08 David Mourns Abner

In the last portion of Second Samuel chapter 3, we’re shown several examples of relational dynamics, and most importantly, David’s reactions to those dynamics.

David was certainly upset, when hearing that Joab had murdered Abner (who had killed Joab’s brother Asahel):

2 Samuel 3:28-30

Yet, despite David’s obvious displeasure, he didn’t take any direct action against his cousin and top military commander.

On the other hand, David did have a strong emotional response:

1 David’s Command

While David often had troubled responding to relational problems within his family, that wasn’t the case regarding the nation:

2 Samuel 3:31-32

David proclaimed that there was to be an official time of mourning for Abner. That itself was interesting, since Abner had been Saul’s commander throughout much of the time when Saul had attempted to kill David. After Saul’s death, while Abner had installed Saul’s lone surviving son Ishbosheth as king of Israel, even though he knew God’s will was that David reign as king over the entire nation. Despite Ishbosheth being the king, to the people, Abner was the “face” of the kingdom, since he was the decision-maker behind the king. That in addition to the fact that Abner had killed David’s cousin Asahel, David still showed a great deal of grace and forgiveness toward Abner.

When David made the proclamation to mourn Abner, he directed his remarks directly to Joab and those with him. He knew Joab had murdered Abner out of anger, but he desired to show Joab, that as far as he and the nation were concerned, Abner had been wrongfully killed. David also wanted to show his general, that he did not want his kingdom to be known for such wanton violence. So, while David didn’t remove or demote Joab, by directing him to publicly mourn Abner, David was indeed punishing Joab for his actions.

At the end of verse 31, it is evident that David’s actions had been an example for the nation. And then in verse 32, the king was seen publicly weeping at Abner’s grave, the caused the rest of the people to do likewise.

2 Abner’s Wrongful Death

2 Samuel 3:33-34

While David never exonerated Abner for the killing of Asahel, by his actions, he was proclaiming that Abner should not have been murdered, and certainly in the manner he was. Knowing that Hebron had been appointed by the Lord as a sanctuary city, Joab waited for Abner at the gate of the city, where he killed him, thus ensuring that Abner didn’t enter the city, where he might have claimed sanctuary for killing Asahel. That would have prevented him from being killed before him being brought to trial. Joab’s actions were calculated and deceptive, and all purposely circumventing the law.

Therefore, David was effectively exposing Joab for his sin. Once again, we see that David wanted to ensure that his kingdom wouldn’t mirror much of what had taken place during Saul’s reign.

Jesus is also very concerned about the “spiritual temperature” of His church. Therefore, He will expose unconfessed sins, which invariably infect the church:

Mark 4:22

In verse 34, David spoke of how Abner had been killed, without having been shackled or in fetters, which pointed to how he hadn’t been arrested, but yet Joab orchestrated his murder, nonetheless.

In the later part of the verse, David spoke of how Abner had been killed much in the way that someone who be killed by a wicked man, which was now David’s estimation of his cousin Joab.

3 David’s Mourning

David not only mourned for Abner, but showed his frustration with two surviving cousins Joab and Abishai:

2 Samuel 3:35-39

David continued mourning for Abner, which was emphasized by fasting for a full day. Once again, this was an example of David’s gracious, and forgiving hear.

In verse 37, the people came to understand, that Joab had not acted with David’s direction or knowledge.

In verse 38, David advised his servants that a great man in Abner had been buried that day. He was speaking of Abner’s faithful service to the nation, despite the fact that at Saul’s direction, Abner had frequently been in pursuit of him.

This was therefore, another opportunity for David to set a godly example to the people, as he was showing the importance for having a forgiving spirit. Which is a picture of the love we’re to have for one another:

John 13:35

In verse 39, David once more presents a glimpse of his family situation, at least regarding his cousins:

2 Samuel 3:39

David was frustrated with the two men, and the fact that he was king, was of no benefit, since the two brothers were his cousins, the sons of his siter Zeruiah.

David in effect had given Joab over to the Lord, for God to deal with because of his actions.