Study 2 Samuel 3 and the civil war between Israel and Judah, revealing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to David.
The death of Saul had created a power vacuum in the nation of Israel. The kingdom was divided between the house of Saul and the house of David. David reigned over Judah from Hebron, while Ish-bosheth reigned over the northern tribes. The division led to a prolonged conflict between the two houses.
The civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David continued for many years. The house of David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. David's family grew with the birth of six sons born to him in Hebron. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, became the most powerful figure in the northern kingdom. His ambition and pride would eventually lead to his downfall.
The chapter records the defection of Abner to David's side. Abner became angry with Ish-bosheth over a personal accusation and decided to transfer his allegiance to David. He negotiated with David and promised to bring all of Israel under David's rule. David received Abner favorably and made a covenant with him. The defection was a turning point in the civil war. The chapter demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to David despite human scheming and conflict.
The Struggle Between the Houses
The Length of the Conflict
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 (2 Samuel 3:1). The conflict between the two houses was not a single battle but a prolonged struggle. The civil war lasted throughout David's reign in Hebron.
The phrase long war indicates that the conflict extended over a period of time. The struggle was costly in terms of lives and resources. Yet the outcome was certain. David grew stronger because God was with him. The house of Saul grew weaker because God had rejected Saul's line.
The Growth of David's House
And unto David were sons born in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2). The birth of sons was a sign of God's blessing on David's house. The growth of his family indicated that his dynasty would be established. The sons would become the heirs of his kingdom.
The sons of David born in Hebron were: Amnon of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; Chileab of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; Absalom of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; Adonijah of Haggith; Shephatiah of Abital; and Ithream of Eglah (2 Samuel 3:2-5). The sons would later play significant roles in the history of David's kingdom. The growth of the family was a fulfillment of God's promise to multiply David's house.
The Weakness of Saul's House
The house of Saul grew weaker during the same period. The sons of Saul were unable to establish a lasting dynasty. The leadership of Ish-bosheth was dependent on Abner's support. The house of Saul was in decline.
The contrast between the two houses was clear. David's house was growing, while Saul's house was declining. The outcome of the struggle was determined by God's sovereign purpose. The lesson for believers is that God's purposes will prevail despite human opposition.
Abner's Defection
The Power of Abner
And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine? (2 Samuel 3:7). The accusation against Abner was serious. To take the king's concubine was a claim to the throne. The accusation provoked Abner's anger and led to his defection.
Abner was the most powerful man in the northern kingdom. He had made Ish-bosheth king and maintained his rule. Abner's support was essential for Ish-bosheth's continued reign. The accusation against Abner was a grave miscalculation on the part of Ish-bosheth.
The Anger of Abner
Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? (2 Samuel 3:8). Abner expressed his anger and indignation. He had been loyal to the house of Saul. He had protected Ish-bosheth from David. The accusation was an insult to his honor and integrity.
Abner declared his intention to transfer his allegiance to David. He said, So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him (2 Samuel 3:9). Abner recognized that God had promised the kingdom to David. He would now work to fulfill that promise.
Abner's Negotiation with David
And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee (2 Samuel 3:12). Abner initiated negotiations with David. He offered to bring all of Israel under David's rule. The proposal was a strategic move to secure his own position.
David agreed to the negotiations on one condition: Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face (2 Samuel 3:13). David demanded the return of Michal, his first wife. Saul had given Michal to another man when David fled. David's demand was based on his right as her lawful husband.
The Return of Michal
And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines (2 Samuel 3:14). David formally requested the return of his wife. The request was a political move as well as a personal one.
Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish (2 Samuel 3:15). The return of Michal demonstrated the weakness of Ish-bosheth. He could not refuse David's demand. The return of Michal strengthened David's claim to the throne.
The Covenant with Abner
The Agreement Reached
And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you (2 Samuel 3:17). Abner worked to persuade the elders of Israel to accept David as king. He reminded them that David had been their desire in times past. The work of persuasion was part of Abner's plan.
Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin (2 Samuel 3:19). Benjamin was Saul's tribe and would be the most difficult to convince. Abner's influence over Benjamin was crucial. He was able to persuade the tribe because of his position and authority.
The Meeting with David
So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast (2 Samuel 3:20). David received Abner with honor and hospitality. The feast was a sign of reconciliation and covenant. The meeting was a significant step toward the unification of the kingdom.
And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth (2 Samuel 3:21). Abner promised to bring all Israel under David's rule. He was confident in his ability to fulfill the promise.
The Departure of Abner
And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace (2 Samuel 3:21). The departure was peaceful and promising. The future of the kingdom seemed bright. The unification of the nation appeared to be within reach.
The narrative sets up an expectation of resolution. Yet the chapter takes a tragic turn. The death of Abner would create further conflict. The peace was short-lived.
The Death of Abner
The Return of Joab
And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebrom; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace (2 Samuel 3:22). Joab returned from a military campaign. He was not present when Abner met with David. Joab's absence was significant for the events that followed.
When Joab heard of Abner's visit, he was angry and suspicious. He said, Hast thou known that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest? (2 Samuel 3:25). Joab accused Abner of spying. The suspicion was not based on evidence but on personal hostility.
The Deception of Joab
And Joab went out from David, and sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not (2 Samuel 3:26). Joab acted behind David's back. He recalled Abner without David's knowledge. The deception was a betrayal of David's authority.
