This chapter takes place nearly two years after the crowning of Ish-bosheth as King of Israel. Abner, his general, defects and swears allegiance to David, promising to help David take his rightful place as king.
“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. Now Saul had a concubine… And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, ‘Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?’ Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, ‘…To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father… and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman. 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…’ ” (v1,7-11 abr)
After Abner had loyally served the house of Saul for many years, there is a falling out between him and Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (the current King of Israel). So Abner decides to help David fulfill God’s anointing and become King of Israel. Unfortunately for Abner, he is murdered after visiting David. David’s general Joab, and his brother Abishai kill Abner because Abner had slain their brother Asahel in self-defense at the battle of Gibeon (2:12-32).
Abner, who personally crowned Ish-bosheth king, has a change of heart and realizes that David is the rightful king. When he finally has enough of Ish-bosheth, Abner puts things into motion to “transfer the kingdom” over to David.
Again, David’s hands are kept clean in both the matter of transferring the kingdom, and in the murder of Abner (the text says he was not aware of Joab’s and Abishai’s intents). God kept David clean form the messes that were happening around him, because David was waiting on the Lord.
I recently had a personal situation where I was at a crossroads – I wasn’t sure how to proceed, or what steps to take. I decided to wait on the Lord in prayer and in fasting. Before receiving a direct answer from God, I received word that the situation was resolved cleanly, and I had no need to take action. I believe God honored my posture of waiting upon Him for the guidance, and He resolved the situation for me – that was His answer to my prayer.
Similarly, David did not kill Saul, nor force the transfer of the kingdom, he simply waited for God’s guidance and for God to fulfill His promise. As the house of Saul grew weaker, David probably could have waged an all-out final strike and completely destroyed the house of Saul, but he chose to wait for God to do it in His timing.
I encourage us to wait patiently upon the Lord for Him to guide us and fulfill His promises. No matter what the promise is, God will keep it, guaranteed. Abraham and Sarah waited many years for children and eventually took matters into their own hands because they didn’t trust God to fulfill His promise (the result was a huge mess). We don’t have to make that same mistake, or if we have, we can repent and return to waiting on God. He will deliver us from our past sin, and into our future glory, as He has promised. As long as we’re still breathing, it’s not too late to wait upon the Lord.
Father God, our Gracious and Generous Provider, holy is Your name. You have gently provided Your guidance and solutions to our countless problems, and all we need to do is rely on You for the that support. Thank you for forgiving our sin, and being patient as we learn to patiently wait upon You. All honor, glory, and praise be to You, our Lord God and Redeemer, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training