2 Samuel 3: Abner is killed

Synopsis:

The war between the house of David and the house of Saul wears on. Saul’s son Ishbosheth accused his captain, Abner, of having sex with one of Saul’s concubines.  The problem was that at this point Abner was very powerful within Saul’s kingdom. So Abner tells Ishbosheth, screw you – I’m going to hand your kingdom to David.  And he proceeds to make arrangements and negotiates a deal with David to return David’s first wife Michal to him. Joab, whose brother was killed by Abner finds out about this – hunts Abner down and kills him, without David’s permission. When David finds out he curses the house of Joab. And mourns for Abner.

In other words:

Abner is accused of treason against the house of Saul, so – he goes out and commits treason by arranging for Saul’s kingdom to be handed to David. Unfortunately, one of David’s men kills him.

Favorite bit:

2 Samuel 3:8 – After Ishbosheth accuses Abner of treason he says, “Am I a dog’s head?”

2nd favorite bit:

2 Samuel 3:29 – David curses Joab for killing Abner – “let there  not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.” In other words – I hope you all die.

Least favorite bit:

2 Samuel 27: When Joab kills Abner – stabbing him under the 5th rib.

2nd least favorite bit:

2 Samuel 3:16 – when Michal is returned to David – “her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim.” until Abner told him to go home.  It’s so sad.

Most politically calculating bit:

2 Samuel 3:37 – For all the people and all Israel understood that day (that David lamented Abner), that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.  Yeah – not sure I believe this to be honest.

Moral lesson learned: 

Don’t piss off the help (2 Samuel 3)

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