David refuses to gloat over the death of Abner. In his mourning, David makes it plain that Joab killed Abner without David’s approval. In this, David shows wisdom to unite Israel under his reign. Meanwhile, Ish-bosheth realizes his precarious position now that Abner has died. Two treacherous men assassinate Ish-bosheth in his own bed. Though these men thought they would be doing David a favor, David continues to show faithfulness to the house of Saul and rightly executes justice against the two murderers. Throughout continued actions of political intrigue, the LORD remains at work to remove all obstacles to David’s kingdom.

Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 3:31-4:12.

"A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]