Faithfulness and Failure

2 Samuel 3: 1-25
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: God still uses imperfect people to bring about His perfect plan.

2 Samuel 3:1-25
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 And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel3 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 Geshur4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.6 While there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner was making himself strong in the house of Saul.7 Now Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?”8 Then Abner was very angry over the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head of Judah? To this day I keep showing steadfast love to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not given you into the hand of David. And yet you charge me today with a fault concerning a woman.9 God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the LORD has sworn to him10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan to Beersheba.”11 And Ish-bosheth could not answer Abner another word, because he feared him.12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring over all Israel to you.”13 And he said, “Good; I will make a covenant with you. But one thing I require of you; that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.”14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Give me my wife Michal, for whom I paid the bridal price of a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.”15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband Paltiel the son of Laish.16 But her husband went with her, weeping after her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned.17 And Abner conferred with the elders of Israel, saying, “For some time past you have been seeking David as king over you.18 Now then bring it about, for the LORD has promised David, saying, ‘By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel from the hand of the Philistines, and from the hand of all their enemies.’”19 Abner also spoke to Benjamin. And then Abner went to tell David at Hebron all that Israel and the whole house of Benjamin thought good to do.20 When Abner came with twenty men to David at Hebron, David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him.21 And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.22 Just then the servants of David arrived with Joab from a raid, bringing much spoil with them. But Abner was not with David at Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace.23 When Joab and all the army that was with him came, it was told Joab, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has let him go, and he has gone in peace.”24 Then Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, so that he is gone?25 You know that Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you are doing.”

I. God’s Faithfulness (v. 1)

A. Verse 1 is a summary statement that highlights what is to come: David will be king in Israel just as God has promised (cf. 1 Sam. 13:13-14). Those loyal to Saul’s house may prove to be a temporary obstacle to David, but he will prevail as his house is strengthening, and Saul’s house is weakening (vv. 2-6).
1 Samuel 13:13-14
13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

B. We see God’s faithfulness revealed in:

1. David’s character – David’s faith, patience, and zeal for God reflects an assurance in God’s goodness and faithfulness (cf. 1 Sam. 12:24).
1 Samuel 12:24
24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

2. Abner’s character – Abner’s quest for power and his willingness to betray Ish-Bosheth play into David’s hands and God’s plans (cf. Prov. 19:21; Gen. 50:19-20).
Proverbs 19:21
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

Genesis 50:19-20
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

C. One of the harder things to do in our walk with Christ is to wait on His timing. We live in an instant culture that wants things right now, but God doesn’t work that way, He is faithful to do things in His time (cf. Gal. 4:4-7).
Genesis 4:4-7
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

II. Human Failure (vv. 2-25)

A. Moses, David, Peter, Paul. These are some well-known and influential figures in Biblical history that have something in common: They all failed at one time or another. Despite this, God, by His grace, anointed them all in a powerful way to accomplish His purposes and plans. This should encourage and inspire us in our walk with Christ.

B. We see human failure in:

1. Abner’s lust for power and treasonous behavior (v. 12).

2. Ish-Bosheth’s weak and ineffectual leadership (v. 11).

3. David’s treatment of Michal (vv. 13-14).

4. Joab’s anger and thirst for revenge (vv. 24-25).

C. We all fail in one way or another. But there is one who has never failed and will never fail us—Jesus. He is our perfect Savior who redeems all our failures and sins (cf. Heb. 4:14-16).
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.