Today’s passage: 2 Samuel 3
Helpful thoughts:
- Over two years of conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, David gained and Ish-bosheth waned.
- Deuteronomy 17:17 – And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.
- David’s marriages were strategic and solidified support among the people and also (“The daughter of Talmai king of Geshur) added to Ish-bosheth’s list of potential enemies. His demand for the return of Michal also placed David back within the house of Saul.
- Jesus spoke of God’s plan for marriage (Matthew 19:3-9). One man, one woman and the two become one flesh.
- When Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sleeping with the king’s concubine, he was accusing him of taking control of the king’s possessions…including the throne. This would have been considered an act of treason.
- Ish-bosheth did the same thing his father had done, distrust a loyal servant.
- Abner’s response seems to prove his innocence in the matter. Furthermore, his ability to move about and do all that he did also shows he was the one who truly held power and influence. It was only by Abner’s kindness and loyalty that Ish-bosheth had remained king as long as he had!
- Joab’s personal vendetta could have destroyed the imminent unity of all Israel.
Questions to consider:
- Why did David become the king? What did Abner acknowledge in verse 18?
- Should it surprise us to find evidence of sin in the lives of Old Testament figures like David (Romans 3:23)? If God is going to accomplish good through people in this world, what kind of people are going to be used? Can God use you to accomplish His will?
- How does the Lord repay the evildoer according to his wickedness? How can God be merciful and gracious and yet, by no means clear the guilty (Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 53:6)?