When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly. And Joab smote him under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother (2 Samuel 3:27). Joab murdered Abner to avenge the death of his brother Asahel. The murder was an act of personal vengeance. The civil war would continue because of Joab's actions.
David's Lament for Abner
And when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner (2 Samuel 3:28). David disavowed any involvement in Abner's death. He declared his innocence before the Lord. The murder was the act of Joab, not of David.
David commanded Joab and his men to rend their clothes and mourn for Abner. And king David himself followed the bier (2 Samuel 3:31). David participated in the mourning for Abner. His actions demonstrated his grief and his innocence.
The Lamentation of David
And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept (2 Samuel 3:32). David's grief was genuine and public. He mourned for a man who had been his enemy.
And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou (2 Samuel 3:33-34). David's lament expressed his shock and grief. Abner had died a needless death. The wickedness of Joab had caused the tragedy.
The Response of the People
And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people (2 Samuel 3:36). The people recognized David's innocence. They saw his grief and understood that he had not been involved in Abner's death.
For they said, The king is not to blame for the blood of Abner (2 Samuel 3:37). The verdict of the people was clear. David was innocent of Abner's blood. The murder was the act of Joab, not of David. The people's support for David was strengthened by his response.
Lessons from 2 Samuel 3
The Sovereignty of God
The narrative of 2 Samuel 3 reveals the sovereignty of God working through human events. David grew stronger while Saul's house grew weaker. The promise of God to David was being fulfilled. The lesson for believers is that God's purposes will prevail despite human opposition. The apostle Paul writes: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God (Romans 8:28).
The Danger of Pride
Abner's pride and ambition led to his downfall. He had made himself powerful and believed he could control events. His anger at Ish-bosheth led to his defection. His death was the result of his own actions. The lesson for believers is the danger of pride. The apostle Paul writes: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
The Consequences of Vengeance
Joab's act of vengeance against Abner had lasting consequences. He murdered Abner to avenge his brother's death. The murder prolonged the civil war and delayed the unification of the kingdom. The lesson for believers is the danger of vengeance. The apostle Paul writes: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).
The Integrity of David
David demonstrated integrity in his response to Abner's death. He did not rejoice in the fall of his enemy. He mourned for Abner and declared his innocence. The lesson for believers is the importance of integrity. The apostle Paul writes: Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17).
Connections to Scripture
The Promise to David
The promise to David is recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. God promised that David's throne would be established forever. The fulfillment of the promise was unfolding in the events of 2 Samuel 3. The struggle for unity was part of God's plan to establish David's kingdom. The promise pointed forward to the Messiah, the Son of David.
The Death of Asahel
The death of Asahel is recorded in 2 Samuel 2:18-23. Asahel was killed by Abner during the battle of Gibeon. Joab's murder of Abner was an act of vengeance for his brother's death. The cycle of violence continued because of the failure to forgive. The lesson for believers is the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The Anointing of David
The anointing of David is recorded in 1 Samuel 16:12-13. Samuel anointed David as king over Israel. The anointing was a private designation of David as the future king. The events of 2 Samuel 3 were part of the public fulfillment of that designation.
Conclusion
The third chapter of 2 Samuel records the continuing struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David. The civil war continued for many years. David grew stronger while Saul's house grew weaker. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, defected to David's side. Joab murdered Abner in an act of vengeance. David mourned for Abner and declared his innocence.
David's response to Abner's death revealed his character. He did not celebrate the fall of his enemy. He mourned for Abner and honored him. The lesson for believers is to show honor to all people, even to enemies. David's integrity was recognized by the people. The people declared that he was not to blame for Abner's blood. The lesson for believers is the importance of maintaining integrity in all circumstances.
The sovereignty of God is the foundation of the narrative. God was working through the events of the civil war to fulfill His promise to David. The house of David grew stronger because God was with him. The lesson for believers is to trust in God's sovereign purposes. The promise to David was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David. The chapter calls believers to trust in God's faithfulness, to walk in integrity, and to leave vengeance to the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long did the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David last?
The civil war lasted throughout David's reign in Hebron, which was seven years and six months. The conflict was a prolonged struggle between the two houses. David grew stronger while Saul's house grew weaker. The civil war ended when Abner defected to David's side and later when Ish-bosheth was assassinated.
2. Why did Abner defect to David's side?
Abner defected to David's side because he became angry with Ish-bosheth. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of going in to Saul's concubine. The accusation was a serious insult to Abner's honor. Abner decided to transfer his allegiance to David and to bring all Israel under David's rule. The defection was based on Abner's pride and ambition.
3. Why did Joab murder Abner?
Joab murdered Abner to avenge the death of his brother Asahel. Asahel had been killed by Abner during the battle of Gibeon. Joab had never forgiven Abner for his brother's death. The murder was an act of personal vengeance. Joab acted without David's knowledge or approval.
4. How did David respond to Abner's death?
David responded to Abner's death with grief and mourning. He declared his innocence before the Lord. He commanded Joab and his men to mourn for Abner. He followed the bier and wept at the grave. David composed a lament for Abner. The people recognized David's innocence and were pleased with his response.
5. What lesson can believers learn from the civil war in 2 Samuel 3?
Believers can learn the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty. The house of David grew stronger because God was with him. The lesson is to trust in God's purposes despite human opposition. Believers can also learn the danger of pride and vengeance. Abner's pride led to his downfall, and Joab's vengeance had lasting consequences. The lesson is to walk in humility and to leave vengeance to the Lord.
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