Chapters 3 And 4

March 24,2016

At this point in time the Jews are separated by Tribe. When David becomes King he is made King over Judah and Ishbosheth was King over the other eleven tribes. Ishbosheth was the son of King Saul and became King when Saul was killed. The leader of his military was Abner. Now Abner knew that David had been chosen and anointed King by Samuel on the word of God. So in an effort to be on the right side he approached David and was willing to deliver the eleven tribes under David and to unite Israel. David agreed and sent him on his way to bring the tribes to him so he can be anointed King. After he left, David's head of the military named Joab was upset that David was negotiating with this man !! Why ?   Because Abner had killed Joab's relative. So, Joab went out and killed Abner. At this point David's men, unknown to David went out to kill Ishbosheth and all relatives so there could be no heirs to David's throne. They beheaded Ishbosheth and brought it to David as proof of his death. David had these men killed and mourned !! Why ?   For the same reason he did not kill King Saul when he had the opportunity..... You do not mess with God's anointed !!!

David uses the opportunity of Ishbosheth's funeral to strengthen his hold and to consolidate his power over all 12 tribes of Israel. He writes a lament and reads it at the funeral and mourns loudly so all would know he had nothing to do with the murder. From this point on God will expand and protect Israel in land and power. The Jews will go on to defeat their enemies and for the first time they will become a single nation united in all ways and do God's will !!!