When we do not get our way, or when someone or something resists our will, we often resort to force. It is true of individuals, of businesses, and of governments. In the sinful world we live in, sinners resort to force to try and resist the advance of God’s Kingdom here on earth. At times it seems like the forces arrayed against the Church will overpower. But if God is on our side, it is not a fair fight.
Chapter 2 of 2 Samuel shows an example of the failure of force to prevent God’s Plan advancing through David’s kingship. While David’s anointing by God was publicly known, Abner had conspired to place Saul’s remaining son on the throne in opposition to David, who was proclaimed king in the South. Abner’s attack ended in failure and defeat, with Abner’s forces unable to defeat David’s forces. Abner’s defeat reminds us of the stupidity of sin and resisting God’s will. God’s kingdom will advance over all the earth. God is Lord of all our lives.
After David’s anointing as king over Judah, and Ish-bosheth’s installation as king by Abner in the north of Israel, the two who claimed the right to rule Israel would have to settle things. Abner, who had installed Ish-bosheth in the north (possibly as a puppet), decided to use force to resolve the conflict, marching the north’s soldiers south toward David at Hebron (v.12).
Understandably, David’s armies led by Joab moved north from Hebron to Gibeon to meet and block the northern army from its advance (v.13). There, the leaders met at a pool and sat down to talk before battle commenced (v.13).
Abner suggested that champions from each army would fight, just as David and Goliath had fought many years before (v.14). Twelve from each army arose and fought one-on-one, which ended in a twelve deadly draw (vv.15-16).
Since there was no resolution to the fight by the champions, both armies engaged in combat. After a fierce battle, David’s forces prevailed (v.17). Israel, and Abner, were forced to flee northwards.
Along with Joab, two of his brothers were present at the battle (the following becomes important later in 2 Samuel). One, Asahel, seemed to want the glory of overcoming Abner, and chased Abner relentlessly (vv.18-19).
Abner recognised Asahel, and encouraged Asahel to seek out another target to strike down for glory and spoil (vv.20-21). Asahel refused, and kept on coming.
At this point, a tiring Abner warned Asahel that he would be forced to strike him if he kept pursuing (v.22). Something he did not wish to do, it seemed, because he would then have to face Joab again. Ultimately in self-defence, Abner followed through and struck Asahel through with his spear, bringing everyone to a halt and Asahel to a permanent stop (v.23).
Joab and his other brother, Abishai, pursued Abner with a desire for vengeance which grief can often drive (v.24). They pursued Abner until sundown, when surrounded by fellow Benjamin tribesman Abner stood on a hill to make what he thought might be a final stand (v.25).
Suddenly, Abner was keen on the shared brotherhood between Judah and Israel’s other tribes. “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?” (v.26).
Joab retorted that there would be no devouring swords if Abner had not spoken to cause all of that day’s events (v.27). Even so, Joab called off the attack (v.28), and Abner and his forces retreated all night (v.29).
When the tallies of losses were made, the scale of the failure was clear. David’s forces lost nineteen men, plus Asahel (including the twelve champions lost in combat; v.30). Abner’s force had lost 360 (v.31).
Joab and the men buried Asahel, and returned to Hebron (v.32). Abner’s attempt at resisting God’s Kingdom by force had failed.
Sin is stupid. It makes you do stupid things. What can possibly be smart about resisting God’s will? Yet that is what we all do when we sin.
Even those of us who have been enlightened to the truth, had heard it proclaimed, and sing praises to the true God still do not always embrace it as we should. We deny the truth by our acts, sinning and fighting God’s will. Abner was stupid to resist God. So are we.
And so are the nations who refuse to submit to their true king, Jesus. They plot and rage in vain. They assault God’s People, through coercion and force, seeking to wipe out the Church and blot out believers. But they will ultimately fail. Just as Abner failed.
Human force cannot defeat the God who created them. They can resist. They can gather their armies to fight against God, but it is an unfair fight. Jesus will win simply by turning up (Rev. 19:11-21).
God is Lord of all. Let us worship the unconquerable king!
