Topical Bible: Confidence: Betrayed: Abner, by Joab

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Abner's Role and Influence

Abner, the son of Ner, was a prominent military leader in Israel, serving as the commander of Saul's army. His influence extended beyond the battlefield, as he played a crucial role in the political dynamics of the kingdom. After Saul's death, Abner initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah. Abner's confidence in his position and his ability to sway the tribes of Israel was evident in his actions and decisions during this tumultuous period.

The Shift in Allegiance

Abner's confidence in his leadership and political acumen led him to a pivotal decision: to transfer his allegiance from Ish-bosheth to David. This shift was motivated by a combination of personal grievances with Ish-bosheth and a recognition of David's divine anointing as the future king of a united Israel. Abner's decision to support David was a significant turning point, as he sought to bring the northern tribes under David's rule.

In 2 Samuel 3:12, Abner sent messengers to David, proposing an alliance: "Then Abner sent messengers in his place to say to David, 'To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.'" This move demonstrated Abner's confidence in his ability to influence the tribes and secure David's kingship over all Israel.

The Betrayal by Joab

Despite Abner's intentions to broker peace and unity, his confidence was ultimately betrayed by Joab, David's military commander. Joab harbored a personal vendetta against Abner for the death of his brother Asahel, who had been killed by Abner in battle (2 Samuel 2:23). Joab's desire for revenge overshadowed any political considerations or the potential benefits of Abner's alliance with David.

In a deceitful act, Joab lured Abner back to Hebron under the pretense of a peaceful meeting. 2 Samuel 3:27 recounts the treacherous act: "Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the gateway to speak with him privately, and there he stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died in revenge for the blood of Asahel, Joab’s brother." Joab's betrayal of Abner's confidence not only resulted in Abner's death but also complicated David's efforts to unify the kingdom.

David's Response

David's reaction to Abner's murder was one of lament and public disapproval. He distanced himself from Joab's actions, emphasizing his own innocence and mourning the loss of a potential ally. In 2 Samuel 3:38-39, David expressed his grief: "Then the king said to his servants, 'Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel? And I am weak this day, though anointed king; and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too harsh for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!'"

David's response highlights the complexity of leadership and the challenges of navigating personal vendettas within the broader context of God's plan for Israel. Abner's betrayal by Joab serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of human confidence and the potential for treachery even among those who serve a common cause.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Horns of the Altar
... father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son ... will perish as surely as
Judas, who betrayed his Master ... I pray you, put no confidence in your profession ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

Love and Remorse
... or that his hiding-place should have been twice betrayed. ... taunt flung across the
valley to Abner, gives relief ... it is faith clinging to the confidence that God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... Judas, who stole the poor's money, betrayed the Lord ... third slew two generals of
armies"Abner of Israel ... God." [3414] Thou shalt not entertain confidence in thy ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

The First Kings.
... But as David expressed his strong confidence that the ... But Abner, a splendid general,
and a great ... same ardent temperament which sometimes betrayed his judgment ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Gaal, son of Ebed,* a soldier of fortune and of Israelitish blood, arrived upon
the scene, attended by his followers: he managed to gain the confidence of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm