Self interest and vengeful anger can greatly hinder the purposes of God.
The transition of power from Saul’s house to David’s involved backstabbing and bloodshed – may we, the Church, avoid such pain today. 2 Samuel 3
The next stage of this conflict opens with a very telling verse;
THE WAR between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew STRONGER AND STRONGER, while the house of Saul grew WEAKER AND WEAKER. 2 Samuel 3:1
God’s hand was with David and the contrasting fortunes of the two groups clearly showed this, David continued to rise in popularity and authority. The Church today will also be blessed as we turn to the Lord and follow His plans and purposes. Similarly, those who don’t side with God’s new direction will grow weaker. We must follow God’s blessing and not hang to the old way, that is passing.
Two key figures in this scenario were Joab and Abner, the commanders of the armies of each side. Joab, David’s general, was always ready to fight and shed blood, even by his own hand.
6 During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul.
Abner had been strengthening his own position within the house of Saul, perhaps with the intention of handing it over someday to David. At times both of these men acted in their own interests and without the authority of their kings. Even a popular figure like David, was aware of the power and influence of Joab and his brother within his kingdom.
39 And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me.
David had to learn to govern powerful factions within his kingdom and rule wisely. Sometimes it’s wisdom not to confront matters head on, but to seek God for His timing and leading.
Abner eventually argued with Saul’s son and decided to hand all Israel over to David, as God’s Spirit had prophesied. He spoke to the leaders of Israel, including Saul’s own tribe of Benjamin and they agreed for him to approach David. Abner was acting more as a statesman than a general and David negotiated with him, agreeing to become leader of the whole nation. But Joab, the man given to violence and vengeance intervened and murdered Abner, blocking the transfer of the unified kingdom to David.
The whole nation of Israel and Judah, knew the prophecy that David would one day be their king, but Joab in his anger and thirst for revenge, blocked God’s destiny for David.
27 Now when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into an inner chamber, as if to speak with him privately. And there, to avenge the blood of his brother Asahel, Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died.
Is it possible that the devil used Joab’s murderous anger at the last minute to block God’s purpose for His people?
… for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. James 1:20
People who lash out in anger are in danger of blocking the Lord’s purposes. David showed great restraint and self control throughout much of his life and God was able to use him. May we also seek to put God’s purposes first in our lives.
God bless and keep you today.