2 Samuel 3
2 Samuel 3:9-16 (ESV)
9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.” 11 And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him. 12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf,[a] saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.” 13 And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul's daughter, when you come to see my face.” 14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.”
An ongoing hostility between the house of Saul (now Ish-bosheth) and the house of David continues, and there were skirmishes between the northern and southern kingdoms. The tribes raided, pillaged, and sometimes killed even though they were God's Chosen People. The fighting continued until the house of Saul became weaker, and David's grew stronger. The Lord orchestrated bringing about the kingdom He promised to David. We also saw evidence of the Lord working in events in Genesis with Pharoah and in Judges with Samson.
In verse nine, Saul's military commander, Abner, states that the Lord has chosen David to rule over all Israel, and David knew this as well. Still, he did not take extreme measures to place himself on the throne because he knew God would fulfill His Word. In verse 12, Abner does not waste time seeking alignment with David. David’s response to Abner was if Michal, Saul's daughter, and David's wife, given to David after providing Saul with 100 Philistine foreskins from a battle, was returned to him he could come into his presence. David used an interesting term in this response to Abner, which translates that Abner will not see David’s face until he returns Michal.
The political "jockeying of positions" in chapter three, rivals our government today. In today's SOAP, there are more examples in this chapter which you will see as you read the chapter. Verse 13 parallels a New Testament passage, which reiterates the need to study the Old Testament to help us understand the New Testament. Turn to Matthew 23 and read verses 37-39, and you will find Jesus, who is of the House of David, using a similar phrase. These verses in Matthew also reference Hosea chapter 14 and Amos
chapter 9, which we are not currently studying, but reading them would add more clarity to God's master plan.
God's design has David as Israel's king, ordained, and established on the throne by God. Jesus is coming as Israel's king, ordained, and seated on his throne by God. David wanted his bride returned to him. Jesus is returning for his bride. The Bible is rich with patterns God has given us to help us understand his Word and master plan.
Prayer: Lord, study your Word is fascinating. You have masterfully woven your truths from Genesis to Revelation, to make Yourself know to Your children. Holy Spirit, give us a heightened sense of understanding and help us to apply that understanding to our faith journey and represent You to those we encounter daily. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen