David's offspring
2 Sam 3:1 Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
The war with Ishboseth's Israel began after his second year as king and continued for five years. David and Judah became stronger and stronger, as Saul's house declined in strength.
2 Sam 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
2 Sam 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
2 Sam 3:4 And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
2 Sam 3:5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
One of David's sins was polygamy, having six wives. It appears that he married to strengthen political ties and for wealth and to gain strength for his Kingdom. The children mentioned grew up in a home of strife and divisions. These offspring of David were not known for their good character. We will learn of some of these sons later in our studies.
Marriage is as our commitment to God. There is one God, who we are to love with all our heart and be committed to. Likewise there is to be only one husband committed to one wife, to raise committed children unto the Lord. Having six wives could be compared to having six gods. Divisions result in confusion and a lack of commitment.
Arrogant Abner
2 Sam 3:6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
Abner led the armies in defense of Israel, but there would be no war had Abner not have started it with his foolish playing with lives.
2 Sam 3:7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
Here is a show of power by Abner. The concubines were the property of the successor to King Saul. They were the property of his son, Ishbosheth, who Saul placed as king, only for his own selfish ambition. Abner in taking the concubine shows that it is he that is in power, not the king.
2 Sam 3:8 Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
An arrogant and ambitious Abner pretends to be offended at the kings words. He pretends to be protector and of a high moral character, without guile. "Am I a dogs head?" Yes, perhaps he was, and worse.
2 Sam 3:9 So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him;
2 Sam 3:10 To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
Now Abner pretending to be a victim of unjust criticism seeks revenge on his puppet king who he willfully set up as king in defiance of God's anointed King David. He would now take the throne from Saul's son and give it to David, the rightful heir. He is a proud, ambitious and evil man, a traitor to the king he was to serve.
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
2 Sam 3:11 And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
He feared Abner, because Abner was the real power keeping him as king. He was in bondage to him. Abner is a type of the devil. Seeking to give honor to people who deserve no honor, promising power and glory and then turning on them, making them slaves in fear.
Deliver Michal
2 Sam 3:12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
Whose is the land? The land belonged to the tribes, but Abner had power over Israel. Make a league with me, Abner, and I will deliver Israel to you, David.
2 Sam 3:13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
Michal had been given to him as a wife by Saul, making Saul a relative of Saul, a son by marriage. Michal was taken from David who was a fugitive for almost fifteen years, why does he seek back Michal who Saul gave to another man in marriage? It was to win favor with the elders of Israel.
2 Sam 3:14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
2 Sam 3:15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.
2 Sam 3:16 And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
The husband loved his wife and probably she loved Phaltiel too. This was tragic to break up a marriage and for political reasons, to make David stronger as the heir and King over Israel. David was ambitious, love did not move him, but power and ambition. He broke God's law in taking Michal back as wife number seven.
Deu 24:4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
David would reap the results of his ambition and lust. Those who break the marriage vow break God's commandment. Divorce brings heartache to families and children. God's grace only, can make things work out. Do not take things lightly, sin is sin.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
What of our own lives? Do we stop living because of past sins? No, we continue to Love the Lord with all our heart. In him is new direction for our life. Seek his will, not the approval of the world.
The Diplomat
2 Sam 3:17 And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
2 Sam 3:18 Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
Perhaps Abner was really more interested in giving David the responsibility of fighting off the Philistines and driving them from Israel, a responsibility that he himself was not able to achieve.
2 Sam 3:19 And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
Abner becomes the goodwill ambassador for David among the elders. Be sure that he would want his share in the power, perhaps as Captain over all Israel and Judah? But, plans made do not always come about.
2 Sam 3:20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
2 Sam 3:21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
All was looking good for a union of the people and for peace. But, where is Joab? Some think that David sent him away on some duty, to be gone when Abner came. Joab still had an intense hatred for Abner because he was responsible for killing his brother.
Revenge
2 Sam 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
Joab returns with the spoil of battle from Israel or perhaps the Philistines. He had missed being there when Abner was in Hebron.
2 Sam 3:23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
Joab, the man of war sees this as a missed opportunity. The enemy was near and was sent away in peace instead of pieces.
2 Sam 3:24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?
He was unaware that Abner had come in peace, for the reunited of the country. Perhaps he was not interested in peace until he had taken revenge on Abner for his brother's death.
2 Sam 3:25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
Joab saw nothing trustworthy in Abner, how could you believe him? He came as a spy to see your weaknesses.
2 Sam 3:26 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
2 Sam 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
Thus ended the life of Abner the man of war. He was struck down while off guard. Seeking peace he was given the dagger. He had reaped what was sown. Was this true justice. Was Joabs brother innocent? Not really, Abner killed him in self defense. Others lives were a light thing to Abner, so too would his life be lifted from him.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
2 Sam 3:28 And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
David seeks to protect his name and to distance himself from Joab. I and my kingdom are not guilty. He wanted Israel to come under his rule. Joab had spoiled this victory. Once again David must wait to be king over all Israel and Judah, so much waiting. He was upset, so upset that he put a curse on Joab and all of his fathers house.
2 Sam 3:29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
An issue, a plague of the reprouctive organs. A woman came to Jesus with an issue of blood for twelve years. She touched the hem of his garment, putting action to her faith.
Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
An angry oath. Let us not give such oaths. For Jesus has called us to be a blessing , not a curse.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Lament over Abner
2 Sam 3:30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
It was over for Abner, and troubles will come upon Joab for taking revenge. We are not to seek revenge, nor are we to give out curses, for they will return trouble.
Jesus has taught us a better way.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
2 Sam 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
Some of us remember the sadness of our nation at the death of President John F. Kennedy. Perhaps he was not a perfect man, as Abner was not, yet he was admired and respected by many. I remember the wife dressed in black, the tears of the people as the funeral procession passed by. These were the feelings at the death of Abner. They mourned in their customary way of wearing sackcloth and tearing their garments, a great military man, perhaps the closest to King Saul, had been assassinated. In our country the flag is lowered to half mast in honor of the one being remembered.
2 Sam 3:32 And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
2 Sam 3:33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
2 Sam 3:34 Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
He died suddenly, coming for peace he received the dagger. Had he known, he would have fought sword to sword, a shield in hand, an honorable battle, instead he died while trusting the adversary. Let us remember that we have an adversary of our souls, the devil. We must keep up the shield of faith and be armed with the sword of truth. He sends his dart at us at unexpected times. Be not overcome, you are covered with the blood of Jesus. You are in Christ, you are the beloved of the Father.
2 Sam 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
2 Sam 3:36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.
The people trusted and loved their king. This would make David a great king. although he had many faults, he served God.
2 Sam 3:37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
2 Sam 3:38 And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
2 Sam 3:39 And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
The Lord is no respecter of persons.
Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
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