Why did Ish-bosheth fear Abner and remain silent in 2 Samuel 3:11? Setting the Scene • After Saul’s death, “Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and brought him over to Mahanaim” (2 Samuel 2:8). • Ish-bosheth’s kingship depended entirely on Abner’s military clout; without Abner he had no real base of support. • The immediate dispute: “Saul had a concubine named Rizpah… and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, ‘Why have you slept with my father’s concubine?’ ” (2 Samuel 3:7). Abner’s Dominant Position • Commander of the entire northern army (2 Samuel 2:8); the troops’ loyalty lay with him, not the inexperienced king. • Seasoned warrior and king-maker who had personally installed Ish-bosheth on the throne (2 Samuel 2:8–9). • Feared by enemies and allies alike; Abner’s anger alone was a serious threat (2 Samuel 3:8). Ish-bosheth’s Insecurity • He ruled only because Abner placed him there; he knew Abner could just as easily remove him. • The accusation about Rizpah exposed Ish-bosheth’s lack of control over his own court. • Verse 11 captures the paralysis: “Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he feared him” (2 Samuel 3:11). Spiritual Undercurrent: God’s Anointing Was on David • The LORD had already declared, “Rise and anoint him; for he is the one” (1 Samuel 16:12). • Abner now aligns with that divine plan: “I will transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David” (2 Samuel 3:9–10). • Ish-bosheth senses he is standing in the way of God’s revealed choice and lacks both the moral and spiritual authority to resist. Why the Silence? 1. Political reality—Abner commanded the army. 2. Personal threat—Abner’s fury could cost him the throne or his life. 3. Spiritual resignation—God’s favor rested on David, not on Saul’s line, leaving Ish-bosheth without courage. Key Takeaways • Power without God’s blessing breeds fear (Psalm 127:1). • Human authority propped up by others can collapse overnight (Proverbs 29:25). • God’s purposes will stand, and even the strongest general ends up serving His plan (Isaiah 46:10). |
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