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Context No. 2801 of 4322 · 2 Samuel

Context · Reflection

2 Samuel 3:17-21: in context

17Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past, you sought for David to be king over you. 18Now then do it! For the LORD has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David, I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.’” 19Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin; and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. 20So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast. 21Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires.” David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

Abner, who had been the strength behind Saul's house, now turns the northern tribes toward David. He reminds the elders that they had long wanted David as king, and that God himself had promised to save Israel by David's hand. He wins over Benjamin, Saul's own tribe, then comes to David at Hebron, is welcomed with a feast, and pledges to gather all Israel into a covenant with the king. David sends him away in peace.

For years Abner had propped up Saul's failing dynasty against the very man God had chosen. Now, at last, he lines himself up with what the LORD had already declared and works to bring it about. There is a real grace in coming around to God's purpose even this late, after so long spent resisting it. The reconciliation here is genuine, whatever tragedy waits in the next scene. It is never too small a thing to finally stop fighting what God has said.

Is there a purpose of God I have long resisted, that it is not too late to finally get behind?

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