The Word for today: 2 Samuel 2:1 -- 3:39
mark this: 3:33
These two chapters show the events which led to David's consolidation of Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel (the northern kingdom) under his rule.
David is king of Judah in Hebron as these events play themselves out. He will reside there for 7 years.
David is no longer that innocent shepherd boy we met at first. He has spent years in the caves and dens of the earth, hunted like a partridge (1) by Saul's men. He has collected men of war around him. He is rugged and adept at war.
Abner, the military leader of the northern kingdom, makes known his intentions to abandon his position and ally himself with David. He was going to help David become king over the twelve tribes.
But David's military leader, Joab, gains revenge when he murders Abner outside the gates of Hebron. (During a previous battle, Abner had killed Joab's brother.)
Hebron was a city of refuge where a murderer was safe. In that city, Joab could not have touched him.
King David, hearing of Abner's death, lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dies? (2)
Abner stepped outside the city of refuge, and Joab killed him. He was a fool to leave Hebron.
This is a message for us today. There is a refuge for every sinner in Christ. If we are outside the place of refuge, we are lost.
According to the Bible, a man is a fool if he does not turn to Jesus Christ who is the place of refuge. It does not matter what his IQ is or what his position in life might be.
(1) 1 Samuel 26:20; (2) 2 Samuel 3:33
mark this: 3:33
These two chapters show the events which led to David's consolidation of Judah (the southern kingdom) and Israel (the northern kingdom) under his rule.
David is king of Judah in Hebron as these events play themselves out. He will reside there for 7 years.
David is no longer that innocent shepherd boy we met at first. He has spent years in the caves and dens of the earth, hunted like a partridge (1) by Saul's men. He has collected men of war around him. He is rugged and adept at war.
Abner, the military leader of the northern kingdom, makes known his intentions to abandon his position and ally himself with David. He was going to help David become king over the twelve tribes.
But David's military leader, Joab, gains revenge when he murders Abner outside the gates of Hebron. (During a previous battle, Abner had killed Joab's brother.)
Hebron was a city of refuge where a murderer was safe. In that city, Joab could not have touched him.
King David, hearing of Abner's death, lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dies? (2)
Abner stepped outside the city of refuge, and Joab killed him. He was a fool to leave Hebron.
This is a message for us today. There is a refuge for every sinner in Christ. If we are outside the place of refuge, we are lost.
According to the Bible, a man is a fool if he does not turn to Jesus Christ who is the place of refuge. It does not matter what his IQ is or what his position in life might be.
(1) 1 Samuel 26:20; (2) 2 Samuel 3:33
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