With our social media culture, the speed at which information spreads has quickened exceptionally. In its short lifetime, social media has contributed to political revolutions, social justice movements, and instantaneous newsfeeds. Putting aside media biases, technology accelerates everything for better or worse—so what works for “good” or true information works equally for “bad” or false info. Because of the click-to-share nature of today’s data, more nefarious sorts, like conspiracy theories, spread like wildfire.

Whether it’s embezzlement, human trafficking, or (even) time travel, many such theories revolve around politics. Something about leadership and Man’s constant quest for power seems to elicit our suspicions of corruption—imagine that. We shouldn’t be surprised because it has been that way since the beginning, and there are certainly examples in the Bible.

In 2 Samuel 3, there is a full-scale war between Saul’s son—with control in the northern parts of Israel—and David, who controls Judah. David enjoys military successes but has an uphill battle usurping the inherited kingdom for Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth, but Ish is feeling the pressure. Like all leaders who can sense their power slipping away, suspicion runs rampant. Ish-Bosheth accuses a senior leader of his, Abner, of having slept with Saul’s concubine—which is an unreserved accusation of treason in these times. Much later, we’ll see David’s son revolt against his father and claim the kingdom for his own by sleeping with David’s concubines—so, Ish-Bosheth is essentially accusing Abner of usurping his claim to the throne. Ish is undoubtedly buying into his fearful whispers. Just like his father was suspicious of David, Ish ostracizes his most faithful leader.

Abner is so offended by the accusation that he switches sides in the conflict. Abner goes around to some of the other tribes to vouch for David’s right to reign. He then presents himself to David, offering his allegiance and service to David’s kingdom. David receives his former enemy with grace and warmth.

However, David’s commander, Joab, returns from a raid to find out Abner has been and gone. Joab is incredulous with David and suggests that Abner was merely playing the spy for Ish. Joab pursues Abner, coaxes him to turn back from where he was going, and then murders Abner.

Now, there’s a backstory—Abner killed Joab’s brother in a previous battle; clearly, there is some bad blood here. Whether Joab truly believed Abner had ulterior motives or he was using it as leverage for his personal revenge is unrecorded. However, Joab leverages the accusation as a means to justify the murder.

There’s a lot to unpack in David’s response—the elders who had previously aligned behind Abner now must decide if David ordered the murder and if he will do the same to them. David has to publicly mourn and testify against his involvement to clear his name and maintain the conjured support, but that’s for another message.

We can learn plenty of lessons from the negative examples of both Ish-Bosheth and Joab. Ish-Bosheth’s paranoia caused him to lose a powerful ally and turn him into a powerful opponent. In Ish’s desire to protect his throne, he lost more of it. If he had trusted in the Lord as much as David had, perhaps things would have been different—Ish would eventually be murdered, as well. 

Similarly, Joab uses conspiracy to unintentionally wind up on the wrong side of David’s ire. David distances himself from his commander, and upon David’s deathbed, he instructs his son, Solomon, to kill Joab for the murder of Abner. Sure, David’s justice is not as immediate, but it is permanent.

Both Ish-Bosheth and Joab sought power. Both accused Abner of untruths that served their purposes or fears. They both lost their lives in their efforts to protect them. They were ruled by fear and conspiracy, ultimately dying due to their false accusations.

So, how should Christians treat conspiracy theories? In the way we should treat all worldly things: by keeping our minds on things above. We must remember that God sets the course of the world, even allowing unjust kings to be crowned (Daniel 2:21). Our fears suggest that something unfair or untoward may be afoot, but—even if they are—should we place more faith in our detective skills or in the heavenly Creator who’s in control of it all?

Our social media culture looks for concealed “truths” everywhere while ignoring the eternal Truth so clearly evident (Romans 1:18). Let go of the fear and live for Christ above all. Remember, those who try to save their life will lose it (Luke 17:33). Ish-Bosheth and Joab are Old Testament testimonies speaking to our New Testament promises. Leave the conspiracies for those who are only living for this world; no matter who rules on Earth, let’s remember Jesus reigns above it all.

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