How can we apply Abner's example to our own leadership responsibilities? Setting the Scene Abner, Saul’s long-time general, knows David has been anointed by the LORD (1 Samuel 16:13; 24:20). Yet in 2 Samuel 2:8 he acts otherwise: “Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and he brought him across to Mahanaim.” Leadership Pitfalls Displayed by Abner • Allowing personal loyalty to eclipse divine revelation • Protecting position and reputation over pursuing righteousness • Using influence to preserve a fading system instead of advancing God’s known plan • Creating division among God’s people by elevating an alternative authority • Ignoring clear prophetic guidance already given (1 Samuel 13:14; 15:28; 2 Samuel 3:9–10) Positive Takeaways • Initiative and organizational skill: Abner swiftly gathers tribes, showing decisiveness • Courage under pressure: he risks backlash to install a leader he believes in • Strategic thinking: relocating the throne to Mahanaim, a defensible site east of the Jordan Action Steps for Today’s Leaders 1. Yield ambition to God’s declared will – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 2. Evaluate loyalties by Scripture – “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) 3. Guard unity among believers – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) 4. Use influence to advance God’s kingdom, not a personal kingdom – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) 5. Finish well—course-correct quickly when convicted – Abner eventually aligns with David (2 Samuel 3:12-21); leaders today should repent sooner, not later Other Scriptures to Keep in View • Romans 13:1 — God appoints legitimate authority • Proverbs 16:2 — “All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD.” • James 4:17 — Knowing the right thing yet failing to do it is sin |
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