2 Samuel 3:6-21
Abner Comes to David
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6During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul.
7Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”
8Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman!
9May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him:
10to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”
11And for fear of Abner, Ish-bosheth did not dare to say another word to him.
12Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf 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.”
13“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”
14Then David sent messengers to say to Ish-bosheth son of Saul, “Give me back my wife, Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for a hundred Philistine foreskins.”
15So Ish-bosheth sent and took Michal from her husband Paltiel son of Laish.
16Her husband followed her, weeping all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go back.” So he returned home.
17Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king.
18Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’”
19Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin.
20When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them.
21Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Abner has become powerful in Saul’s house. When Ish-bosheth accuses him of sleeping with Saul’s concubine Rizpah, Abner becomes furious. He appeals to his past loyalty, then swears to help transfer the kingdom to David, as the LORD has promised. Ish-bosheth is too afraid of him to answer.
Abner offers David a covenant and his help in bringing Israel over to him. David agrees, but requires the return of Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife. David also sends the demand to Ish-bosheth. Michal is taken from Paltiel, who follows her weeping until Abner orders him home. The agreement between powerful men changes these two people’s lives; the narrative records Paltiel’s tears but gives no words from Michal.
Abner tells Israel’s elders that they have wanted David as king and urges them to act. He appeals to the LORD’s word that David will save Israel from its enemies. He also speaks with Benjamin, then visits David in Hebron with twenty men. David holds a feast and sends Abner away in peace to gather Israel.
Abner knows the promise to David even while he has been strengthening Saul’s house. His appeal now serves a course he takes after a bitter quarrel. God’s purpose is not created by Abner’s change of allegiance, and his use of that purpose does not settle every question about his motives. An agreement may offer real help while still requiring careful attention to the people who will bear its cost.
Questions
1 What triggers Abner’s break with Ish-bosheth?
AnswerIsh-bosheth accuses him of sleeping with Rizpah, Saul’s concubine. Abner responds angrily, cites his loyalty to Saul’s house, and swears to support David. The narrator reports the accusation without settling whether it was true.
2 What promise does Abner cite when urging Israel to accept David?
AnswerHe says the LORD has promised to save Israel from the Philistines and its other enemies through David. He urges the elders to act on their earlier desire to have David as king.
3 Who is directly affected by David’s condition for the agreement?
AnswerMichal is taken from Paltiel and returned to David. Paltiel follows her weeping until Abner sends him back. Their experience prevents us from seeing the negotiations only as a political success.
4 What should we ask before accepting an agreement that affects another person?
AnswerAsk who will carry its cost and whether that person has been heard. A useful offer deserves examination, especially when someone with less power may have little say in the decision.
What This Means for Us
Michal is discussed as part of a political bargain, but she is a person whose marriage and safety have been controlled by powerful men. The passage should make us suspicious of arrangements that treat people as proof of ownership.
Abner's change may help David, but it is not automatically pure. Political wisdom requires asking what a new ally wants, what damage has already occurred, and who will bear the cost.
Before accepting an offer that changes your household's future, name the person most affected and make sure their voice is not being erased.
Prayer
God of justice, protect people caught inside the bargains of the powerful. Give our household wisdom about alliances, honesty about motives, and care for those whose voices are easiest to overlook. Amen.
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