2 Samuel 3 Abner’s Change

After years of fighting between the house of Saul and the house of David, there is a chance at peace. Abner’s change of heart is due to Ish-bosheth’s malicious words.

Abner has been after David for MANY years. From the day Saul deemed him his enemy, until Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, maligns him. Abner didn’t hunt David out of personal vengeance but out of honor to Saul. Abner KNEW in his heart that God had proclaimed David as king. But he wasn’t ready yet to release his ‘duty’ to Saul’s house. That changes this day!

While the fighting raged on between the two houses, David grew stronger and focused on building his family. He will take several more wives, as well as have children by them. We have no idea how far apart these children are in ages. They were all born to different mothers, so they could be anywhere from hours apart to years apart.

Let’s rejoin our story and watch the rise and fall of the tides in Israel; as Abner finally follows the will of the Lord.

♥ ♦ ♥

The fighting between the house of Saul and the house of David has raged on for years. It started the day Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear. David did not strike back though, until after Saul’s death. David’s actions were defensive rather than offensive. David did not actively seek the role of king of Israel. He left that in God’s hands, but he would not lie down and let Abner force Judah to accept Ish-bosheth as their king.

Over the years of fighting, David had become comfortable in Hebron. He had found that life as king had its advantages. One of those advantages was that he could support a larger family. When David first moved to Hebron, two of his three wives came with him. Abigail and Ahinoam were wives he had acquired while running from Saul. David’s first wife, Michal, was still absent from his life, through the hand of Saul.

In Hebron, David began to acquire other wives. Some through political alliances and others out of desire. And these wives bore him children. Abigail was the first to bear David a son. Ammon was his name. David’s second son was born to him by Ahinoam, and his name was Chileab. David’s third son was born to him by Maacah. She was the daughter of the king of Geshur. Their son’s name was Absalom. David welcomed his fourth son, Adonijah, who was born to him by his wife Haggith. David’s fifth son was Shephatiah. He was the son of David’s wife Abital. The sixth son born to David in Hebron was Ithream. His mother was David’s wife Eglah.

David loved each of his children and his wives. He welcomed each addition into his family with gratitude to the Lord. But his attention was divided between them and his role as king of Judah. The mothers and servants would do much of the raising of his children.

As David’s house was increasing, Saul’s house was falling apart. The ‘glue’ holding Saul’s house together was Abner. He was tiring of this role, but he continued on.

A weariness has filled Abner as of late. He has been feeling the strain of maintaining his allegiance to Ish-bosheth for the sake of Saul. He is nothing like his father Saul. Abner was honored to serve Saul, even in the days he least understood Saul’s heart. But Ish-bosheth is a child in a man’s body. He knows nothing of the matters of running Israel. Abner has been the one working with the leaders of the tribes. His own standing with them has eclipsed Ish-bosheth’s. Abner is the real power behind the throne but the one sitting on it is dragging him down; bringing about true regrets for ever having placed him there.

Abner appears before Ish-bosheth this day as usual. It is the king’s custom to hear updates of the battle between Saul’s house and David’s each week. He isn’t interested in strategy or even hard facts. All he wants is to know if they are ‘winning’. Abner tries hard each week to find something encouraging to bring to Ish-bosheth. He hasn’t the strength to do so today.

“Abner; what news do you bring me of David’s defeat?”

“I have none to report this morning. Perhaps the day will bring about something more encouraging for my king.”

“As I suspected. You have been distracted. Maybe if you would leave the bed of Rizpah you could rejoin the hunt for David!”

Abner can’t believe his ears. Rizpah was one of Saul’s concubines. He would NEVER consider disgracing his king in such a manner. He is stunned into silence.

“You have been seen following her about as a doting lover.”

Anger and indignation ignite Abner’s tongue. “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman” (2 Samuel 3:8b). Fire flashed in Abner’s eyes and he spat at Ish-bosheth’s feet. “God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba” (2 Samuel 3:9-10).

Ish-bosheth’s face drains of all color. It is clear that he has gone too far. Abner’s response made it clear that the reports were malicious unfounded gossip. He was a fool to believe them and even a bigger fool to confront Abner with them publicly. He can do nothing but watch as Abner turns around and storms from the throne room.

