32. Lord Abner: When Power Shifts And Hearts Are Revealed Series

Lord Abner: When Power Shifts and Hearts Are Revealed

November 19, 2025

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

2 Samuel 3:1-12

When you look back through history, there are always certain figures who never wear a crown, never win an election, and never sit on a throne — yet somehow, they hold all the power. Grigori Rasputin was one of those men. He rose from obscurity in Russia to become the shadow controlling the royal throne of Nicholas II. The czar technically ruled the nation, but Rasputin ruled the czar. He manipulated decisions, dominated weak leaders, intimidated anyone who challenged him, and strengthened his grip on the palace until the entire empire shook under the weight of his influence. You never find his name on a title, but you always find his fingerprints on the throne.

Tonight, as we open 2 Samuel 3, we meet Israel’s Rasputin — a man named Abner, who secretly controlled a weak king, manipulated the kingdom for his own power, and almost reshaped the nation from the shadows. This is one of the most politically charged, tension-filled chapters in David’s rise to the throne.

It’s a story of a long war, shifting alliances, corrupt motives, weak leadership, a dangerous strongman, a heartbroken husband, and the slow, sovereign hand of God moving His kingdom forward through deeply flawed people. It’s messy, raw, painfully human, and filled with spiritual lessons for today — especially for leadership, spiritual warfare, and understanding how God’s purposes often unfold gradually, not instantly.

I. The Long War and God’s Slow Sovereignty (v. 1)

There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker. (2 Samuel 3:1)

This single verse is the banner over the entire chapter. It’s the Holy Spirit’s interpretive lens. There was a long war. Not a spectacular moment. Not a sudden takeover. Not an instant elevation. David’s ascent to the throne of all Israel unfolded slowly, through years of waiting, conflict, endurance, distrust, political tension, and spiritual formation. That is often how God works.

While the world looks for shortcuts, God strengthens His servants through the long obedience of faithfulness. David grew stronger — not because he manipulated his way to the throne, but because God’s hand was upon him, shaping him through adversity.

Meanwhile, Saul’s house grew weaker. Not because David attacked them. Not because David undermined them. But because God had already rejected Saul’s line — and when God withdraws His blessing, decline is inevitable.

This is a powerful reminder: God establishes kingdoms. God removes kingdoms. And God strengthens His servants in His timing, not theirs.

II. David’s Sons and the Subtle Danger of Compromise (vv. 2–5)

And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:2–5)

At first glance, this looks like a simple genealogy. But it is far more than that. These six sons — born to six different wives. They are a quiet warning light blinking in the background. David is doing something culturally acceptable for kings… but spiritually dangerous. God explicitly commanded Israel’s kings in Deuteronomy 17:17: “He shall not multiply wives for himself.”

David is not in open rebellion — but he is compromising. And compromise always grows consequences. David Guzik makes a crucial point here: Scripture doesn’t pause the story to condemn David’s polygamy directly; instead, it shows the devastating fruit later.

• Amnon raped his sister Tamar

• Absalom murdered Amnon, rebelled, and tried to overthrow David

• Adonijah attempted a coup for the throne and was killed

• The remaining sons are either spiritually insignificant or died young

God blessed David despite his polygamy — not because of it. Grace does not erase consequences. This section sets the stage: even godly leaders have blind spots. And when the Lord blesses us, we must be especially alert to the compromises we’re tempted to ignore.

III. Abner’s Power and Ish-bosheth’s Weakness (vv. 6–11)

This is a major section that helps us understand the dynamics at hand. There are several players on the field and only one is God’s man. The others are vying for power and when that happens we see clear winners, losers, victims, villains, and victors.

A. Abner Strengthens His Grip on the Throne

While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul. (2 Samuel 3:6)