What can we learn about loyalty from Abner's actions in 2 Samuel 2:9? Setting the Scene 2 Samuel 2:9 shows Abner, Saul’s military commander, bypassing God’s anointed king, David, and installing Saul’s son Ish-bosheth on the throne. Abner’s Loyalty on Display (2 Samuel 2:9) “Then he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, even over all Israel.” Strengths We Can Affirm • Steadfastness – Abner stayed committed to Saul’s household after Saul’s death (Proverbs 17:17). • Initiative – he organized national defense rather than leaving Israel leaderless. • Courage – supporting a weaker claimant meant facing David’s seasoned warriors. Cautions and Pitfalls • Misaligned Loyalty – resisting God’s revealed choice set Abner against divine purpose (Acts 5:38-39). • Self-Interest – controlling the throne gave Abner personal power (2 Samuel 3:6). • Prolonged Conflict – misplaced loyalty fueled civil war and bloodshed (James 3:16). Principles for Our Own Loyalty • God First – “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). • Scriptural Evaluation – David already held God’s promise (1 Samuel 16:1-13; 2 Samuel 5:2). • Willingness to Shift – Abner later acknowledged, “The LORD has spoken of David…” (2 Samuel 3:17-18). • Truth-Guided Faithfulness – real loyalty serves God’s purposes, not merely human ties (Colossians 3:23-24). Putting It Into Practice Today • Test every allegiance—family, church, work, nation—by Scripture. • Stand with leaders who submit to God’s authority; refuse to prop up those He has not endorsed. • Remain humble and teachable, allowing God’s Word to redirect loyalties as needed. • Blend steadfast love with truth (Ephesians 4:15), producing unity rather than division. |
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