Read the chapter over several times. You can read ahead as chapter 4 rounds out this part of David's story, and from there we take a very different turn. As you read through this chapter be sure to jot down things that seem very odd, questions, and any observations about the story or wording. And please bring those notes and questions to the group with you.
After you read through a few times, with your own notes and question, go back through with the questions below:
- It doesn't say how long the war between David and Ish-Bosheth lasted, but why do you think this is a good setup for what happens between Ish-Bosheth and Abner?
- Sons were born to David. One commentator said there was something important about there only being one son to each wife. Why do you think that would be important?
- How do you think Abner might have been strengthening his position within the house of Saul, and why do you think he would do that if the 'house' is failing?
- Why do you think 'going in to' Saul's concubine would have been so serious? Or was it serious since Ish-Bosheth only mentions it, and doesn't try to actually punish Abner?
- After strengthening himself in the house of Saul, consider how quickly he switches loyalty. What do you imagine is going on with Abner at this point? Do you think he's that erratic or is it just the story, or what? What if he's actually quite clever? What would these two elements (his strengthening his position, and then switching to David) mean if he were actually being very clever?
- Consider how he phrases his giving the kingdom to David in verse 9. What then is known about David that we may have assumed was a private thing?
- If Abner knew that God promised the kingdom to David, why do you think he set up Saul's son in the first place?
- Ish-Bosheth is afraid of Abner, what do you think Ish-Bosheth believes will happen next, and why?
- Consider that Abner sends messengers to David, specifically on his own behalf, yet it's Ish-Bosheth that sends for Michal. And then, when she comes, it's Abner who sends Paltiel away. What do you think this means? What do you think is going on here?
- After getting Michal, then Abner goes to the elders of Benjamin and Israel. Why do you think it's so important to specify Benjamin here?
- After he's spoken to the elders Abner goes to Hebron with 20 men. What do you think was on the list of things that Israel and Benjamin wanted to do, or is this just a way of referring to the people all wanting to make David king?
- Abner goes to assemble the people of Israel and after he leaves Joab shows up. Considering that Joab returns from a very successful 'raid', how do you think he is feeling right now?
- Joab hears that Abner was here, and he goes to chew out the king. Why do you think David puts up with Joab?
- Joab has Abner return and then kills him in the gate. Consider that it also says that Abishai is also somehow involved. Why do you think it might be significant that Abner dies in the gate?
- What does Joab claim was Abner's reason for coming to David? How reasonable does this sound to you?
- When David hears of what Joab does he actually curses Joab and his family line. Why so severe a response, yet David leaves Joab as 'general'?
- David tells Joab and his 'people' to mourn Abner, and then follows the mourning of David over Abner. How authentic does David's response to Abner's death seem to you?
- Consider how the people, both local to David in Hebron/Judah and those of all Israel think of David's mourning over Abner. They clearly thought he was being authentic. Why would he be so adamant about how important Abner was to Israel? How likely is it that Abner really was a quality guy and everyone simply saw that and acknowledged that in him?
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