Abner wastes no time in penning a letter to David. He writes what his heart had been longing to write for some time. “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you” (2 Samuel 3:12).

As soon as Abner is done with his letter, he calls for three messengers. Once they arrive, he hands their leader the scroll he had just penned. “Take this to David in Hebron. Wait for his reply and bring it directly to me.”

The messengers set off immediately for David’s residence. It will be a while before Abner hears David’s answer, but he has no doubt the reply will be favorable. Abner also dispatches messengers to assemble the leaders of Israel. He will need to address them, regardless of David’s answer.

Two days pass before the messengers reach David. Abner spends this time preparing his remarks for the leaders of Israel. He knows they have long wished an end to the feud between Saul and David’s houses. If not for Abner’s installation of Ish-bosheth, they would have requested David be their king. They have come to trust Abner over the years and will follow his lead.

While Abner makes his plans, David receives the messengers. He is surprised, but pleased, to learn of Abner’s proposal. David has desired the fighting to end since the day he first fled Saul’s court.

David knows Abner to be a man of integrity. Never has he heard a false word from his lips. Yet this is a HUGE change from the man who faithfully served at Saul’s side. How can he know for certain that Abner is able to do as he proposes?

In the back of David’s mind is a hollow spot that has plagued him for more years than he cares to think about. It is a wound inflicted by Saul that the mere mention of it sends him into probing it like a newly missing tooth. The wound inflicted by Saul’s theft of Michal, David’s first wife. Righting this wrong will be the test of Abner’s ability to bring the leaders of Israel to David.

David composes two messages. The first is to Abner. The second to Ish-bosheth.

To Abner he writes, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face” (2 Samuel 3:13). This message David sends with Abner’s messengers.

To Ish-bosheth David pens his demand. “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines” (2 Samuel 3:14). His own messengers carry his demand to Ish-bosheth. David plans for both his messengers and Abner’s to arrive at the same time and for both messages to be delivered in the same day. Now he only needs to wait and see if his demands are met.

Leaders of the different tribes of Israel are arriving in Mahanaim. Abner has not received word from his messengers yet, but he anticipates their speedy return. He scheduled his meeting with Israel’s leaders first thing in the morning of the day following their expected arrival. This meeting is where he will address the leaders of Israel with David’s agreement for peace, or extended war without the house of Saul. Abner KNOWS to trust the word of the Lord so he has only prepared remarks that line up with David’s positive answer.

Abner reclines after finishing his midday meal. The sound of hurrying feet rouses him from his thoughts. He hurries to the door in anticipation. He ushers the messengers into is home before they even have an opportunity to knock.

“What news do you bring from David?”

“He sends his reply my lord.” The head messenger withdraws a scroll from his bag and hands it to Abner.

Abner quickly opens it and reads David’s words. The smile on his face is enough to let the messengers know that David’s reply was indeed favorable. “This is good news for all Israel” muses Abner. To his messengers he says, “You may leave now.”

Ish-bosheth receives messengers at his residence too. These messengers were not anticipated. After being announced by the guard they stand before Ish-bosheth’s throne. “Speak” commands Ish-bosheth.

“We come bearing a message from David, king of Judah.”

“And what does this message say?”

“Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines” (2 Samuel 3:14).

Ish-bosheth is stunned by David’s words. His initial thought is to refuse David’s demand. He would then send David a message by beating his messengers then dispatching them back to whence they came. But before his mouth spoke the words, he sees the folly in this. He didn’t have Abner to back him on the throne any longer and without Abner he didn’t have Israel.

To his guards he speaks, “Bring Michal to me. I don’t care if you have to drag her from her home kicking and screaming. Have her here before nightfall.”

Ish-bosheth’s guards appeared at the door to Michal’s home. “Your king requires your presence immediately.”

“What is this about” asked Michal.

“It’s about your rightful husband.”

Michal’s hands fly to her face. She knows without a doubt who the guards are speaking of, and it is not Paltiel, the husband her father had given her to long ago.

