2 Samuel 3:12-21

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 the late king. It was, however, a needless precaution, as they who wait on God can dispense with expedients which are esteemed by worldly prudence.

With this exception David maintained a passive policy. The overtures for the transference of the kingdom were made by Abner. It was he who communicated with Israel and Benjamin, and then with David. Thus great events may move around us while we live in the center of God's will in perfect peace. We must be willing to respond to the stirring bugle-call to action, but we must also have our waiting-times, when the soul is learning to possess itself in patience. The long summer days are needed to prepare for the autumn ingatherings; and the hours spent in Horeb and Carmel prepare for the stirring part that God's servants must play in the history of their time.