Day 142 – Abner & Ishbosheth Die

Yes, quite a few verses today. Get a cup of hot chocolate, a comfy chair, and read them carefully to get a good understanding of the events

• Two people died yesterday, and several more today. War’s tough, isn’t it – and the Bible doesn’t shy away from the realities of a world ruined by sin. You might have found today’s passages rather overwhelming, as there are a lot of names. If so, don’t worry unduly.
• David is anointed king in 1 Samuel 2, but he’s only king over part of the land at this point. Who takes control of the northern areas, as described in 2 Samuel 2:8-9?
• How long was it before David became king of the entire nation? Verse 11 will help you.
• 2 Samuel 2 ends with a story which can get confusing if you don’t read slowly. It continues through into chapter 3. Before the king of the northern areas, Ish-bosheth (another of Saul’s sons) is killed, we meet Joab (who is David’s nephew) and Abner (who is Saul’s uncle). Joab has two brothers, Abishai and Asahel. Asahel, one of David’s best warriors, is killed by Abner (2 Samuel 2:23). Why do you think this happened?
• In 2 Samuel 3, Abner seemingly wants to do a deal with David to make David king. This seems to happen after he has the strong disagreement with Ish-bosheth that we read about in verses 6-11. What sort of things does Abner think about as he considers his position compared to David’s? How does David react, in verse 13, to Abner’s suggestion? Who does David want back (verse 14), and who, in verses 15-16 was less then impressed at this?
• Relations between the two parties seems to be going well, but in verses 2 Samuel 3:22-27 we read of a plot twist as Joab returns to the scene to kill Abner. This is done to avenge his brother’s death, as verse 30 shows us. The murdering of Abner was against David’s wishes. Why do you think Joab let his emotions rule his actions?
• What is David’s response to these events, as shown in the final verses of 2 Samuel 3?
• How is King Ish-bosheth killed in chapter 4? Note that verse 7 is just a more detailed explanation of verse 6.
• What is David’s reaction? Is he impressed with Rechab and Baanah (the men who killed Ish-bosheth ), or is he angry? What does he do to Rechab and Baanah in verses 9-12?

Today’s long readings and potentially tricky story-line is one reason why I really encourage you to stay up to date with your readings. Passages like these can’t be rushed. Do your best to get up to date and stay so, if you’re behind!

David has nothing to do with the murders of Abner or Ish-bosheth, and he makes it clear that he is displeased with both.

Sometimes we, as Christians, will not always approve of the things our friends (or maybe even our family) do. How can we respond in these situations without sounding preachy or aloof? Is there anything we can take from today’s passage which help us to humbly show disapproval or disagreement about something, whilst still loving the people doing it?