How does 2 Samuel 3:11 relate to Proverbs 29:25 about fear of man? Setting the Scene • 2 Samuel 3 shows the power struggle after King Saul’s death. • Abner, the commander, confronts Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son and puppet king, over a false accusation (3:7-10). • Verse 11 records Ish-bosheth’s reaction: “Ish-bosheth could not reply to Abner, because he feared him.” The Snare Exposed in Ish-bosheth • Ish-bosheth’s silence is not humility; it is intimidation. • He holds royal authority in name yet submits to Abner’s dominance. • Fear of Abner traps him in passivity, leading to political weakness (3:11-14) and eventual assassination (4:5-7). Proverbs 29:25—God’s Diagnosis “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Fear of man = a trap that immobilizes and endangers. • Trust in the LORD = elevation, protection, stability. Linking the Narratives • Ish-bosheth illustrates the proverb: – Fear of Abner (man) = snare → silence, loss of authority, downfall. – Absence of trust in the LORD = no divine protection or boldness. • Where Proverbs teaches the principle, 2 Samuel supplies a living example. Supporting Passages • Saul: “I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” (1 Samuel 15:24) • Peter: chose fear of men before Pentecost (Mark 14:66-72), fearless afterward (Acts 4:19). • Jesus: “Do not fear those who kill the body… fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) • Paul: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) Lessons for Today • Fear seeks control; trust yields control to God. • Titles, positions, or relationships cannot compensate for a heart trapped by human intimidation. • Freedom from the snare begins where reverence for God surpasses regard for human opinion. Choosing Trust Over Terror Practical steps: 1. Identify the voices you allow to silence obedience to God. 2. Replace anxious thoughts with Scripture promises (Psalm 56:3-4; Isaiah 51:12-13). 3. Act in faith even when nervous; courage grows through practiced trust. 4. Surround yourself with believers who model God-fearing boldness (Hebrews 10:24-25). Ish-bosheth’s tragedy warns; Proverbs 29:25 instructs. Trusting the LORD breaks the snare and lifts believers to secure ground. |
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