Success in a sinful world can often come at a brutal cost. Financial gain through ruining another financially. Promotions and power through destroying or trampling over the reputations of others. This is not the way of God’s Kingdom. Those who lead in God’s Kingdom must serve and display integrity, not ruthless cunning and destruction of others who stand in their way.
Not surprising given the way of the world, David’s inheritance of the Kingdom of Israel was tainted by sinful acts of his servants. Yet the text makes clear that David was blameless in the acts that ultimately brought all Israel under his reign. His blamelessness reminds us of the true and greater king, Jesus, whose rule over the Kingdom of God follows a blameless, sinless life sacrificed for our sins.
After Abner had decided that his best bet for future influence was throwing in his lot with David, he approached David to offer Israel to him. Whether Abner considered himself the real power broker of the north or not, he clearly offered it to David (v.12).
David agreed, but required the return of his first wife Michal (Saul’s daughter) to him (vv.13-15). Saul married Michal off again after forcing David out, but David wanted her back (which did not breach Deut. 24, since David did not abandon her) to hopefully cement the line of Saul and his line together. Ish-bosheth obliged, and Michal was sent back (v.15). Poor Paltiel, her second husband, wept as his wife was taken away from him (v.16).
It seems Abner and Ish-bosheth were all who really stood between David and the kingdom, so when Abner advocated for David with Israel and smoothed over the tribe of Benjamin’s feathers, all seemed to fall into place (vv.17-19). Abner and twenty men negotiated with David, enjoying safe passage “in peace” to enter and leave Judah (vv.20-1).
Unfortunately Joab, who was away raiding, returned to find things had moved on while he was away. He failed to convince David that Abner’s acts were all a ruse (vv.22-5).
What followed was appalling ruthlessness and destruction. Despite knowing that Abner enjoyed safe passage, Joab called Abner to a meeting without informing David (v.26). Unsuspecting Abner, assuming further negotiations, then fell victim to Joab in vengeance for the death of Asahel (v.27, cf. 2:18-23). A vengeance that should not have occurred, as Asahel fell in war not a private feud.
David was ropeable. After all, he had promised safe conduct, and it had been used for treachery. David declared himself blameless in the whole incident (v.28), as the text itself has repeatedly made clear. Then he announced a curse on Joab and his father’s house (v.29), made Joab and the army publicly mourn Abner’s death (v.31), while he himself followed the casket, publicly weeping at Abner’s graveside (vv.31-2).
David was clearly blameless in the whole sordid affair. It was important that everyone knew.
To be even clearer, David composed a lament for Abner’s death (vv.33-4), and fasted as a sign of mourning and respect (v.35). His public acts were noted, and pleased the people of Israel (v.36). It clearly demonstrated that David was blameless, and not involved in this sinful act (v.37).
Joab had been brutal, David was gentle, even though as king he could have had Abner’s head for opposing David’s kingdom (vv.38-9). Of course, David could also have had Joab’s head too, but a curse would have to do in the meantime. Joab was too important to die right then. That day would come in God’s time.
The whole kingdom was coming to David, yet not without the wicked deeds of sinful men carrying along with it. Neither Abner nor Joab were blameless men, each sinfully acting in ways which could have affected the kingdom. Nor was Saul blameless, for he had married Michal off to another man, so Paltiel suffered hurt and loss because of dynastic struggles.
Yet in these events, David was blameless. Michal was his wife. Abner had safe conduct. David did not know of Joab’s plans, or condone them. Joab knew what he was doing was wrong. Despite all this, God’s plan still advanced. God’s promise to David was being fulfilled; the king was receiving his kingdom.
However, David was not a sinless man. We have seen this in 1 Samuel. We will see it again later. But another king was entirely blameless for all his days. That king is Jesus.
Jesus too endured the acts of self-centred sinful men. One of his disciples betrayed him. The others seemed more interested in the “top dog” position. The leaders of Israel conspired to have him killed as a rebel, when he had done nothing wrong.
Yet God’s plan still advanced. God’s promises to us were being fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead, and now reigns on high. The king is receiving his kingdom.
The sinful acts of sinful people are no barrier to God blessing his people and ensuring their wellbeing through his blameless king.
