When Abner and twenty of his men came to Hebron, David entertained them with a great feast. Then Abner said to David, “Let me go and call an assembly of all Israel to support my lord the king. They will make a covenant with you to make you their king, and you will rule over everything your heart desires.” So David sent Abner safely on his way. But just after David had sent Abner away in safety, Joab and some of David’s troops returned from a raid, bringing much plunder with them. When Joab arrived, he was told that Abner had just been there visiting the king and had been sent away in safety. Joab rushed to the king and demanded, “What have you done? What do you mean by letting Abner get away? You know perfectly well that he came to spy on you and find out everything you’re doing!” [2 Samuel 3.20-25]
So, who was right and who was wrong in this scenario?
Israel and Judah were at war. Abner conspired against Ishbosheth to restore all Israel to David. Sounds good, right? Hang on...
Later, when Recab and Baanah killed Ishbosheth and brought his head to David, they were killed. David's respect for the anointing that was upon Saul carried over to Ishbosheth.
Question: Why did David not kill Abner for his offering to betray Ishbosheth? Remember back when David went into Saul's camp while they were sleeping and took Saul's spear and water jug? David rebuked Abner back then for not protecting his king Saul.
Joab' response is a bit confusing too. Was he in defiance of David, or genuinely interested in protecting David's life and kingdom? OR, was he still just wanting revenge for Abner killing Asahel (Joab's brother)?
I think the bottom line is that as long as humans are in authority, there will be confusion, power struggles, war, and discontent (in short, chaos). Isn't it interesting that Jesus spoke of unity among His followers! Unity is only possible when there is one uncontestable leader. That would be why God warned Israel when they first wanted a king... He knew the troubles would begin. And, they did!
Father, help Your people to realize that You alone are God. May we see that Jesus purely represents You as He lived in the flesh on earth. May we see that all the division and strife on earth, including the division and strife within the Church with all its sects and denominations, is NOT of You, but of human (worldly) origin. May we see that as we view and follow Jesus as the Way, Truth and Life, there will be unity and power. May we likewise see the importance of why Jesus declared that He is One with You - that Your will is His will and His will only represents Your will. May Your Name be exalted today, Father, as we faithfully follow Jesus Your Son as our human example. So be it.
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