2 Samuel 3:22-30

​How well do you respect God’s commandments?

Perceive: Needing revenue to operate and feed the army, Joab and the raiders seek, find, and then bring back a fair amount of loot. Just before this Abner heads for home having a personal guarantee from David that his movements and whereabouts would be safe. Hearing of his visit and peace treaty, Joab immediately bends David’s ear with accusations that, no doubt, stems from his hatred and desire for revenge. Without waiting for orders from David, Joab left the king’s presence and initiated a secret plan designed to eliminate Abner as a threat permanently. Upon Abner's return to Hebron, Joab steps out of the city gate, takes him aside, and murders him to avenge his brother Asahel (2 Samuel 2:23).  Rather than overlook the actions of his close relative and commanding general, David placed a curse on him. He should have tried him for murder.
 
Practice:  Abner killed Joab’s brother in self-defense during warfare. In addition to avenging his brother’s death, he was also ensuring his continued position as senior military leader of the new unified army. Anyone in Israel who killed in self-defense was supposed to be safe in cities of refuge (Number 35:22-23). Hebron was a city of refuge. Joab committed murder. His actions showed his total disrespect for God’s laws.
 
Pray: O mighty God, help me to respect Your word and the laws that govern my behavior​

This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com

---