“Assassins in Hebron”

 “And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.” (2 Samuel 3:21)

Background

Abner has abdicated his control over Israel with the blessings of the Elders of Israel and by joining in league with David has all but guaranteed David’s crown. It is a peaceful transition. Sort of.

Joab

“And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.” (2 Samuel 3:22)

The gossips of Hebron are quick to tell Joab of Abner’s meeting with David. Joab is unhappy that he was not there for the meeting, and he tells David so.

“24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone?

25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.” (2 Samuel 3:24-25)

Joab is certainly not the type of person that would trust Abner, especially since Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel. Joab’s anger gets the best of him.

“26And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.

27And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.” (2 Samuel 3:26-27)

David had felt the same sort of anger when he was confronted by the man Nabal. Had it not been for Abigail David may have killed him in anger, but he didn’t. David let God dispense vengeance. Joab had vengeance on his mind and he ignored God. Patience is one of the issues we all face. When we strike out at someone without God’s permission, we are going to face the consequence.

“The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” (Psalms 55:21)

Joab and his family will pay.

Stay Tuned…