The Politics of Kingship

2 Samuel 3-4

          Historically, there are some key elements about David's ascent to the throne and his reign in 2 Samuel 3-4.  For example, chapter 3 starts with a statement about David's sons.  Evidently, it is never too early to start planning for and worrying about succession.  We'll hear about Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah as the story of David unfolds.  We'll also see the succession become complicated in the aftermath of the Bathsheba incident.

          The bulk of these chapters, though, detail the shenanigans and personalities and motives that finally gave David the throne over all Israel.  It's a sordid tale.  Pretty clearly, Abner, Saul's general, was the power behind the resistance.  Ishbosheth, Saul's remaining son, hasn't the stomach or temperament for armed resistance.  However, Ishbosheth does accuse Abner of sleeping with one of Saul's concubines.  (I don't recall another reference to this incident to say that Abner did indeed do that deed; given Ishbosheth's characterization as a fearful man, I would assume he had solid proof that it had indeed happened.)  The thing is: sleeping with the king's concubine was tantamount to claiming the throne.  So, Ishbosheth, the titular king, challenges Abner, the de facto king, about the latter's presumptions, and Abner decides to turn the whole thing over to David.  Perhaps Abner thinks David will show him more respect and let him have his autonomy.

          David is no fool, and he sees a chance to unite the kingdom without further warfare.  David seems wise enough to know that he is putting his hand into the viper's nest, but he seems willing to take that chance for the sake of accomplishing his larger goal.

          Joab is no fool, either.  He knows that Abner is a dangerous tool.  He also knows that he has a perfectly legitimate reason to get rid of him:  revenge.  So, he does the job that David was eventually going to need doing and kills his rival's general.  (The old King James says, "He smote him under the fifth rib."  That's not significant at all, but sometimes I just love the old translations.)  We're going to see Joab exhibit this same ruthless insight in the future, too.  Joab is a pretty savvy political operator; every ruler needs a man who will do the jobs that need doing while still providing cover to his boss.

          David makes the most of the opportunity.  He mourns Abner loudly and publicly so that all the people love him and are drawn to his side.  On the one hand, we should note the desire of David to be noble and generous with his enemies.  On the other hand, we should also note that he seizes the opportunities that circumstances afford him.  

          The sad fact is that in this fallen world we're always going to be gripped by multiple motives--some of the pure and holy, some of them sinful and self-serving.  And even in the midst of our messy lives of mixed-up motives, the Lord works behind the scenes to bring His plans and purposes to fruition.