Without another word Michal retrieves her cloak and follows the guards. Paltiel catches her arm as she moves past him. She looks at him with love and shakes her head. Her steps leave no doubt as to her resolution to follow the king’s command.

Michal arrives with the guards at the throne room of Ish-bosheth. Paltiel stands behind them. She waits quietly until addressed.

“David has demanded the return of his wife; the one he paid the bride price of 100 Philistine foreskins. For the sake of Israel, I believe it is time we corrected this wrong.”

Michal bows her head. “This day has long been coming. I will do as my king commands.”

“NO” yells Paltiel. He steps around the guards to stand in front of Michal. “She is MY wife!”

“YOU knew this day was also coming” replies Ish-bosheth with steel in his voice. He looks directly at Michal. “You have two days to prepare for travel. You will join your rightful husband in Hebron at that time.” He then turns his attention back to Paltiel, “And don’t even think about defying me or trying to flee with my sister. I will hunt you down and pry her from your dead hands if necessary.”

Michal and Paltiel spend the night in town. It is not safe to travel after the sun has set. They will spend the night with Merab, Michal’s sister. This may be their last time to see one another. Who knows what their futures hold for them.

Morning breaks and Abner is ready to meet with the leaders of Israel. As soon as all are assembled Abner presents his case. “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you” (2 Samuel 3:17b). Heads nod around the room. Abner smiles to himself. “Now then bring it about, for the Lord has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies’” (2 Samuel 3:18).

“And how do you propose we do this?”

“Wait a minute! What about our king” called the leader of the tribe of Benjamin.

“Ish-bosheth is no king” growled one of the leaders from Issachar.

“Brothers” spoke Abner “please hear me.”

Once the room was quiet again Abner lays bare his heart before them. “You know I have served the house of Saul from the moment the Lord called him to be king over Israel. I attempted to maintain his house by putting forth his son, Ish-bosheth, in his place. But he was not called by the Lord for this role. Another was. He is not the king his father was. He seeks only his own pleasures and leaves the matters of Israel to others. I repent of my folly before you here today.”

“If we are to be a nation that follows the Lord we must do His will, not our own. If you will give me your blessing, I intend to meet with David and make a covenant with him to deliver to him what was has been withheld. I will also be restoring his first wife to him as a demonstration of good faith.”

Abner waited while the leaders considered his proposal.

“We have to follow the will of God if we ever expect His deliverance from the Philistines.”

“David has already proven that the Lord stands with him. His victories over Saul’s house speak clearly of this. How can we refuse to follow the Lord’s anointed and still call ourselves His people?”

“You have our blessing Abner. We await your return with David’s answer.”

Shortly after the meeting concluded Abner received a summons from Ish-bosheth. “The king requests your presence” informed the messenger.

Abner made his way to the throne room. “I have come at the king’s request” said Abner to the guard at the door.

“He has been expecting you. Enter.”

Abner stepped through the door and waited to be addressed.

“Abner, I have a task for you.”

Abner remains silent. He will see what this task is before he says anything. He will NOT commit himself to following this king’s command blindly.

“David has sent for his wife, Michal. I have decided to honor his request. She has need of an escort to Hebron.”

“I would be honored to provide her, and you, such a service.”

“She was told to be ready to depart tomorrow. This will give you enough time to also prepare for the journey.”

“As you wish my king.” Abner bows his head in respect before leaving the throne room.

As Ish-bosheth has never been concerned with affairs of state, Abner feels no remorse for not sharing the events of the morning with him. He will deal with Ish-bosheth’s removal as king when the time comes.

Abner spends the day deciding on the best men to bring with him to meet David. He intends to show respect as well as strength. He also chooses a few gifts he thinks David might enjoy. By evening all is ready for an early morning departure.

Abner’s contingent arrives at the home of Paltiel and Michal shortly after their morning meal. Michal has three bundles waiting by the door. Abner’s steward ties them to one of the donkeys while Abner speaks with the couple.

“It’s time to leave. David is waiting.”

“I’m ready” replies Michal. Her face is blotchy as if she has been crying but there are no tears evident on her face.

Paltiel, on the other hand, is inconsolable. He clings to Michal’s hand. “Please don’t leave me!”

