In 2 Samuel 3, we find two men making a deal in order to see their enemy defeated. Abner, being personally offended by Ishbosheth, makes a deal to join David. David, wanting to get his wife (Saul’s daughter) back, makes a deal with Abner.
After a series of events, Joab steps forward to avenge his brother and murders Abner.
“We may even deceive ourselves into the belief that we are honoring our Lord and Master when we are, all the while, bringing disgrace upon his name.”
C.H. Spurgeon
Abner knew David was supposed to be king, yet, he only really began supporting David after he was personally insulted. In the end, he believed he was doing something to honor God, but he was really more motivated by the personal attack. Joab believed he was doing something to honor God when he murdered Abner. In his mind, he was protecting David. But the act was a disgrace. It was far from the example that David showed when waiting on the Lord even when Saul was out for murder.
And finally, as Hank has mentioned with David, this chapter outlines his poor handling of difficult situations. David was a great man of faith, but he was far from perfect. Some believe he was a womanizer. His sons, of course, were not great men. In my opinion, this could have been due to the lack of discipline or attention from David as their father.
Here, we definitely find that to be the case with Joab. David verbally disciplines him for his ruthless murder of Abner, but doesn’t act on that discipline with anything further. As we read on this seems to be a common thread with David. As he is slow or reluctant to tie up loose ends, the messiness of his kingdom will spiral out of control on several occasions.