We’ve Got A Better Idea?

II Samuel 6:1-11

“Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.   And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

“And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.  And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.” (II Samuel 6:1-4)

About eighty or a hundred years before, in I Samuel 4, the Philistines had captured the ark of God.  After a seven months, they sent it back on a new cart with various offerings.  When the people of Bethshemish found it, they suspected the Philistines of having robbed it an opened it to check, resulting in over fifty thousand deaths,  They sent it to Kirjathjearim, to the house of Abinadab, where it was ignored for twenty years until Samuel grew up and became judge.

It remained in Abinadab’s house throughout Samuel’s judgeship, and Saul and Ishbosheth’s reigns.  David decided to bring it to Jerusalem where it would play a more important role in their worship.  Because it had been so long neglected little thought was given as to how it was to be moved.  Numbers 4 specified that moving the ark was specifically the responsibility of the Kohath Levites.  While other parts of the tabernacle were to be hauled on wagons, the furniture was to be carried by hand.

The Philistines had returned the Ark on a new cart, with no problem, so David and his people used a new cart to do the same thing.  Abinadab’s sons were to drive the cart.

“And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.” (II Samuel 6:5)

They set out in high spirits, excited that finally they would be worshipping God in the manner they were supposed to.  They were accompanied by a marching band, although their instruments were different than modern bands, with the soundboards made of fir.  Interestingly, fir and spruce are still considered some of the best wood for sound boards.

“And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it.  And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.” (II Samuel 6:6-7)

Everything was going well until they came to Nachon’s threshing floor.  At that point they hit a bump that caused the ark to slid on the cart.  Uzzah grabbed it to stop it’s sliding around, and God killed him for it.

Numbers 4:15 forbid even the Kohath Levites from touching the Ark.  “… the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die…”   When the men of Bethshemish opened the Ark, fifty thousand died even though their intentions were solely to make sure the Philistines hadn’t taken anything.  When Uzzah touched the Ark, he died even though he was just trying to stabilize it.

While using a cart to move the Ark undoubtedly seemed like a better way of moving the Ark, it was not the way God specified and exposed people to an unnecessary risk.  Today there is a lot of emphasis on doing some thing new and better in our effort to worship.  Unfortunately they sometimes ignore God’s plan and expose people to unnecessary risk as well.

One area where this is common is in financing the church.  Many churches have borrowed money to build a building, or start some ministry and been forced into financial difficulties or bankruptcy as a result.  Many Bible colleges have been turned from their doctrinal stance in order to meet scholastic standards so they can draw more students?  Many churches have moved away from their doctrinal stance to appeal to a larger number of people, with the result that people no longer consider doctrine very important.  Frequently, psychology and motivational programs are used to move people, not realizing that can only produce carnal results.

“And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day.  And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?” (II Samuel 6:8-9)

David was quite upset that his effort to serve God had turned out so badly, resulting in a death.  He developed a healthy new respect and fear of God.   Suddenly he doubted his ability to accomplish what he believed God wanted.

“So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.   And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.” (II Samuel 6:10-11)

Fearful lest he cause someone else’s death, David took the ark of God to Obededom’s house and left it set while he watched to see what would happen and why Uzzah had died.  During the three months the Ark was in his house, Obededom and his family were especially blessed.

What Does God Want?

II Samuel 5:17-25

“But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.  The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.” (II Samuel 5:17-18) 

The Philistines had conquered most of Israel when Saul was defeated.  They had been able to retain control of a large part during the ensuing seven years when the kingdom was divided, but David had been steadily increasing in power.  When they heard that David had been anointed king over the entire country, the Philistines decided to kill him before he could consolidate his power.  They believed that if David were dead the nation would fall apart for lack of a strong leader.  It was the same logic that led to America’s invasion of Iraq.  David withdrew into the fortified part of the city.

“And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.  And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.  And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.” (II Samuel 5:19-21)

While it seemed obvious that he needed to fight the Philistines, David consulted the Lord.  Saul constantly decided what he wanted then asked God to support him in it, And tried to motivate the people to do it for him, because he didn’t trust the Lord.  David just asked the Lord what he wanted, then went out and did it.

The Philistines had restricted and hemmed in Israel for years.  David described their defeat as being like water overflowing and washing out a restraining wall or dam.  The owner, God, had broken it down.  In their flight, the Philistines left behind their religious symbols, fetishes and good luck charms and David and his men burned them so they would not become a source of temptation.

“And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.  And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.  And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.” (II Samuel 5:22-24)

The Philistines were determined to prevent David from becoming too powerful, so they regrouped and tried again.  David again asked God what he wanted, and this time God told him to not go out in a frontal attack as he had done before.

