Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Abner Revolts from Ish-Bosheth, and Joins David, But is Killed by Joab

◄ David: King of Israel: Abner Revolts from Ish-Bosheth, and Joins David, But is Killed by Joab ►

Topical Encyclopedia

David, the anointed king of Israel, faced numerous challenges and conflicts during his rise to power, one of which involved the defection of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, from Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, to David. This event is a significant episode in the biblical narrative, illustrating the complex political and military dynamics of the time.

Background

Following the death of King Saul, the kingdom of Israel was divided. David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah and reigned in Hebron, while Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, was made king over the rest of Israel, supported by Abner. The house of Saul and the house of David were in conflict, with Abner playing a crucial role in maintaining Ish-Bosheth's rule.

Abner's Defection

The turning point came when Ish-Bosheth accused Abner of wrongdoing concerning Saul's concubine, Rizpah. This accusation angered Abner, who felt his loyalty and efforts were being undermined. In response, Abner decided to transfer his allegiance to David, recognizing that the LORD had promised the kingdom to David. Abner sent messengers to David, proposing an alliance and offering to bring all Israel under David's rule.

David accepted Abner's proposal but demanded the return of his wife Michal, Saul's daughter, as a condition for the alliance. Abner complied, and after securing Michal's return, he met with the elders of Israel to persuade them to support David. Abner then went to Hebron to finalize the agreement with David, who received him with a feast, signifying the beginning of a united kingdom under David's leadership.

Joab's Treachery

Despite the promising alliance, the situation took a tragic turn. Joab, David's military commander and nephew, harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for killing his brother Asahel in battle. Unaware of David's agreement with Abner, Joab saw an opportunity for revenge. After Abner left Hebron, Joab deceitfully summoned him back under the pretense of a private conversation. In a treacherous act, Joab killed Abner by stabbing him in the stomach, an act of blood vengeance for his brother's death.

David was deeply grieved by Abner's murder and publicly distanced himself from Joab's actions. He declared his innocence and mourned for Abner, saying, "Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day?" (2 Samuel 3:38). David's lamentation and his curse upon Joab's house demonstrated his commitment to justice and his desire to unify the kingdom under God's guidance.

Significance

The defection of Abner and his subsequent murder by Joab highlight the turbulent and often violent path to David's consolidation of power. This episode underscores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and divine providence that run throughout David's account. Despite human treachery and political intrigue, God's sovereign plan for David's kingship continued to unfold, ultimately leading to the establishment of a united Israel under David's rule.

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2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
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