|
|
Abner Dies As A Fool Dies? 2 Samuel 3.33-35 Introduction: 2 Samuel 3.33-35 David was chosen by God to be King of Israel. Saul and Jonathan died in battle against the Philistines, 2 Samuel 1. David ascended to the throne but for a time some of the tribes rebelled. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, made Ishbosheth, Saul's son, King. I) Events in 2 Samuel 2 A) Abner aligned with the servants of Saul; Joab was commander of David's army, vv. 12-13 1. They and some of their men met at a pool and got involved in a competition, vv. 13-17 2. Asahel, Joab's brother, pursues Abner, vv. 19-22 3. Abner tires to avoid killing Asahel, encourages him to pursue someone else. 4. Abner is left with no choice but kills Asahel, v. 23 5. Joab pursues Abner but he escapes and tries to reason with Joab. B) 2 Samuel 3.1 the house of David increases while the house of Saul decreases. 1. Eventually the rebellion ends and the 12 tribes of Israel follows David. 2. This means the armies and those who had at one time fought each other were now together. II) The Law of Moses A) The Law on murder and accidental killing 1. Murderer put to death on testimony of two or three witnesses, Numbers 35.30. 2. The avenger of blood is the next of kin, Deut. 19.11-13 3. The avenger could kill the one who took the life of their kin whenever they met, Numbers 35.19-21 B) Cities of Refuge, Numbers35 1. A place of refuge, safety, in case of accidental death, Numbers 35.11 2. A trial would be conducted to determine guilt or innocence (murder or accidental death), v. 12 3. There were six cities of refuge, three on each side of the Jordan River. a. To give ample opportunity to seek refuge on both sides of the Jordan in case of flooding. b. Joshua 20.7-9 Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron, Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan. 4. A person guilty of murder could not find safety in a city of refuge but would be turned over to be killed. 5. The innocent person could find safety in the city of refuge, Numbers 35.25. a. Must stay in the city until the death of the High Priest at which time they could go back home. b. If he leaves the city of refuge, the avenger of blood can kill him, vv. 26-28. III) Abner Joins David, 2 Samuel 3.19-21 A) Joab is upset for Abner was commander of Saul's army and killed his brother. 1. Abner returns to Hebron before Joab returns to David's camp. 2. Joab goes to Hebron and calls Abner out to the gates of the city where he kills Abner, 2 Samuel 3.27. a. David declares himself innocent of Abner's blood, 2 Samuel 3.28 b. Joab was not punished because Abner left the place of safety, v. 30. B) Abner die as a fool dies 1. He knew the law 2. He know the place of safety 3. He knew the danger Joab presented. 4. He did not abide in the law. 5. He left the place of safety 6. He died as a fool! IV) Application A) How many will die as a fool now? Romans 8.2,3 1. God has provided a place of safety for us, Acts 2.47 2. We must go to the place of safety (Jesus) as stipulated by God 3. Entrance granted to those who obey God's word, i.e. have their sins forgiven. 4. To remain saved we must remain in Christ. 5. To die outside of Christ is to die a fool! B) How many will die lost? 1. Know the law? 2. Know the place of safety? 3. Know the danger sin presents? 4. Yet do not abide in the law? 5. Leave the place of safety? 6. Die a fool's death?
|