2 Samuel 3 today...... 2_Samuel 4 tomorrow...

Read it.
Sandj


Chapter 3: verse 1... a continuation of the end of Chapter 2, and another witness to God's hand being with David.
verse 2-5... David had a lot of wives! I never realized that he had so many.... interesting how each wife only had one son mentioned here.
verse 6-7... if that was Abner's plan to 'strengthen his position in the house of Saul', that doesn't seem to be a good plan... aren't concubines, let alone, women in general not viewed too highly, so really what clout could this girl give to Abner?
verse 8... Abner's offense was against Ish-Bosheth, since Saul's possessions as king would have become his now, so no wonder Ish-Bosheth confronted him... is Abner's anger because of an incorrect accusation or because he had gotten caught and his plan to overthrow Ish-Bosheth had been foiled... this verse kind of makes me wonder why Abner put Ish-Bosheth on the throne now, since he says 'I havent handed you over to David'... was that Abner's intentions all along at some point?... I wonder if Ish-Bosheth was kind of a push-over, and that was why Abner chose him? (see also verse 11)
verse 9-10... if Abner knew what God's will was, why didn't he do it, either before or now?... sounds like Abner is just trying to set himself up for something, and his threats, although true, are more given as a threat than an acknowledgement of God's will... do we ever do that in our own lives? do we take God's word and use it to bluff our way into or out of something or to make ourselves seem better? something to test our hearts on, I think
verse 12... if it is David's land, why would David need Abner's help... Abner is kind of slimy and self-seeking, I think
verse 13-14... David is not dumb, though, he is using this fake deal to his advantage
verse 15-16... kind of sweet in that the man loved his wife so much, but kind of dopey that he didn't back it up... not really a hallmark moment, but it does merit a small 'awwww'... also, it makes me feel sorry for this weak man, who obviously love his wife but was powerless to do anything about it... David had so many wives (verse 2-5), so why did he need to Michal'... just becuase she was 'his'... that doesn't seem right... David wasn't acting out of love, I don't think, but more out of selfishness... I don't like that.... kind of a theme with David and his desire for women, I think, as it reminds me somewhat of his directions concerning Bathsheba (chapter 11)... didn't care for anyone else's feelings but his own in the whole thing... just goes to show that yet again, even the most prominent of men in God's service are not perfect/blameless... we all are sinners (Romans 3:23), yet God calls us into His service anyway... He doesn't wait for us to become perfect before He is willing or able to use us (Philippians 3:12)... I wonder why we seem to place that burden on ourselves or others in light of God's thoughts on the matter? (Philippians 3:15-16)
verse 17-21... hmmmmm
verse 22-25... Joab seems to know Abner's true self, I wonder why David doesn't see it?... or does he?... or is Joab simply acting through bitter vision because of the past experience involving the death of his brother?... all the possible plot twists make me think of those shows with the narrator asking intriguing questions at the end, and then saying 'tune in next time...'. :)
verse 26-27, 30... ahhh, so some truth is out... Joab has selfish motives in Abner's return
verse 28-29... I wonder if Joab had talked to David about the death of Joab's brother and his desire for revenge if David would have still cursed Joab and this entire thing would have turned out the same?... sometimes it is better if we talk about these feelings to someone else... maybe, if nothing else, just releasing the hurt and anger might have given some healing, and David could have even reminded Joab of some truths from God concerning the whole thing... why do we act as if we are islands instead of part of a body at times?... it does not good for us, or anyone else
verse 31... ouch... now that is a humbling punishment, to have to show mourning and respect to the enemy you killed... yet, it is also in line with David's humility and respect for people as fellow children of God, whom David loved simply because of his deep love for God... do we love others simply because we love God, or do we require them to earn our love or even our notice/attention?
verse 32-39... I wonder if David's mourning is completely sincere, though, or if it is some part a performance to keep peace and win the hearts of the rest of Saul's kingdom in order to increase his power (see 1 Kings 2:5-6)?
sandJ