Today I read 2 Samuel 3, in which the long war between David’s and Saul’s people ends and Joab kills Abner. Today I considered that David knew how to inspire loyalty. We need to be careful who we allow to have power and remember who has a reason to want you to harm you.
David Pleases Israel
David knew how to grow strong over those he led and how to win the people that just came under him (2 Samuel 3:1-39). David’s people were winning in the long war against Saul’s people whom were led by Abner. David’s first six children by different women were born. Abner grabbed so much power he slept with one of Saul’s women. When Ishbosheth confronted Saul, Saul threatened Ishbosheth and Ishbosheth was afraid. Abner sent to David that he wanted to negotiate and would hand over all of Israel. David sent to Abner and Ishbosheth that Saul’s daughter Michal had to be returned to him first. They sent Michal to David, and her husband Phaltiel followed behind her crying until Abner told him to turn back. Abner got Israel elders to agree to David as king. Then Abner visits David and comes to an agreement. Joab comes back and finds out Abner came and left in peace. Joab kills Abner, after finding him and taking him to the side like they were going to talk, because Abner killed his brother. David finds out about Abner’s death, says the entire fault lies on Joab’s family, has everyone mourn Abner, and even fasts until evening at Abner’s death. David’s actions pleased the people.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Abner was a leader that had gained the trust of many in Israel and they were following him. David’s agreement with Abner would mean that elders and leaders in Israel would turn to follow and trust David. David showing he was not responsible for Abner’s death, helped David please the people and gain their trust. Do you want a leader you can trust to keep his agreements?
Ishbosheth was king but did not have the power. The power was in Abner’s hands. Ishbosheth knew Abner’s actions were not always right but could not stop him. Maybe Ishbosheth would not have let Abner be in power at first if he had known, but it was too late. We have to think about who we are letting have power before they get stronger and not wait until we are powerless. When have you wished you did not give someone access to something or the ability to do something because of what they did?
Abner knew killing Abishai would make Joab angry, and Joab was over David’s warriors. Even though it had been some time since he killed Joab’s brother, Abner knew he had killed him. When asked to talk alone, Abner should have been suspicious. Would you go alone somewhere with someone you knew you wronged or hurt when they had not already told you they forgave you or you had done something to earn their forgiveness?