Abner pulls Michal’s hand from Paltiel’s grasp. He gives Paltiel a withering look and walks Michal to a donkey that she will ride during the journey. As the group begins to move forward, two of the guards block Paltiel from hindering them.

As they make their way towards Hebron, Paltiel continues to follow behind. He is openly weeping and calling out to Michal. “You can’t leave me! I’m your husband. I love none but you!” Abner hopes he will tire of this display.

Abner has reached the end of his patience with Paltiel after several hours of listening to him calling out to Michal. He stops the company and walks to where Paltiel is standing. With steel in his voice he speaks. “Go, return” (2 Samuel 3:16b). Abner’s words leave NO room for discussion. They are a command that must be obeyed. Paltiel recognizes this. He drops his head, turns in his tracks and slowly makes his way back to the home he shared with Michal.

Abner and his men reach Hebron. David sees Michal among them. She sits atop a donkey, regal as ever he remembers her. He smiles as he welcomes the group. “Come, the table is ready and waiting. All that remains is for my honored guests to grace it with their presence.”

Servants stand ready to wash the feet of their honored visitors. Once all have been refreshed, they join one another again at the banquet table David has prepared. Michal takes her place with David’s other wives. There will be much for them to work out among themselves but now is not the time.

Pleasantries are exchanged early on in the meal and soon talk turns to the true purpose of Abner’s visit as the meal nears its conclusion.

“Abner, I will not take Israel by force. I will defend Judah against any aggressor. What say the leaders of the tribes of Israel concerning your proposal?”

“I spoke with many of them before coming to join you. They are in agreement with me on this matter.”

“How soon would this come about? What must I do, and what must be done at this point?”

Abner rubs his stomach and smiles at David. “Having been finely fed and refreshed, ‘I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires,’” (2 Samuel 3:21) Abner bows deeply to David.

When Abner straightens, David grasps his shoulders in the fashion of brothers. “Go in peace my friend. I eagerly await your return, and that of Israel’s leaders.”

David walks with Abner to the door. He watches as they make their way through the city. He is very pleased with the outcome of today’s meeting. He believes God’s promise for his life is only days away from fulfillment.

Before David even has time to close the door, several of David’s servants, who had accompanied Joab on a raid, approach. Their arms are loaded with spoils from their raid.

“It looks as though your efforts were VERY successful” offers David.

“Indeed they were my king. Joab sends his greetings and these gifts.”

“Where is Joab?”

“He is seeing to the men. He sends word that he will be along shortly to share stories of his deeds.”

David smiles. He is glad Abner has left. He believes he is safely away. David knows of Joab’s hatred of Abner. He purposefully sent Joab on a mission to ensure the two would not encounter one another.

Joab is loosening his armor and tending to his mount when one of David’s men approach him.

“Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace” (2 Samuel 3:23b).

Joab’s blood begins to boil. David KNOWS Abner killed his brother Asahel. How could he meet with the man and let him go without atoning for that crime? Joab throws the brush he was using on his mount to the ground and storms off to the home of David.

Without waiting for an invitation or permission to speak, Joab gives voice to his outrage. “What have your done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone? You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing” (2 Samuel 3:24b-25).

“This is not so Joab. Your anger blinds you. The Lord is at work in Israel and His will shall soon be done.”

Struck dumb by David’s reply, Joab pastes on a pleasant face and inclines his head in respect to David. He then turns and leaves. As soon as he clears the door of David’s home, he seizes one of his men.

“Go and catch up with Abner. Bring him to me. I will be waiting by the gate. I have an urgent matter I must discuss only in his hearing.”

The messenger hurries to find Abner. They haven’t been gone long. They may even be at the cistern preparing their water skins for their journey back to Gilead.

Pleased to know his assumption was correct, the messenger approaches Abner. “My lord Abner, Joab has sent me to bring you back to Hebron. He says he has an urgent matter that he must speak with you about.”

“Did he say what this matter was?”

“No my lord. Only that it was urgent and that it was for your ears only.”

Abner turns to his men. “I will return shortly. Continue the preparations for our journey.”

