What does 2 Samuel 3:16 teach about respecting authority and God's appointed leaders? Setting the Scene “Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, ‘Go back.’ So he returned.” (2 Samuel 3:16) Divine Appointment of Leadership • David had already been anointed by God as king (1 Samuel 16:1, 13). • Abner now recognizes that “the LORD has sworn to David” to rule (2 Samuel 3:9–10, 18). • Bringing Michal back legally re-establishes David’s royal household, underscoring his divinely sanctioned authority. Human Emotions Under Authority • Paltiel’s tears show genuine heartbreak, yet his grief does not override God’s order. • Abner’s terse command—“Go back”—places divine authority above personal desire. • The narrative treats Paltiel’s submission as the expected response when God’s sovereign choice is clear. Respecting Authority in Action • Abner acts on the higher authority of God’s promise to David, even though it costs another man deeply. • Paltiel exemplifies reluctant but real submission; he does not resist or fight. • Scripture portrays this compliance as the right, orderly response when leadership is unmistakably God-appointed. New Testament Echoes • “Every person must be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God.” (Romans 13:1) • “Obey your leaders and submit to them.” (Hebrews 13:17) • “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.” (1 Peter 2:13) Lessons on Respecting Authority Today • Recognize the Lord’s hand in establishing leadership, even when circumstances feel painful or unfair. • Separate emotion from obedience; feelings are real, but God’s order directs our action. • Honor leadership with words and conduct, resisting the impulse to undermine or retaliate. • Trust that God safeguards His purposes through the leaders He appoints (Proverbs 21:1). • Demonstrate respect by yielding personal preference when it conflicts with clear biblical authority. |
    |