“All
the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased
them.” (v.36)
Here
in chapter 3, Abner had come to David promising him the northern tribes in
return for a place in David’s kingdom. David had agreed and sent Abner away “in
peace” (vv. 22, 23). Just when things seemed to be coming together for David,
Joab stepped in and threatened disaster for the hope of a united kingdom.
Acting from personal vengeance over his brother’s death, and using David’s
peaceful promise as a cloak, Joab summoned Abner and ruthlessly murdered him in
private.
Would Joab’s blood vengeance thwart the promises God made to
David about his kingdom? Surely the northern tribes would cry foul at the
murder of their top general! And yet, even in the face of such circumstances,
God’s plan slowly continued to move forward.
David responded with genuine grief over Abner’s death. He made
public declarations of his innocence; he called curses upon Joab and his family
(v. 30); he called for a public funeral to mourn Abner’s loss; he wrote a
lament in Abner’s honor; and even in private he refused to eat out of respect
for Abner’s death.
All
this led to the surprising result: “All the people took note and were pleased;
indeed, everything the king did pleased them” (v. 36). Despite Joab’s selfish
action and his growing power, Scripture subtly reminds us that God’s promises cannot be thwarted. The
northern tribes were coming around; a united kingdom was beginning to develop.
The
Truth
“For all
the promises of God in Him are
Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