Instead, God directed him to hide his forces in a clump of mulberry trees and wait for Gods signal, a sound of wind in the tree tops.  God would go before them to disrupt the Philistines and when they heard the noise of the wind, they were to attack as well.

“And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.” (II Samuel 5:25)

After being defeated the first time, the Philistines had undoubtedly prepared for David to do what he had done before, bringing enough men to withstand such an attack.  By seeking God’s direction, they circumvented the Philistines preparation, driving them back all the way to Gazer.

Today there are some who believe that an awareness of a need is the same as a call by God.  Sometimes God has a different plan for us, and sometimes he wants us to approach it from a different direction.  Rather than rushing in, we need to find out what God wants.

Just because something needs doing does not necessarily mean that God wants you to do it.  He may have already sent someone else and you may be in their way, or he may have a different job for you that you will be unable to do if you tackle this one.

David Assumes The Throne of All Israel

II Samuel 5:1-16

“Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.  Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.” (II Samuel 5:1-3) 

With Ishbosheth’s death, there was no other pretenders to the throne.  Abner had recommended joining with David before his death, and the entire nation came to ask him to take the throne, recognizing what God had said.  For the first time, he had the support of the entire nation.

“David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.  In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.” (II Samuel 5:4-5)

Under Jewish law and custom every 20 year old was of military age, so when David was named as king, even before he killed Goliath, he had to have been in his early teens.  He was thirty when he began to reign in Hebron, but did not become king of the entire nation until he was thirty seven.  It has taken about twenty five years for God to fulfill his promise.  He has had twenty five years to learn how to follow God and be a good king.

Today we are nearly always in a hurry to get about the business, but God seldom uses unprepared leaders.  Moses spent eighty years preparing, forty of them herding sheep.  Joshua spent forty years as Moses’ assistant.  Samuel trained under Eli, then spent twenty years before becoming a judge.  Paul spent three years in Arabia being trained by Christ, a year at Tarsus, and another year at Antioch before starting his missionary journeys.  Timothy spent years preparing for ministry before joining Paul, then spent several years working with him before taking the church at Ephesus, although he was still a young man when he took the job.

Today, one of the biggest sources of problems in our churches is immature and unprepared leadership.  Most have seminary training, but little practical experience, either in ministry, or in day to day life.

“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.” (II Samuel 5:6)

For six hundred years, the Jebusites had been allowed to live in Israel.  When David went to meet them, they refused him entry into the city, vowing that they would fight to last man to keep him out.  As they put it, he’d have to kill even the lame and the blind to get in.

“Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.  And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” (II Samuel 5:7-8)

Since they had taken that  stance, when David conquered the city he gave orders to kill even the lame and the blind, rather than making them a part of the house of Israel as he otherwise would have.

“So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.  And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.” (II Samuel 5:9-10)

The city had originally been called Jebus, and Zion.  David renamed it Jerusalem, enlarging it considerably.  The Lord did bless his efforts, greatly expanding his power and prestige in the surrounding area.

“And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.  And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.” (II Samuel 5:11-12)

The Zidonian or Phonecian city of Tyre was located on the Mediterranean coast, largely cut off from other areas.  As a seagoing people they had a well developed shipbuilding industry with skilled carpenters and engineers, and a ready supply of lumber.  Desiring peace, Hiram supplied materials and workmen to build David a palace.   David realized he was not king for his own sake, but for the benefit of God’s people.  It is something many leaders don’t understand.

“And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.  And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,  Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,  And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.” (II Samuel 5:13-16) 

David took additional wives, some formally and others as common law mates.  Eleven more sons and several daughters were born in addition to those who were born in Hebron.

The End Doesn’t Justify The Means

II Samuel 4:1-12

“And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.” (II Samuel 4:1)

Abner had been the primary backer who made Ishbosheth king, and his leadership of the army had kept him there.  With Abner dead, Ishbosheth had no one to lead his army or keep him in power.  Both he and the people were concerned what would happen next.  Ishbosheth was in depression.

“And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin.  And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)

 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.” (II Samuel 4:2-4)

When Saul and Jonathan were killed and the Philistines occupied the land, there had been a panic, worried about what the Philistines would do.  Because of it’s location, Beeroth had been deserted, and occupied by the Philistines.  Seven years later Ishbosheth and his army had not reclaimed it, and the Beerothites were still refugees in Gittaim.  It seemed that he was not concerned about them.

Saul’s family fled at the same time as the rest of the people.  Jonathan had a five year old son named Mephibosheth.  In the rush to escape the boy fell, probably breaking his leg.  It didn’t heal properly and he would be lame for the rest of his life.

“And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.  And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.  For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night. “ (II Samuel 4:5-7)

Two of Ishbosheth’s captains were from Beeroth.  When Abner was killed, they realized that Ishbosheth was not going to be able to recover Beeroth.  Their only hope of getting their city back was for David to become king of the whole country, so they decided to kill Ishbosheth.

