Abner's career reveals the principles on which ambitious men build their lives. He was, according to David's estimate, a great man and a prince, but his soul was eager for his own advancement. "He made himself strong in the house of Saul," 2 Samuel 3:6, r.v. He knew that David was God's appointed king and that through him the divine purpose would move, 2 Samuel 3:10; 2 Samuel 3:18; but yet, because it seemed likely to insure his own advancement, he set Ish-bosheth on the throne. It was a deliberate attempt to thwart God's will, and it failed miserably. "Woe to him that striveth with his Maker!"
Ish-bosheth was a poor weak soul, a mere puppet king, who was set on the throne because he was likely to be pliant in the hands of his great general. Yet even he was aroused to protest when Abner threatened to desert him. And so the alliance between ambition and weakness was broken and the way was made for David to come to the throne of all Israel. In the meantime he ruled at Hebron, waiting, as our Lord waits at the Father's right hand, till His enemies should be made His footstool, Acts 2:34-35. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Samuel 3
1During the war David becomes stronger 2Six sons are born to him in Hebron 6Abner, displeased with Ishbosheth 7revolts to David 13David requires as a condition to bring him his wife Michal 17Abner confers with the Israelites, feasted by David, and dismissed 22Joab returning from battle, is displeased with the king, and kills Abner 28David curses Joab 31and mourns for Abner
What do the individual words in 2 Samuel 3:4 mean?
and the fourthAdonijahthe sonof Haggithand the fifthShephatiahof Abital