“Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead . . . and all Israel. . . . The length of time David was king in Hebron over Judah was seven years and six months. Abner son of Ner, together with the men of Ish-Bosheth . . . went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. Joab son of Zeruiah and David’s men went out and met them. . . . Then Abner said to Joab, ‘Let’s have some of the young men get up and fight hand to hand in front of us.’ ‘All right, let them do it,’ Joab said.”—2 Samuel 2:8–14 (NIV)

This passage paints a picture of division in Israel following King Saul’s death. God had anointed David as king, and the tribe of Judah accepted him. But Abner, loyal to Saul’s house, installed Ish-Bosheth—Saul’s son—as a rival king over the rest of Israel. What unfolds is a classic case of political rivalry, personal loyalty, and human strategy attempting to override divine direction.

Rather than uniting the nation under the king whom God had chosen, Abner and Joab—commanders of opposing armies—set up a contest of warriors, a proxy battle between factions. What might have been resolved through unity and submission to God’s will instead spiraled into unnecessary bloodshed.

At the heart of this conflict is a warning for us today: When personal loyalty, pride, or human agendas take the place of God’s will, division is inevitable. Abner knew of David’s anointing. He was not ignorant of what God had declared. Yet, he chose to prop up Saul’s dynasty—perhaps out of pride, fear of losing influence, or unwillingness to surrender the past.

We, too, can sometimes find ourselves clinging to what is familiar or comfortable, even when we know God is doing something new. We may resist change, protect our position, or prioritize allegiance to people over obedience to God.

Joab also plays a part. Though loyal to David, he doesn’t hesitate to engage in conflict. Perhaps honor or vengeance drives him, but again, God’s purpose is sidelined by personal motives.

This passage invites us to check our own hearts:

• Are we more loyal to people or institutions than to the voice of God?
• Are we holding on to old systems or relationships God’s asking us to release?
• Are we advancing His kingdom or building our own?
  

God had chosen David, but unity would not come through force—it would require humility and surrender. Unfortunately, in this chapter, both are lacking.

God’s plans always lead to peace, but our pride often leads to division. May we choose His voice over every other allegiance.

Pause:

• Are there areas in your life where you’re resisting God’s direction because of personal loyalty, fear, or comfort?
• Are you contributing to unity and peace in your relationships, or are you engaging in unnecessary rivalries?
  

Practice:

1. Seek God’s Will First: Before aligning with any person or plan, ask: Is this where God is leading me?
2. Release the Past: Don’t hold on to roles, relationships, or ambitions that no longer reflect God’s direction.
3. Pursue Unity: Ask God how you can be a peacemaker in your community, church, or family.
   

Pray: Father, forgive me for the times I’ve followed my own agenda or placed loyalty to others above obedience to You. Give me wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow it, even when it’s hard. Help me to seek peace and unity and not to contribute to division or rivalry. Teach me to surrender pride and walk humbly with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.