A SPLIT IN THE ENEMY'S RANKS 2 Samuel 3:1 Abner's career reveals the principles on which ambitious men build their lives. He was, according to David's estimate, a great man and a prince, but his soul was eager for his own advancement. “He made himself strong in the house of Saul,” 2 Samuel 3:6, r.v... [ Continue Reading ]
ABNER WINS DAVID'S FAVOR 2 Samuel 3:12 We cannot defend David's request for Michal to be restored to him. It inflicted bitter pain on an apparently happy pair, and Michal's revenge stung him to the quick, 2 Samuel 6:20. But he may have felt it right to insist on his legal status as son-in-law to t... [ Continue Reading ]
A TREACHEROUS REVENGE 2 Samuel 3:22 There is no doubt that Abner was guilty of disloyalty and treachery, but this did not excuse Joab's dastardly act. He could not claim the right to act as _goel_ -blood avenger-for his dead brother, because Asahel had died a soldier's death in open war. Joab was... [ Continue Reading ]
DAVID'S LAMENT OVER ABNER 2 Samuel 3:31 It was a noble spectacle when David followed the bier of Abner and wept at his grave. He forgot that this man had been his persistent foe, and remembered only his great personal qualities. The chaplet of elegiacs that he wove for Abner's grave, was only seco... [ Continue Reading ]