Question 1

What does the long war between Saul’s house and David’s house show about God’s plan?

Accepted Answer

The long war shows that even when God has chosen a king, his plan often unfolds slowly and through hard conflict. David had already been anointed, yet Saul’s son Ish-bosheth still ruled much of Israel, and both sides fought for a long time. During this struggle David’s house grew stronger while Saul’s house grew weaker. This points to how God’s promise stands firm, even when human opposition and delay make it seem uncertain. In the end, God brings David to the throne in his own time, not by David forcing it.

Question 2

Why are David’s six sons in Hebron listed in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The list of David’s sons shows that while Saul’s house was fading, David’s house was growing. Each son strengthened David’s position and future line. At the same time, this list quietly warns us. These sons came from several wives, which went against God’s warning that kings should not multiply wives. Later, some of these very sons, like Amnon and Absalom, brought deep trouble and grief. So the list both marks God’s blessing of growth and hints at the pain that comes when a leader ignores God’s pattern for marriage.

Question 3

Why did Abner turn against Ish-bosheth and join David?

Accepted Answer

Abner turned against Ish-bosheth after being accused over Saul’s concubine Rizpah. He felt deeply insulted, especially after showing loyalty to Saul’s family. In his anger he declared that he would help give the kingdom to David, just as the Lord had promised. So his move came from both personal offense and a growing recognition that God had sworn the kingdom to David. His motives were mixed, and he was still thinking about his own power, yet God used his change of sides to move Israel toward accepting David as king.

Question 4

Why did David demand the return of Michal before making a league with Abner?

Accepted Answer

David asked for Michal back because she was his first wife, given to him for his victory over the Philistines. By having her returned, David was reclaiming a rightful marriage that linked him to Saul’s house. This strengthened his claim in the eyes of the people and showed that he wanted things set back in order. The scene is painful, since Michal’s current husband follows her weeping. It reminds us that political and personal choices can cause deep hurt, even when there is some measure of justice in restoring what was taken.

Question 5

What was Abner doing when he spoke to the elders of Israel and Benjamin?

Accepted Answer

Abner was working to turn the people’s loyalty from Saul’s weak house to David. He reminded the elders that in the past they had wanted David as king and pointed them back to what the Lord had said about David saving Israel from the Philistines and all enemies. He also spoke directly to the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s own tribe, to win them over. Through these talks, Abner was trying to unite all Israel under David’s rule. God used even this former opponent to move the nation toward his chosen king.

Question 6

Why did Joab kill Abner, and how did David respond?

Accepted Answer

Joab killed Abner to avenge the death of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had killed in battle. When Joab heard that David had sent Abner away in peace, he secretly called Abner back and stabbed him in the gate of Hebron. David was not involved and strongly denied any guilt. He declared his innocence before God, cursed Joab’s house, led public mourning for Abner, and refused to eat that day. The people saw that David did not approve of this revenge. This shows David’s desire for justice and his struggle with violent men who served under him.

Question 7

What does David’s mourning over Abner teach about his character as king?

Accepted Answer

David’s mourning shows a tender and just heart. He tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth, walks behind Abner’s bier, weeps at the grave, and sings a lament, calling Abner a prince and a great man. He refuses to eat until evening, and all the people notice. Through this, David makes clear that Abner’s death was wrong and that he honors even a former enemy who had sought peace. It shows a king who does not delight in bloodshed, who feels his own weakness, and who leaves final judgment to the Lord.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about revenge and leaving justice to God?

Accepted Answer

Joab’s act shows how personal revenge can twist justice. Instead of leaving Abner’s earlier killing of Asahel in the context of battle and seeking proper judgment, Joab lures Abner back and murders him in a place of safety. David refuses to share in that guilt and calls on the Lord to repay the evildoer according to his wickedness. The contrast teaches us that even when we have been deeply hurt, taking justice into our own hands in deceitful ways is wrong. God sees, and in the end he brings the right judgment.

Question 9

How does this chapter show God working through flawed people to establish David’s kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Every main figure here is flawed. David has many wives, Abner changes sides after a personal insult, Ish-bosheth is weak, and Joab murders in revenge. Yet through this messy mix, God’s promise to give the kingdom to David moves forward. The house of David grows stronger, the house of Saul grows weaker, and even Abner’s late support helps unite Israel. This reminds us that God’s plans do not fail because of human sin. He is able to overrule ambition, fear, and anger to carry out what he has spoken, while still holding each person responsible.

2 Samuel 3:1

Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

The House of David Strengthened

Abner Joins David

Joab Murders Abner

David Mourns for Abner

The House of David Strengthened

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2 Samuel 3:1

Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

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The House of David Strengthened

Abner Joins David

Joab Murders Abner

David Mourns for Abner

The House of David Strengthened

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