Verse 6 gives us the background of this chapter about the on-going war between the house of Saul (southern Judah) and the house of David (northern Israel). God appoints both to be kings, but Saul fell away from God and died in a war with the Philistines (1 Sam 31). God raised David up to be his successor. This chapter describes how David becomes the king over northern Israel as well. There are four key characters - David (king of Judah), Ish-bosheth (king of Israel after his father’s death), Abner (commander of Ish-bosheth’s army) and Joab (commander of David’s army).

Verses 1-21 describes Abner coming to David in Judah to seek terms of peace. Verses 22-39 brings Joab into the scene after Abner went away with the covenant that he had made with David. When Joab heard what had transpired between David and Abner, he was furious and questioned David for making a treaty with their enemy. He was angry because Abner had killed his brother Asahel during a battle between Judah and Israel in the preceding chapter. While Joab saw Abner coming to them as an opportunity to take revenge; David on the other hand, made a covenant with him. So, Joab immediately set up a plot to bring Abner back and killed him. Abner did not have the slightest thought of this unjust act that came upon him. David moaned with intense sorrow for such a tragic act. In verses 34 and 39, he lamented that this was a wicked act by Joab and even called upon God for vindication.

Joab was David’s commander of army and had helped him fight many battles. He even collaborated later with David to have Uriah killed in a battle to cover David’s adultery act against Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba (2 Sam 11). What made the act of Abner cruel was the fact that the victim was in the dark and unprotected during the attack. For this reason, David was displeased with Joab though he was a capable commander of his army. David was a warrior who had fought many wars, but he would not resort to unscrupulous ways except his sin of adultery that led to the sin of killing Uriah. However, while David confessed and repented; Joab did not. Joab went on to commit another similar wicked act later in 2 Sam 20:10. He brought down Amasa, Absalom’s commander of army in the same way.

David’s hands were tight towards Joab. Joab had become a pain in his neck. He could not do anything to bring Joab to justice until his son, Solomon succeeded him before he died. In his parting words, one of things that he instructed Solomon to put his house in order is to deal with Joab for his ruthless killing of unprotected victims (1 Ki 2:5-7).

Who is a pain in your neck at this moment in your life? It can be someone in your office who plays politics. It can be someone in the church whom you cannot tolerate. It can be a teacher who constantly criticizes you or a classmate who bullies you in school. What can we do if we face such a situation? Prayerfully, consider the following. First, examine your own self whether you have in any way (if any) contributed to why this person is behaving this manner. Second, ask God for wisdom whether you can alleviate the problem. Third, talk to someone (spouse, parent, teacher, friend, etc.) who can help you or at least can give you a listening ear. Last but not the least, remember that God may allow this trial for a season to teach or train you for a purpose.

Rom 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Jame 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.