Year 1, Week 33, Day 3 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 33, Day 3

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of 2 Samuel 3-4.

Today’s reading describes the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. And yet, the two houses are going in opposite directions: “There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker” (2 Samuel 3:1). 2 Samuel 3 reports on Abner, who, even though he was commander of the army for Ish-bosheth, comes to David and offers to deliver all of Israel into David’s hands: “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires” (2 Samuel 3:21). However, while Abner is working that out, Joab, the commander of David’s army, detains and kills Abner in order to avenge the death of his brother Asahel, who died at the hands of Abner. 2 Samuel 4 records the assassination of Ish-bosheth. After Rechab and Baanah kill Ish-bosheth, they report to David what they did. David’s response, consistent with his response to the Amalekite who took credit for the death of Saul, was not what Rechab and Baanah assumed: “And David commanded his young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hanged them beside the pool at Hebron” (2 Samuel 4:12).

One of the things that struck me in today’s reading was Abner’s knowledge of but obstinacy toward the LORD’s will to install David on the throne over Israel: “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill” (Psalm 2:6). Abner knows what the LORD is planning in the aftermath of the death of Saul, but Abner is using that knowledge to get what he can for himself. Abner props up Ish-bosheth and rally’s behind the house of Saul: "But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim, and he made him king over Gilead and the Ashurites and Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin and all Israel” (2 Samuel 2:8-9). Abner is politically savvy and self-seeking. When Ish-bosheth crosses Abner, the true colors of Abner are revealed: “God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba” (2 Samuel 3:9-10). Abner’s words are startling. Abner acknowledged that, “the LORD has sworn” to establish David over Israel. Why then had Abner backed Ish-bosheth and entered into battle against the house of David? Why has Abner now become pro-David? In both cases, what seems to be driving Abner is his own interests and not truly the LORD’s. Abner thinks that he is essential to the establishment of David over God’s kingdom: “And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you” (1 Samuel 3:12). But Abner is not as essential as he thinks himself to be.

There are people who want to be involved in the LORD’s work for God’s glory, but not a few people have concluded that the LORD’s work can be a vehicle for self-glory. Simon the magician showed interest in Gospel ministry, particularly after he saw the power that the Holy Spirit gave to the Apostles. Simon, thinking there would be no end to his perceived greatness, if only he could get some of what the Apostles had. So Simon made it financially attractive to get some Holy Spirit power: “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:18-19). But thankfully, the Apostles have a measure of discernment that we all need: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:20-21).

Rehab and Baanah think that they are doing the LORD’s work as well. They murder Ish-bosheth and explain to David: ““Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The LORD has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring” (2 Samuel 4:8). But David did not need their help to accomplish any of what the LORD had promised. David explained: “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?” (2 Samuel 4:9b-11). David’s acknowledgement is powerful. David is clear as to where his help has come from, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity.” When we realize that the LORD rescues us when and how he sees fit, we can fight off the temptation for angry vengeance as a means to do the LORD’s work: “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe