2 Samuel 3:1-21
Q.1. How did the reign of Ish-bosheth go? What are we to understand by David’s marriages? How did Abner react to the accusation of Ish-bosheth? What did he determine to do? – (2 Sam.3:1-11)
Ish-bosheth did not enjoy a smooth reign, because – there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually (2 Sam.3:1). Abner was also undermining Ishbosheth’s position (2 Sam.3:6). Though David was not condemned by God for his numerous marriages, his family life was far from happy (2 Sam.3:2-5, 13 c.f. 2 Sam.20-23; 11:2-5). His divided family produced sons who brought him much grief (2 Sam.13:14, 20-22; 24-39; 15:13-14; 18:33). David was one of the greatest saints in the Bible. However, his godliness did not always translate to his children. In a turn of events, Ish-bosheth offended Abner. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sleeping with Saul’s concubine. It was either an untrue rumour, or Abner believed he was owed a favour by the house of Saul. (2 Sam.3:6-8 c.f. 1 Kgs.12:15). The reason why Saul’s dynasty had continued, had been on account of Abner. He reacted – 9 May God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba (2 Sam.3:9-10).
Q.2. What offer did Abner make to David? How did David test Abner’s genuineness? How did Abner gain the agreement of the elders of Israel? Did David agree with the plan? – (2 Sam.3:12-21)
Soon after, Abner sent messengers to ask David for a covenant, in return for his support in unifying Israel under David’s reign (2 Sam.3:12). Before agreeing, David wisely tested Abner’s genuineness, by asking him to bring back to him his first love Michal, who was also Ishbosheth’s sister. Previously David had killed a hundred Philistines as a dowry for Michal (2 Sam.3:13-14 c.f. 1 Sam.18:25-27). However, Michal never got over leaving her husband, Paltiel, and her reunion with David, as one of his many wives, was far from happy. Providentially, they never had children. If they had, this would have compromised David’s messianic line through the tribe of Judah (2 Sam.3:15-16 c.f. 2 Sam.6:20-23). Abner set about to gain the support of the elders of Israel and reminded them – In times past you were seeking for David to be king over you (2 Sam.3:17). He was also able to persuade Saul’s tribe of Benjamin to throw in their lot with David – 20 Then Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. 21 Abner said to David, “Let me arise and go and gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may be king over all that your soul desires.” Then David sent Abner away, and he went in peace (2 Sam.3:20-21). All was progressing well.