenge, that he threatened to give his allegiance to David, and therefore to recommend that the entire nation follow David as king.

The Scripture shows the extent of both Ishbosheth’s weakness and his fear of Abner, that he didn’t even respond.

4 Abner Joins David

Abner proposed making a covenant, literally “an agreement” with David, that he would ensure that those who were under Ishbosheth (the kingdom of Israel) would give allegiance to him as their king:

2 Samuel 3:12

Whether or not David completely trusted Abner, he should sincerity of heart, showing that just as he had not held ill-will against Saul despite the king’s personal actions toward him, in the same way he was willing to deal with Abner in a straightforward manner.

David’s actions, call to mind the words of Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 7:12

Even so, David had an unusual condition/request for Abner:

2 Samuel 3:13-14

David desired that his former wife (Saul’s daughter) Michal be brought to him.

Saul had taken her from David, and given her to another man, after she had helped David escape, during one of Saul’s attempts on his life.

Now, nearly two decades later, David conditioned his agreement with Abner, based upon Michal being brought back to him.

David then sent word via messengers to Ishbosheth of his condition. The king had her taken from her husband, who was understandably so heartbroken, that he began following after her on her journey towards Judah, when Abner turned him away and commanded that he return home.

But this also was a window into the problem in David’s life, as he had a weakness of the flesh for multiple women.