Abner and the messenger quickly make it back to the gates of the city where Joab waits.

“Thank you for coming back so quickly” Joab says to Abner. He turns to the messenger and says, “You may go now. You have discharged your duty most admirably.”

With a nod and a smile, the messenger turns and walks away.

Joab puts his arm around Abner’s shoulder and steers him towards a quiet place near the gate. “I have to tell you of something of great importance…” As he is speaking Joab slips his hand to the sheath of his dagger and slowly withdraws it. Joab raised his head for a quick look to see is anyone is watching them. Seeing no eyes immediately on him he continues his words to Abner. “…this is for Asahel” Joab growls as he plunges his dagger into Abner’s stomach, twists the knife and runs it upward. As his hand withdraws the knife Abner slumps to the ground.

Joab looks up and sees the messenger he sent standing a short distance away. He has seen it all. Although he knew the history between the two men, he had no idea this was in Joab’s heart when he sent him to retrieve Abner.

Joab rises from Abner’s body and strides towards the messenger. “It was bloodguilt for Asahel.”

The messenger turns on his heels and sprints to the home of David before Joab could reach him. He quickly tells the guard at the door what has just happened. Within moments David receives the news. Joab arrives at the home of David almost in unison with the information reaching David’s ears.

Joab, the messenger, and all who were at the door, stand before David. David is furious. He strides to the place where Joab stands. “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” (2 Samuel 3:28b-29). He looks around him at the men standing there. Their faces are fallen and full of shame for the actions of Joab.

Anger, disappointment and sorrow color David’s face as he surveys the men before him. There is only one thing he can do for Abner now, and that is to honor him as the prince among men that he was.

“Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner” (2 Samuel 3:31b). His eyes pierce Joab. “Take a contingent of the finest soldiers and retrieve the body of Abner. Take him to the priest so that he may be prepared for burial. We will bury him here in Hebron.” David turns to his personal guard and issues orders to him. “Bring the men who accompanied Abner to me. I will personally tell them of this day’s events.”

Both men hurry from David’s presence on their separate missions. Joab is loath to do this task, but David is his king.

Joab chooses four captains of hundreds to assist him with his assigned task. “You four, bring a cart and follow me. We have a task to perform for the king.”

Three of the men fall in step behind Joab. The fourth hurries to get a donkey and cart. They all arrive at the city gate, where a guard had been standing over Abner’s body.

“Pick up his body and put it in the cart. We are to take him to the priest for burial preparation.”

One man lifts Abner’s torso while another lifts his legs. They quickly load him in the cart that the fourth soldier was steadying. Abner’s trip to the priest takes no more than a few minutes. The same two soldiers carry him into the home of the priest where he will be washed, wrapped and anointed for burial.

Joab returns to David to report his task complete. When he arrives, David is busy speaking with Abner’s men, so Joab is forced to wait.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Abner. I offer no excuse for the actions of my officer. He will bear the guilt on his own head. Please know that I had NO knowledge of his intent or actions until after the deed was done.”

“Joab’s hatred of Abner was well known to us. Yet Abner chose to go to him when summoned. We have no answer for his actions of trust.”

“I would like to honor Abner as the great man he was. His body is even now being prepared for burial. He will be given a tomb of honor here in Hebron.”

“We would like to construct his briar and carry him to his resting place.”

“I welcome your service.” David looks directly at Joab, who had been standing near the door. “Joab will provide you with anything you need. And will personally ensure your safety while you remain with us.” Joab dips his head in acceptance of David’s command.

One of Abner’s men turned quickly towards where David’s eyes were focused. His hand was on his dagger as he did so. His commander restrained him with a word. “Hold! Abner made his own decisions. The king will see to his punishment. It is not our place.”

“Thank you for your trust in me” offers David.

Abner’s men turn and make their way towards the door. Joab falls in behind them. Once they are outside Joab takes the lead. “I will arrange accommodations for you at the inn. We can find the materials you need in the market.”

The men make their way through the market with Joab purchasing everything Abner’s men point to. He then takes them to the priest’s home where they construct the briar that will carry their commander. Joab says little while Abner’s men go about their work. He listens in though, as they share stories amongst themselves of times spent with Abner.

