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David’s ascent to king was not as simple as three verses. In the book of 2 Samuel, the entire process is described in great detail over 3 chapters. David would be anointed king by the Judeans, but not all of Israel agreed as to who was actually their king. A few chapters back, we studied the genealogy of Saul’s children. It would be Ishbosheth who was anointed king by the rest of Israel. Not only would David have to wait on Saul’s destruction before being anointed king, but he would immediately step into turmoil and division within the nation.
As we read here in Chronicles, Joab became David’s military leader and right-hand man. For Ishbosheth, it would be Abner. Once Abner realized that David’s rule was inevitable, he strategically decided to follow David contingent upon him being the military leader over the northern tribes. Joab, being jealous of sharing his power, assassinated Abner. Around the same time, Ishbosheth was murdered by some of his own men.
Within all of these crazy events, David remained patient and faithful to God’s plan for him. In fact, he set the tone for how Israel was to deal with matters like this in his heartfelt mourning for Abner.
“They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. 33 And the king lamented for Abner, saying, “Should Abner die as a fool dies? 34 Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered; as one falls before the wicked you have fallen.” And all the people wept again over him.”
2 Samuel 3:32-34 ESV
Sometimes it’s easy to justify taking shortcuts. Would anyone have said a word if David decided not to mourn the death of Abner? It’s true that at one point he was an enemy of David, siding with Ishbosheth and his leadership. David did what he ought to according to the righteousness of the Lord. He set the tone with the people that this type of behavior is not of God.
Where have you been taking shortcuts? Even more, where have you been justifying behavior that is directly affecting others? Each of us has a leadership position in life regardless of our title. People are watching and observing.