2 Samuel 2 & 3 - Fight for the Throne

LINK: 2 Samuel 2 & 3

BACKGROUND

Upon Saul's death, God sent David to Hebron to claim the throne. The people of Judah (in the south) anointed him king. Meanwhile, Abner, commander of Saul's army took Saul's son Ish-bosheth to Mahanaim and made him king over the northern tribes. This triggered a civil war with Joab leading David's men and Abner leading Ish-bosheth's men in battle. When Ish-bosheth accused Abner of being a traitor, Abner defected to David's side and swore he would bring the kingdom together under David. When Joab saw that David accepted Abner, he brought Abner back to Hebron and murdered him as an act of personal revenge. David mourned the death of Abner and cursed Joab for murdering him.

REFLECTION

When Joab killed Abner, he was not acting in a military role. Rather, he was taking personal vengeance for the death of his brother Asahel by the hand of Abner (2:18-23). Hebron was one of the cities of refuge, so Abner should have been safe from Joab's vengeance there. And a trial was required before the avenger could slay a murderer. Joab ignored these laws, and David rightly condemned him for this murder.

APPLICATION

When somebody wrongs you, do you seek revenge? Do you want to get even, get them back, make them pay in some way? When we do this, we become murderers in our hearts. (See Matthew 5:21-22.) To believers, Paul says, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." (Rom 12:19) We are commanded to seek peace with all men, even those who persecute us. Read and meditate on Romans 12:17-21. If you are struggling with conflict in your life, I would highly recommend the book Carol mentioned the other day called The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.

PRAYER

Today pray for anyone who has wronged you. Instead of seeking revenge, ask God to bless that person (and you leave the vengeance to God). Ask the Lord to change your heart toward that person. Determine to show kindness to him/her, thereby overcoming evil with good instead of perpetuating evil.