Topical Bible: Treason of Abner Against Ish-Bosheth

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Background:
Abner, the son of Ner, was the commander of Saul's army and a significant figure in the early monarchy of Israel. After the death of King Saul, Abner played a crucial role in establishing Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah. This division led to a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David.

The Incident:
The treason of Abner against Ish-Bosheth is a pivotal event recorded in 2 Samuel 3. The tension between Abner and Ish-Bosheth arose when Ish-Bosheth accused Abner of a grave offense. According to 2 Samuel 3:7 , "Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah, and Ish-bosheth said to Abner, 'Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?'" This accusation was not merely a personal affront but carried significant political implications, as taking a king's concubine could be seen as a claim to the throne.

Abner's Reaction:
Abner's response to Ish-Bosheth's accusation was one of indignation and defiance. In 2 Samuel 3:8-10 , Abner retorted, "Am I a dog’s head from Judah? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his brothers and friends. I have not handed you over to David, yet you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba."

Political Maneuvering:
Abner's decision to defect to David was a turning point in the struggle for the throne. He initiated contact with David, offering to bring all Israel under David's rule. In 2 Samuel 3:12 , Abner sent messengers to David, saying, "To whom does the land belong? Make a covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you."

David's Conditions:
David agreed to meet with Abner but set a condition for their alliance. He demanded the return of his wife Michal, Saul's daughter, whom he had married earlier. This demand was fulfilled, and Michal was returned to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 3:13-16 .

Abner's Influence:
Abner's influence was significant, as he was able to persuade the elders of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin to support David. In 2 Samuel 3:17-19 , Abner spoke to the elders, reminding them of their previous desire for David to be king and asserting that the LORD had promised David's kingship.

The Outcome:
Abner's defection to David marked a critical shift in the power dynamics of Israel. However, his plans were cut short when Joab, David's military commander, killed him in Hebron, seeking revenge for the death of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle. This act of vengeance is detailed in 2 Samuel 3:26-27 .

Theological Implications:
The treason of Abner against Ish-Bosheth highlights themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises. Despite human schemes and conflicts, God's sovereign plan to establish David as king over all Israel was ultimately realized. Abner's actions, though politically motivated, inadvertently aligned with the divine will, demonstrating that God's purposes prevail even amidst human treachery and ambition.

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2 Samuel 3:6-21
And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
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