David Mourns Abner

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. —2 Samuel 3:33, 34

When David heard of the treachery against Abner, he immediately disavowed any responsibility for the act (2 Samuel 3:28).

“David had evidently given his word that the person of Abner would be inviolate. The action of Joab cast suspicion on David’s integrity. David wanted all to know that he had had no part in this perfidious deed and that he abhorred with all his soul such a violation of honor.” David could not adequately punish the crime because Joab’s popularity with the army would lead to an uprising. With his hands tied, David instead cursed the entire household of Joab forever. “And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness” (v. 39).

The act had been planned and carried out with premeditation.

David arranged a public funeral for Abner in Hebron.

He ordered Joab and the entire army to wear sackcloth and follow Abner’s body to the grave. This showed all that while Joab might not regret his act, he was forced by David to condemn it. The king walked behind the casket in his royal robes as chief mourner and openly wept at the tomb (vv. 31–33). David’s tribute made clear he considered the murderer to be wicked (vv. 33, 34). “David’s magnanimous recognition of one who had been his bitter enemy won the confidence and admiration of all Israel.” However, Abner had expected to gain a better position under David. “Had he succeeded in his purpose, his talents and ambition, his great influence and want of godliness, would have endangered the throne of David and the peace and prosperity of the nation.” “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3).