Abner Joins David. May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David just as the LORD has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah from Dan [in the north] to Beersheba [in the south].” 2Sa 3:9-10
THE REIGN OF DAVID
INTRODUCTION
The Second Book of Samuel is devoted entirely to the reign of David. His coronation, first by Judah and then by all of the tribes, his wars and conquests, his care for the religious life of the people, his sins, and the calamities he suffered, are impartially set forth in vivid and convincing narrative.
“A very notable thing in the books of Samuel,” says James Robertson, “is the prominence given to music and song. There is in these books an unusual number of poetical pieces ascribed to this period, and all the indications put together give ample justification for the fame of David as the sweet singer of Israel, and for the ascription to him of the origin of that volume of sacred song which never ceased in Israel, and has become embodied in the Psalms.”
6. How was Abner alienated from Ishbosheth?
ABNER JOINS DAVID
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David grew steadily stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker [to the point of being powerless].
Sons were born to David in Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;
his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third, Absalom the son of [his wife] Maacah, daughter of Talmai the king of Geshur;
the fourth, Adonijah the son of [his wife] Haggith; the fifth, Shephatiah the son of [his wife] Abital;
and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These [sons] were born to David in Hebron.
Now while war continued between the houses of Saul and David, Abner was proving himself strong in the house of Saul.
Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah the daughter of Aiah; and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”
Then Abner was very angry at the words of Ish-bosheth, and he said, “Am I a dog’s head [a despicable traitor] that belongs to Judah? Today I show loyalty and kindness to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers and his friends, by not having you handed over to David; and yet you charge me today with guilt concerning this woman.
May God do so to Abner, and more also, if I do not do for David just as the LORD has sworn to him,
to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul, and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah from Dan [in the north] to Beersheba [in the south].”
And Ish-bosheth could not say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.
ABNER JOINS DAVID
A SPLIT IN THE ENEMY’S RANKS
Abner’s career reveals the principles on which ambitious men build their lives. He was, according to David’s estimate, a great man and a prince, but his soul was eager for his own advancement. “He made himself strong in the house of Saul,” 2Sa_3:6, R.V. He knew that David was God’s appointed king and that through him the divine purpose would move, 2Sa_3:10; 2Sa_3:18; but yet, because it seemed likely to insure his own advancement, he set Ish-bosheth on the throne. It was a deliberate attempt to thwart God’s will, and it failed miserably. “Woe to him that striveth with his Maker!”
Ish-bosheth was a poor weak soul, a mere puppet king, who was set on the throne because he was likely to be pliant in the hands of his great general. Yet even he was aroused to protest when Abner threatened to desert him. And so the alliance between ambition and weakness was broken and the way was made for David to come to the throne of all Israel. In the meantime he ruled at Hebron, waiting, as our Lord waits at the Father’s right hand, till His enemies should be made His footstool, Act_2:34-35.
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