“For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it
had not been the king’s intent to kill Abner the son of Ner.”
2 Samuel 3:37
Joab found out that David had sent
Abner away. Joab felt that Abner had gone to David to deceive him. He thought
that Abner was trying to find out the king’s coming in and going out, and to
know all that he was doing. Joab didn’t trust him so he sent for him. When
Abner came back Joab took matters into his own hands. He took a knife and
stabbed him in the stomach. Abner died. When David heard the news, he was displeased.
He said “My kingdom and I am guiltless before the Lord forever of the blood of
Abner the son of Ner” (2 Samuel 3:28). He went on to say “Let it rest on the
head of Joab and on all his father’s house” (2 Samuel 3:29). David mourned for
Abner. They buried him and at Abner’s gravesite David “lifted up his voice and
wept” (2 Samuel 3:32). The people that were there wept too. Then David lamented
in a song. The people wept over him some more. David also wouldn’t eat. The
people were able to see for themselves that it wasn’t David’s intent at all
that Abner was killed. David innocence shone brightly. David acted wisely to
back up his words with how he was feeling. His words and his actions lined up.
When our words and our actions line up, everyone benefits. Psalm 17:2 says “Declare
me innocent, for you know those who do right.” May our innocence, as David’s
innocence, always shine brightly.
Father, we try our best to walk with integrity before you.
We can’t make other people’s decisions for them. They are going to do what they
want to, but may we act wisely. May we back up our words with how we are feeling.
May our words and actions line up. When our words and actions line up, everyone
around us benefits. Declare us innocent, for You know we are always trying to
do what is right. May our innocence always shine brightly. In Jesus’ name we
pray. Amen.
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