“Do you remember the time he slew 20 Philistines on his own?”

“I believe it was the time he stood at king Saul’s side in their first battle.”

“He was certainly one for order. Remember when we had to clean the pitch off the ropes?”

“They got that way because ‘someone’ pitched their tent on a bleeding tree.”

“He could be a hard one with drill too.”

“That was to keep us alive! There was no better than him at close contact fighting.”

One soldier lowers his voice before speaking. “I remember the night he returned after striking down Asahel. He was heartsick. He said he tried to turn him to the right or left but he refused. In the end he had no other option left to save his own life.”

Joab listened to this account and felt a little guilt. “It was a debt of bloodguilt” he said just loud enough to be herd by Abner’s men. They nodded in understanding.

The man who had his hand on his dagger earlier whispered, “But it was in battle.” His heart would not be so easily appeased. His commander put his hand on his forearm and gave it a firm squeeze to ensure he had heard, and that his earlier orders stood.

When the briar and burial preparations were complete word was sent to David. The king, dressed in sackcloth stood to the end of the briar. As Abner’s body was laid upon it, David began to weep. The priest led the procession to the place David had set aside. David followed on foot behind the briar. Behind him were the rest of Abner’s men. Following were David’s men and the citizens of Hebron.

When they reached the tomb David sent up a mournful wail. The people joined him. After the sound died down David voiced his dismay. “Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands were not bound; your feet were not fettered as one falls before the wicked you have fallen” (2 Samuel 3:33b-34).

After lamenting Abner in verse, David again sent up a mournful wail which the people joined in. With Abner’s body placed within the tomb and it sealed, the group returns to David’s home. David holds himself aside from the guests who are commemorating Abner’s life through sharing a meal.

The toll Abner’s death has taken is obvious on David’s face. He looks drawn and tired. His servants approach him and attempt to entice him to eat something. He refuses each offer. Finally, his closest advisor entreats him.

“My king, at least eat some bread.”

“God do so to me and more also, if I taste bread or anything else till the sun goes down!” (2 Samuel 3:35b). David composed himself before continuing. “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?” David looked about him at those in attendance. “And I was gentle today, though anointed king.” He then fixed his eyes on Joab who stood across the room. “These men, the sons of Zeruiah, are more severe than I. The Lord repay the evildoers according to his wickedness!” (2 Samuel 3:38b-39).

David’s servants and his advisors took his words seriously and left him to his grief. When it was fully dark David rose and ate a small meal.

David’s actions throughout this day did not go unnoticed. The eyes of Judah were upon him, as well as those of Israel through Abner’s men. All were impressed by how the king conducted himself. “So all the people and all Israel understood that it had not been the king’s will to put to death Abner the son of Ner” (2 Samuel 3:37).

(to be continued)

Abner’s visit did not turn out as David had hoped. Victory seemed to be snatched from David’s hand with the actions of Joab. David will eventually receive the throne, but how much easier would it have been if Abner had been able to bring the message of reconciliation himself.

Joab’s resentment of Abner was unjust. Abner killed Asahel in self-defense. Asahel would have killed Abner otherwise. It was battle; NOT personal. Abner was grieved by his actions too. Joab’s thirst for revenge would not be satisfied with anything less than the death of Abner. That small seed of bitterness grew until it consumed him.

Bitterness can ruin a person. It takes over their lives and becomes all they can focus on. It crowds out any good memories that may be hiding under its twisted branches. And allows you to justify actions you would otherwise find reprehensible. I wonder if Joab ever regretted his actions. We don’t see him ever repent of them. And David doesn’t forget them. One of David’s final instructions to Solomon was to kill Joab for his actions against Abner. David needed Joab, but Solomon wouldn’t.

Father God, dig DEEP in my heart and remove any root of bitterness that has sprung up. Tear down and poison the very roots of any resentment that tries to grow. I know I get frustrated over some things, but DON’T allow them to become seeds of bitterness Lord. Point them out to me so that I can deal with them right away, instead of letting them fester.

Thank You for already identifying places I need to work on. I don’t want ANY ‘weeds’ in my ‘garden’.