David Gaining Strength
3:1
Since the initial battle at Gibeon, Judah (house of David) and Israel (house of Saul) were at war for a long time. David’s army continued to grow and get stronger. In contrast, Israel lost men and became weaker. If the war continued, David and Judah would eventually win and Israel under Ish-bosheth would lose, paving the way for David to be king over all the tribes.
However, the losses to Israel might embitter some of the other tribes against David.
David’s Family
3:2-5
The author breaks into the story at this point with an insert about David’s growing family. David accumulated several more wives along the way, in addition to Ahinoam and Abigail. The wives at that time were: Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacah (the daughter of the king of Geshur), Haggith, Abital, and Eglah, six in all.
While in Hebron, these wives bear sons: Amnon, Chilean, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream.
All this is despite the command of God in Deuteronomy 17:17 that a king was not to acquire many wives for himself because it could turn his heart away from the worship of God.
Abner Turns Against Ish-bosheth
3:6-11
Abner became very powerful in the House of Saul, partly due to the weakness of Ish-bosheth. The two men got into a conflict over a woman named Rizpah, who had been one of Saul’s concubines.
The status of a concubine in the Old Testament is not totally clear, but it appears that a concubine was a wife of secondary status. She was lower than the primary wife or wives, but higher than a slave. She was not a mistress. She would be expected to produce additional children, especially sons, for the husband.
Upon death of the husband, his son and heir apparently could take possession of the father’s concubines (at least among kings). That appears to be the case in this story, Ish-bosheth accuses Abner of having sex with Saul’s concubine, implying that only Ish-bosheth had the right to.
Abner got very angry, citing his loyalty to the house of Saul and his protecting Ish-bosheth from David. Abner did not directly deny the accusation, but was offended by it.
As a result, Abner pledged to support David in his quest for the throne. He cited the LORD”s word to take the kingdom from Saul and his house and give it to David. Ish-bosheth was too afraid of Abner to contest.
Abner Makes A Deal With David
3:12-16
Abner made good on this pledge, sending messengers to David seeking a covenant with David. For his part, Abner pledged his support to make David king over all of Israel.
David agreed to accept Abner, but added a condition: his first wife, Michal, must be returned to him. Saul had taken her from David and given her in marriage to another man. David may have loved her, but he may have also been making a political move. Restoration of his status as Saul’s son-in-law might make the Benjamites and others in Israel more favorable to David becoming king.
But, when David demanded the return of his wife, he made the demand directly to Ish-bosheth. Abner becomes only the middle man in the transaction.
Ish-bosheth accomplished this, oddly enough. Sadly Michal’s husband was grieved by this. But Abner sent him home. You get the sense that the man did not want to mess with Abner.
Abner Keeps His Word To David
3:17-25
Abner kept his end of the bargain, encouraging the elders of the 10 tribes to accept David as their king. He reminded them of the LORD’s promise to defeat the Philistines through David.
Abner also went to the tribe of Benjamin separately. Since Saul and his family were Benjamanites, it was wise to give them special attention. They agreed to accept David also. So, Abner went to Hebron to tell David that all of Israel was ready to accept him and reject Ish-bosheth.
David held a feast for Abner and his men at Hebron. Then Abner left to bring the tribes to David to make a covenant to submit to him as king
This tells us a couple of things. First, Abner was very well respected in Israel. The elders were willing to listen to him and follow his advice. Second, Ish-bosheth was a weak king. The tribes did not trust him to protect them and lead them.
Joab, in turn, did not trust Abner. When he found out that David had entertained Abner and let him go, he was angry. He confronted David and accused Abner of being duplicitous, coming only to spy on David.
Joab, like Abner, was a powerful man. He was a warrior and leader. He had the respect of the army. He had additional status as David’s nephew. He was not afraid to confront David, even after David became king. He also wanted revenge for Abner killing his brother Asahel, even though Asahel provoked the confrontation.
Joab Kills Abner
3:26-27, 30
Ironically, after accusing Abner of duplicity, Joab engaged in it. He sent messengers to get Abner and bring him back. He pulled Abner aside for a private conference, but then killed him to avenge his brother. (30) He even used the same method, striking Abner in the stomach.
The murder of Abner was not done at David’s command. He did not order it or know about it in advance. When he learned of it, he declared his innocence.
He also called a curse upon Joab and his family, that there should always be someone in the family who is either sick, effeminate (using a spindle was women’s work), killed, or starving.
David Mourns Abner
3:30-39
David mourned Abner and instructed his people, including Joab, to do so as well. He gave Abner a funeral and buried him at Hebron, which was an honor. David fasted until sundown.
The people of Israel observed David’s action and they were pleased with him. They also believed David, that he did not order the death of Abner.
Anything less would have damaged David’s chances of becoming king over Israel.
David continued to blame his nephews. He also asked the LORD to repay them for their wicked deeds. But he did not execute them or punish them.
Takeaways
God used an evil act for good, causing the people of Israel to have favor toward David.
God gave wisdom to deal with a tragedy.
The road to the throne is a bumpy one: David is not the only one who wants to exert power and influence in Israel.
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