the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
2 Samuel 2:12-32
Up to the end of ch. 4 we read of the conflict between David and Ish-bosheth or rather between their respective generals, Joab and Abner. It is a prestige contest, each of these proud men wishing to be first. It is to finish in the murder of Abner, then in that of Ish-bosheth. These sad circumstances, amounting to civil war, are used by the LORD to establish, little by little, the reign of His king.
Violence and the spirit of vengeance are given free rein. Near the pool of Gibeon the trial of strength begins like a game. They only want to find out who are the most skilled and the strongest. But from pride to murder, see what a small step it is. Excitement leads to loss of self-control, and the criminal act is performed before the outcome can be realised. The twenty-four luckless young men fall down together, each thrust through by his opponent.
Notice that David stands aside from the contests that Joab claims to carry on in his name. We are becoming acquainted with this character, a cunning and unscrupulous man, who defends David’s cause because this will bring him personal gain.