Depressed, Ishbosheth was staying in bed until noon feeling sorry for himself. Pretending to be making a delivery of groceries, they got into the house and murdered Ishbosheth and took his head to prove he was dead.

“And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.” (II Samuel 4:8)

Hoping to speed things up and enlist David’s support in reclaiming Beeroth,  Rechab and Baanah carried Ishbosheth’s head to him.  They said God had destroyed Saul’s family for what Saul had done to David.  It is amazing how often people take things into their own hands, even doing things God has forbidden, and insist God is blessing what they are doing.  Their claims are often accepted without question.

“And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?” (II Samuel 4:9-11)

Even though Saul had been injured to the point where the Amalekite was sure he couldn’t survive and he thought he was doing him a favor by killing him, David had ordered him killed for murder.  Rechab and Baanah had killed an innocent man in his own bed.  It was far worse than what the Amalekite man had done, and David was not about to let such sin go unpunished, even if it seemed to benefit him.

Numbers 35:30-34 commanded, “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.  Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.  And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.  So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.  Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.”

Had David ignored the sin, he would have brought the judgment of God on himself and the land.  I Corinthians 5 warns of the danger of getting proud of our tolerance or what we are accomplishing and ignoring sin.  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?  I Corinthians 5:7 instructs, “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”  Though it gave David what God had promised, it was wrong, and David could not ignore it.  The end does not justify the means, as many believe.  That’s a critical lesson for us to learn if we are to please God.

“And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.” (II Samuel 4:12)

The murderers were executed immediately, and their bodies hanged as a warning to others of the consequences of such sin.  Ishbosheth’s head was buried in Abner’s tomb.

Joab Gets Even

II Samuel 3:22-39

“And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.  When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. 

Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?  Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.” (II Samuel 3:22-25)

Joab had been leading the army in pursuit of a band of raiders.  When he returned, he was upset to find out that David had met with Abner,  accusing him of treachery.  While he may have believed this, he was more concerned with getting even for the death of his brother Asahel and not losing his own influence with David.

“And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not. 

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.” (II Samuel 3:26-27)

Purporting to be acting on David’s behalf, Joab sent messengers to catch Abner and convince him to return, unbeknownst to David.  When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab persuaded him to go outside the gate pretending to have a secret message.  He then stabbed him for having caused the death of Asahel.

“And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and 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.” (II Samuel 3:28-29)

Under the Law, Joab was permitted to kill Abner because he had caused Asahel’s death, even though unintentional if he didn’t stay in one of the cities of refuge.  Technically, Joab was within the law, although his actions were unacceptable.  David asked that Joab’s family be cursed for having abused the law in such a fashion.

“So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.  And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.” (II Samuel 3:30-32)

David pronounced a day of mourning for Abner, demanding that Joab and the army acknowledge his death.  It probably didn’t please Joab.

“And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?  Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.” (II Samuel 3:33-34)


As David pointed out, Abner’s death was his own fault, even though Joab killed him.  He knew that the law permitted Joab and Abishai to kill him.  He also knew Hebron was one of the cities of refuge, and as long as he was inside it, Joab could not legally harm him, yet he voluntarily went outside the gates to talk to Joab.  He could have insisted they go somewhere inside the gates and been safe.  It was a foolish decision that cost him his life.

“And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down. 

And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people.  For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.” (II Samuel 3:36-37)

David’s obvious grief over Abner’s death, and his refusal to eat or celebrate in any way further endeared him to the people.

“And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?  And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.” (II Samuel 3:38-39)

David reminded his people of the greatness of Abner, that he had served and led the army well for many years, and that though he was king, he was unable to take any action against his killers.  All he could do about it was to let God repay them for such wicked, albeit legal behavior.

It is important that we understand that just because something is legal does not make it right.  As Christians, we are to focus on what is right, rather than what is legal.   II Corinthians 3:6  speaks of God, “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”  The letter of the law let Joab get away with murder.

Abner Switches Sides

II Samuel 3:1-21

“Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.“ (II Samuel3:1)

About two years after Judah made David king, there began to be open hostilities between Judah and the rest of Israel under Ishbosheth.  It continued for five and a half years, with David steadily gaining the support Ishbosheth lost.

“And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;  And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.” (II Samuel 3:2-5)

During the seven and a half years he reigned in Hebron, David acquired four more wives or concubines, and six sons.  The multiple wives set the stage later for some of the worst problems during David’s reign, when Absalom revolted against his father.

“And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.  And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?” (II Samuel 3:6-7)

Apparently, Ishbosheth had an attitude much like Saul, constantly expecting people to turn on him.  Saul had had a common law wife named Rizpah, and Ishbosheth accused Abner, the man who had made him king of messing around with her, impugning his loyalty.

“Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?  So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. 

And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.” (II Samuel 3:8-11)

Having placed his reputation and career on the line to make Ishbosheth king, Abner was offended by the implication of disloyalty or treason.  He acknowledged that he knew God had promised David the Kingdom, and that he would do everything he could to see that David obtained it.  Ishbosheth didn’t have the nerve to challenge him.  One can only speculate that Ishbosheth’s suspicious nature had driven away many of his other supporters over the years.  They knew how Saul had turned on David, and could expect Ishbosheth to do the same thing.

“And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. 

And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.” (II Samuel 3:12-13)

When Abner contacted him, offering to support him David apparently had some reservations.  He refused to meet with him unless he would bring his first wife, Michal along.  In doing so, he ignored the command in Deuteronomy 24:3-4 about going back to a mate who has lived with someone else.  “And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”  Even if her second husband died, she could not go back to the first.

“And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.  And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.  And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim.

Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.” (II Samuel 3:14-16)

Saul had taken Michal away from David for political purposes, even though God never gave government power over marriage.  As so often happens, once such an action is taken, others tend to accept it as their right without question.  Ishbosheth was so weakened politically, he dared not return her for fear it would alienate other of followers.

The marriage bond had formed between Michal and her new husband, Phaltiel.  He was quite upset and followed her weeping.  Later, it would contribute to a breakdown in David and Michal’s relationship.

“And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. 

And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.” (II Samuel 3:17-19)

Abner contacted the people who had originally wanted to make David king instead of Ishbosheth, advising them to do so, reminding them that it was what God had said he wanted.  He also went to the tribe of Benjamin, Saul and Ishbosheth’s own tribe, getting a commitment from them as well.

“So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.

 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. 

And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.” (II Samuel 3:20-21)

Accompanied by twenty men, Abner met with David, pledging to swing those he could influence to David’s side, and give him control of the entire nation.  After feasting together, David sent him out to fulfill his promise.

Overconfidence Is Fatal

II Samuel 2:18-32

“And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.  And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.” (II Samuel 2:18-19)

Three of David’s cousins on his mother’s side, all brothers and experienced warriors, were  there.  The youngest, Asahel, was listed as one of David’s top soldiers in II Samuel 23.  He was a very fast runner, and when he saw the enemy general, Abner running away, he determined to catch and kill him.  He refused to let anything stop him.

“Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? 

And he answered, I am. 

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. 

But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. 

And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?” (II Samuel 2:20-22)

Apparently, Asahel had discarded his weapons and armor so he could run faster.  It enabled him to catch up to Abner, and he recognized him.  Abner advised him to take some weapons from one of the less experienced warriors before he fought him.  Thinking he was afraid or thought he could get away, Asahel refused.  Abner pointed out that he would be embarrassed to fight and kill Asahel when he was unarmed.

“Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.” (II Samuel 2:23)

Even with Abner’s warning, Asahel refused to stop‘ so Abner stopped and pushed back with the back of his spear, apparently intending to just bruise him up since it had a wooden paddle on it as Deuteronomy 23:13 commanded,  “And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy weapon; and it shall be, when thou wilt ease thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt turn back and cover that which cometh from thee:”  Asahel was running so fast he drove the entire paddle through his body, killing himself.  The battle was effectively over and everyone who saw his body stopped to see what had happened.

“Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.  And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.” (II Samuel 2:24-25)

Asahel’s brothers were determined to avenge his death and pursued him and his men almost all the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.  The men of Benjamin regrouped around Abner at the top of the hill of Ammah, ready to fight again.

“Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?” (II Samuel 2:26)

Abner called Joab, asking how long he would continue the fight since they were countrymen and relatives?  All that it would produce was bitterness and hatred if it was allowed to go on, and the destruction of both sides.

“And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother. 

So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.  And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.” (II Samuel 2:27-29)

Joab acknowledged the truth of Abner’s comments and said that even if nothing had been said, exhaustion would have ended the pursuit by morning, but he sounded a trumpet to end it then.  Abner and his men traveled all night, crossing the Jordan and on to Mahanaim.

“ And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nineteen men and Asahel.  But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner's men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.” (II Samuel 2:30-31)

When they counted the dead, they learned that David had lost seven men in the battle besides the twelve on the original team.  Asahel had been killed after the battle, when the other side was fleeing, simply because of his own pride and overconfidence. There was no reason for his death.   Abner had lost three hundred sixty men of the tribe of Benjamin.  In most sports, a score of 360 to 20 would be considered decisive.

“And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.” (II Samuel 2:32)

Asahel’s body was carried to Bethlehem and buried in the family sepulchre.  Joab and the army then traveled all night to Hebron to meet David just at sunrise.