Abner’s authority

While the civil war continued, General Abner was increasing in power within the house of Saul. He was a cousin of the former king Saul. He made Ish-bosheth a king in an attempt to establish the kingdom of Israel and made himself the general. However, in his heart, he probably wanted to become king himself. (1) Abner had relations with a woman named Rizpah, who had been a concubine of the former king Saul. This was an act equivalent to declaring himself king. In the ancient Middle East, it was customary for a new king to inherit the former king’s harem as it was. (2) Ish-bosheth reproached Abner, saying, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” (3) In response, Abner reacted with an unusually emotional outburst. He became furious and argued that he had been completely loyal all along, so why was he being reproached? Furthermore, taking this rebuke as a turning point, he declared that he would now change his course and begin to support David. (4) His rage was so intense that Ish-bosheth became afraid and was unable to say a single word in return.

Lessons for us

In Abner, we can see the typical image of a sinner. (1) Why did he become so enraged? It’s unclear whether it was because he was reproached for his wrongdoing or because his secret was discovered, but rejecting words of rebuke is a typical characteristic of a sinner. “There is severe punishment for one who abandons the way; One who hates a rebuke will die” (Prov. 15:10). (2) He changed his course to suit his own convenience. In the end, the reason he supported Ish-bosheth was because he judged it would benefit himself. (3) It was God’s will for David to become king over all Israel (from Dan to Beersheba). Abner knew this. Therefore, appointing Ish-bosheth as king was a deliberate rebellion against God. Sinners are often well aware that they are defying God. What can you learn from Abner’s failure? Let us pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”