2Sa 3:9 | KingComments | STEP | Here the history of the civil war continues. Abner is the actual ruler in the house of Saul and not Ish-bosheth. This is clear when Ish-bosheth asks Abner about his adulterous behavior with the concubine of his father Saul. Apparently Abner has taken this sideline. He did so not only because he liked her, but to strengthen his position in Saul’s house even more. We also see it later with David when he wants Michal back. We also see it with Absalom and Adonijah. It is all for the same purpose: to obtain more power. Abner feels Ish-bosheth’s question as a reproach. That is also right, because his behavior is culpable. But Abner doesn’t accept the reproach. He makes himself angry and accuses Ish-bosheth of being ungrateful. He wants to show ‘kindness’ and then Ish-bosheth dares to blame him for an iniquity with a woman! In his wounded pride and proudness Abner says that he will give David the kingdom. This will be a new temptation for David, after in 2 Samuel 1 an Amalekite has already offered it to him ( ). Abner seems to know that the LORD has given the kingship to David. Therefore his resistance by making Ish-bosheth king is sin. He acts consciously against the will of God. Abner has joined Ish-bosheth to exercise power himself. Noting that David will eventually win and become king, he proposes to go over to David. He wants to do that in a way that will benefit him most. Abner’s threats affect Ish-bosheth. He tones down and doesn’t let himself be heard anymore. It shows his weak character and who really is in power.

‏ 2 Samuel 3:9

Ish-bosheth and Abner

Here the history of the civil war continues. Abner is the actual ruler in the house of Saul and not Ish-bosheth. This is clear when Ish-bosheth asks Abner about his adulterous behavior with the concubine of his father Saul. Apparently Abner has taken this sideline. He did so not only because he liked her, but to strengthen his position in Saul’s house even more. We also see it later with David when he wants Michal back. We also see it with Absalom and Adonijah. It is all for the same purpose: to obtain more power.

Abner feels Ish-bosheth’s question as a reproach. That is also right, because his behavior is culpable. But Abner doesn’t accept the reproach. He makes himself angry and accuses Ish-bosheth of being ungrateful. He wants to show ‘kindness’ and then Ish-bosheth dares to blame him for an iniquity with a woman! In his wounded pride and proudness Abner says that he will give David the kingdom. This will be a new temptation for David, after in 2 Samuel 1 an Amalekite has already offered it to him (2Sam 1:1-10).

Abner seems to know that the LORD has given the kingship to David. Therefore his resistance by making Ish-bosheth king is sin. He acts consciously against the will of God. Abner has joined Ish-bosheth to exercise power himself. Noting that David will eventually win and become king, he proposes to go over to David. He wants to do that in a way that will benefit him most.

Abner’s threats affect Ish-bosheth. He tones down and doesn’t let himself be heard anymore. It shows his weak character and who really is in power.