PT Jan-67 - Herbert W. Armstrong Library and Archives

ite 16i"'e Storu
by Basil Wolve rton
CHAPTER NINETY-NINE
LEARNING TO BE A KING
1: SHOW
his appreciation to Abner for helping unite Israel and for bringing
Michal to Hebron, David prepared a feast for him and his men. Thus David's first
wife was at long last given back to him, and at the same time Abner had the vengeful
satisfaction of ru ining Ish-basheth's d,aoces of becoming a leader of Israel.
"All [ ask is that you allow me to continue in Israel as an ambassador of
good will for you ," Abl)er told David.
Abner, former captain of the Ten Tribes, made the mistake of depending more
on politics than on God. "I want to make up for any harm I've caused you, now
that I realize how wrong I have been in supporting Ish-basheth. If you will allow
me, I can do much to cement good relations between you and the people who have
inclined to look to Ish-bosheth as king."
David approved of this suggestion, and sent Abner and his men out on what
was proposed to be a sort of campaign trip in David's behalf. (II Samuel 3:17-21.)
Downfall of Abner
Only a few hours later, Joab and some of David's soldiers returned to Hebron
after having pursued and overcome some enemy soldiers. They were jubilant because
they had with them many valuable weapons and much food and other spoils
they had taken from the enemy. Joab's cheerfully triumphant mood changed
abruptly to one of grim seriousness when he heard that Abner had been to visit
David, and that the two had come to some kind of agreement after Abner had
brought David's first wife to hinl.