DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LIFE IS MESSY

DAD'S RABLINGS – LIFE IS MESSY

"Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD. And they anointed David king over Israel." (II Samuel 5:3)

David had reigned as king over the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin for 7 years at Hebron, while Ishbosheth, Saul's son, reigned over the 10 northern tribes of Israel. David was destined to reign over all the nation of Israel. The story of the unification of the nation was a story of intrigue.

It happened this way. Abner was the commander of the army of the 10 northern tribes of Israel. Even though Ishbosheth was the king, Abner was the real power and authority. Abner had installed Ishbosheth as king (II Samuel 2:8-9), but Ishbosheth was under the thumb of Abner. Under Abner, Israel waged war against Judah, whose army was under the leadership of Joab, a nephew of King David. During a battle, Abner's army was defeated by Joab's army, and Abner fled. He was pursued by the brother of Joab, Asahel, and Abner ended up killing Asahel. That would have severe consequences.

As time went by, David's kingdom became stronger and the northern tribes became weaker. In addition, the friction between King Ishbosheth and Abner came to a head when Ishbosheth accused Abner of having an affair with one of his concubines. As a result, Abner decided to deliver the northern tribes of Israel to King David. So Abner went to King David to make peace, and they made a covenant that would make David king over all Israel.

Joab was on a military venture while this was happening, and when he learned of it, he was filled with wrath and took a personal vendetta against Abner because Abner had killed his brother. So Joab killed Abner by deceit. This was not David's intention, since he had no ill-will against either Abner or Ishbosheth, who had been assassinated. But through it all, the northern tribes accepted David as King and stayed submitted to King David throughout his reign. This was God's plan.

History is messy. We scratch our heads wondering how anything good could come of it. But God will use even the messy circumstances to fulfill His plan. Not only for a nation, but for our personal lives. We can know that He is in control, and His will will be done. Remember: The crucifixion of Christ was messy, but it brought our salvation.

Love, Dad