Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Samuel Ch.3 / 24 Ch.s
2SA:3
* David's power increases His family. (1-6) Abner revolts to
David. (7-21) Joab kills Abner David mourns for him. (22-39)
#1-6 The length of this war tried the faith and patience of
David, and made his settlement at last the more welcome. The
contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers,
may fitly be compared to this warfare. There is a long war
between them, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the
spirit against the flesh; but as the work of holiness is carried
on, corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker;
while grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and
stronger.
#7-21 Many, like Abner, are not above committing base crimes,
who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of
being guilty. While men go on in sin, and apparently without
concern, they are often conscious that they are fighting against
God. Many mean to serve their own purposes; and will betray
those who trust them, when they can get any advantage. Yet the
Lord serves his own designs, even by those who are thus actuated
by revenge, ambition, or lust; but as they intend not to honour
him, in the end they will be thrown aside with contempt. There
was real generosity both to Michal and to the memory of Saul, in
David's receiving the former, remembering probably how once he
owed his life to her affection, and knowing that she was
separated from him partly by her father's authority. Let no man
set his heart on that which he is not entitled to. If any
disagreement has separated husband and wife, as they expect the
blessing of God, let them be reconciled, and live together in
love.
#22-39 Judgments are prepared for such scorners as Abner; but
Joab, in what he did, acted wickedly. David laid Abner's murder
deeply to heart, and in many ways expressed his detestation of
it. The guilt of blood brings a curse upon families: if men do
not avenge it, God will. It is a sad thing to die like a fool,
as they do that any way shorten their own days, and those who
make no provision for another world. Who would be fond of power,
when a man may have the name of it, and must be accountable for
it, yet is hampered in the use of it? David ought to have done
his duty, and then trusted God with the issue. Carnal policy
spared Joab. The Son of David may long delay, but never fails to
punish impenitent sinners. He who now reigns upon the throne of
David, has a kingdom of a nobler kind. Whatever He doeth, is
noticed by all his willing people, and is pleasing to them.