Book of Second Samuel 2 Samuel 3-4

David’s Rise to Power

Scripture reveals how God established David as Israel’s king . David’s time at Hebron was a turning point in his life. Before this time was “the time of David’s rejection.” After this time was “the time of David’s exaltation.” Daniel 2:20-21 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.

1. The growing strength of David (3:1-5) The conflict between David and Saul continued long after Saul’s death. Saul’s son, Ishbosheth was appointed king by some people in Israel, while David became king over Judah. The conflict was between dynasties and not just individuals. There was a gradual demise of Saul’s power and a gradual rise in David’s power. Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? David had six sons (Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream) born while he was living in Hebron for 7 ½ years. Eleven more sons were born to David when he moved to Jerusalem (5:14). God had warned against any king having multiple wives (Deut. 17:14-17). All of these sons would have been potential successors to David’s throne, but God chose Solomon. A parallel passage tells about David’s army and his coronation as king at Hebron (1 Chron. 12:23-40).

2. The changing loyalty of Abner (3:6-21) David became the king of all Israel in much the same way as he came to power as king over Judah. In both cases someone sought his favor (an Amalekite, Abner). In both cases there was a time of grieving over a dead person (Saul, Abner). In both cases David was actually anointed as king (2:1-4; 5:1-5). And in both cases David and his men conquered their enemies. In both cases there was a list of children born to David (in Hebron, in Jerusalem). Abner was the military commander of Israel’s army. He was the person who put Ishbosheth on the throne. Abner was growing stronger in influence and leadership. Just like his father (Saul), Ishbosheth accused Abner of going into his father’s concubine, Rizpah. It is not clear whether Abner actually did this or not. It was a common practice of that time for a person who wanted to indicate his right to rule to take the former king’s wife or concubine. Abner was offended at the charge and from that time began to transfer his loyalty to David as king over all Israel (vs. 10, “from Dan to Beersheba,” means from the north to the south of Israel). The phrase “throne of David” is used for the first time here (3:10). This term will take on Messianic significance (Isa. 9:6-7). In an example of “shuttle diplomacy” Abner sent messengers to King David asking him to make a covenant or agreement between them. He must have realized that Ishbosheth’s kingdom would not last and that David was destined to be Israel’s king. Abner wanted to be on the winning side. David agreed but only on the condition that his engaged wife, Michal, be returned to him. Michal was Saul’s daughter, and taking her back would be another step in consolidating David’s power over the nation. Abner spoke in support of David’s leadership. He knew that David was God’s chosen servant (vs. 18, “my servant David,” is used over 30 times in the Old Testament to describe David).

3. The vengeful murder of Abner (3:22-30) The Bible says that David sent Abner in peace (vs. 21, 22, 23). This is important in light of Abner’s death. David had nothing to do with it, and in no way approved it. Joab used deception to kill Abner. He wanted revenge for his brother, Asahel’s, death (2:19-23). Abner killed Asahel in self-defense, but Joab killed Abner out of premeditated revenge. David made it clear that he had nothing to do with Abner’s murder and that he did not shed innocent blood (Lev. 17:11; Deut. 19:10).

4. The national mourning for Abner (3:31-39) David again showed his leadership in grieving for Abner according to Jewish custom. His sincere grief not only removed all suspicion of guilt from him, but it helped to win the support of all Israel. David sang a lament (song of grief) for Abner. He stated that Abner died as a fool. He may have been referring to the fact that Abner died in the gate of Hebron (3:27). Hebron was one of the six cities of refuge that provided security for a person accused of manslaughter. Joab could not have killed Abner if he remained inside the city. This serves as a picture of all who die outside Jesus Christ, our city of refuge.

5. The cruel murder of Ishbosheth (4:1-7) Without Abner as the top military leader Ishbosheth was vulnerable. Two men murdered Ishbosheth in cold blood while he was lying on his bed. This story contains a reference to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. He was crippled because his nurse fell when he was only five years old. He appears later in the story (2 Samuel 9) as someone in special need of protection that King David was glad to provide. This note about him prepares us for “the rest of the story” (as Paul Harvey would say) that will unfold later.

6. The righteous outrage of David (4:8-12) The assassins cut off Ishbosheth’s head and took it to David, hoping to win his approval. They misunderstood David’s attitude toward Saul and his son, Ishbosheth. David was highly upset with them and rightly viewed their act as a brutal murder rather than an act of God’s vengeance. David had both men executed on the spot because they were guilty of murder. This is the same thing he did when the Amalekite claimed to have killed Saul (1:15-16).

TIMELESS TRUTHS :

God’s hand is clearly seen in the glove of history . History is His story. God’s people shouldn’t be anxious about world events because we know who’s really in charge.

God uses people, places, and events to accomplish His plan. God obviously changed Abner’s heart to favor David. God allowed Abner’s death so everyone would see David’s pure motives and genuine compassion.

Any person who lives outside of Christ will die like a fool. Abner died just outside of Hebron, the city of refuge. Many will die in their sins because they refuse to take shelter in Christ. The words to that old song says: “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee ; let the water and the blood from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath , and make me pure.”

A man after God’s own heart values human life . See Prov. 6:16-17.

Failure to submit to God’s will is always costly. Three murders happened before David became king of all Israel (Asahel, chap. 2; Abner, chap. 3; and Ishbosheth, chap. 4). All three murders would have been prevented if the whole nation had submitted to David as God’s chosen king. Book of Second Samuel 2 Samuel 3-4

David’s Rise to Power

Scripture reveals how ______Daniel 2:20-21 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.

1. ______of David (3:1-5)

2. ______of Abner (3:6-21)

3. ______of Abner (3:22-30)

4. ______for Abner (3:31-39)

5. ______of Ishbosheth (4:1-7)

6. ______of David (4:8-12)

TIMELESS TRUTHS :

God’s hand is______

______to accomplish His plan

______will die like a fool

A man after God’s own heart______

______is always costly