QT 2/9/2023 2 Sam 3:1-6, Stop and look

2 Samuel 3:1–6 (ESV) —

1 There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

2 And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

6 While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.

 

NOTE: The passage says there was a long war between the two houses, but it is unclear if the war lasted two or seven years. We know that Ish-bosheth was not installed until the last two years. It is not clear all that happened after the Philistine defeat and Abner setting up Ish-bosheth as King of the Northern Tribes. Possibly, the years were spent gathering support or for Abner to rebuild the Army. Abner was the true power, not Ish-bosheth. Abner was fiercely loyal to the house of Saul, but as a Benjaminite, he stood to gain more from a Benjaminite King than from a Judahite King. For all the emphasis on spiritual Israel, the only one who shows any semblance of spirituality is David, except for the wives. The passage in Deuteronomy may have been mis-interpreted by the scribes of the times.

 

Deuteronomy 17:17 (ESV) — And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.

 

Technically, it does not say "one wife," but "not … many wives." It was common for Kings of that time to have multiple wives to ensure an heir. Maybe David was misinformed. Certainly, he did use marriages to cement relationships with other tribes and nations. He does not seem to think or act as if he was doing anything wrong. And finally, he really did want to follow God. He had a heart for God. He had faith. And so he was an heir of the true promise of Abraham, righteousness by faith.

 

Sometimes, it is hard to see the hand of God when our hands are so involved -- what is it we think God is doing, what do we think we are doing, and what is God really doing in the much larger grand scheme of our life.

 

PONDER:

1. Take a step back today and ponder the three questions.

 

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to see your hand and what you are truly doing these days.