Abner Goes Over to David
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It seemed inevitable that Abner and Ish-bosheth would eventually have a falling out. This came when Ish-bosheth accused Abner of sleeping with his father’s concubine.
“There is nothing in the record to indicate that Abner, if guilty of the act of which he was charged, had any design on Ish-bosheth’s throne, but the king nevertheless preferred to regard the alleged conduct as an act of treachery, and it was this that aroused the anger of Abner. Ish-bosheth’s words of reproach are understandable, for Abner’s alleged deed violated the rights of the king.” Abner resented the insinuation because he had placed Ish-bosheth on the throne. For the nephew he had supported to falsely accuse him of treason was deeply offensive. In his anger, Abner swore to place David on the throne of all Israel.
“Abner’s resolve to transfer the kingdom of Saul to David was probably not the result of hasty judgment. The commander may long have pondered the advisability of giving up the attempt to maintain the tottering house of Saul.” What could Ish-bosheth do? He realized Abner was the power behind his throne. The weakness of Ish-bosheth and the power of Abner are shown in 2 Samuel 3:11: “And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.” Abner sent messengers to David, offering to join him and deliver Israel in the bargain. “Abner recognized that he was in a position to bargain with David. He would bring about the transfer of the land on one condition, that David make a league with him, giving him definite assurance of proper consideration for himself. In this proposal the narrow, haughty, self-seeking spirit of Abner was clearly revealed. He would throw in his lot with David, but only at a price, and he wanted first to make certain that the price would be paid.” “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
