“And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?”
Context:To understand the significance of 2 Samuel 3:7, it is important to consider the broader context of this verse. The book of 2 Samuel chronicles the reign of King David in Israel after the death of Saul. In this particular chapter, a power struggle emerges between the house of Saul and the house of David, following the death of Abner, the commander of Saul’s army.
Explanation:In verse 7, we learn that Saul, the previous king of Israel, had a concubine named Rizpah, who was the daughter of Aiah. A concubine was a woman who lived with a man in a relationship that fell short of full marriage. It was not uncommon for kings and other men of high social standing to have concubines during that time.
Here, Ishbosheth, one of Saul’s surviving sons and the contender for the throne, confronts Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, about Abner’s relationship with Rizpah. Ishbosheth questions Abner’s motives and accuses him of an inappropriate act by going in unto (having sexual relations with) his father’s concubine.
This incident reveals the political tensions and power struggles within the royal households after Saul’s death. Ishbosheth’s accusation against Abner is a serious one, as it can be seen as a challenge to Abner’s loyalty and an attempt to undermine his authority.
Lessons and Applications:
- Consequences of sin:The mention of Saul’s concubine and Abner’s relationship with her highlights the moral and ethical decline that can occur when people in positions of power misuse their authority. It serves as a reminder that sinful actions can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for the larger community.
- The importance of integrity and loyalty:Ishbosheth’s accusation against Abner raises questions about Abner’s loyalty and faithfulness to the house of Saul. As believers, it is essential to uphold principles of integrity, honesty, and loyalty in our relationships and responsibilities. Our actions should be guided by righteousness and a commitment to God’s standards.
- God’s sovereignty and His plan:While this verse does not explicitly mention God, it reminds us of His sovereign control over human affairs. The power struggles in the royal households ultimately serve as a backdrop to God’s plan to establish David as the rightful king of Israel. God’s purposes will prevail, even in the midst of human sin and political turmoil.
- The importance of wise leadership:The tensions and conflicts portrayed in this verse highlight the need for wise and godly leaders. David, who is yet to be anointed as king, later demonstrates wisdom and integrity in his leadership. As followers of Christ, we should strive to be leaders who are guided by God’s principles and seek His wisdom in our decision-making.
Conclusion:Samuel 3:7 provides a glimpse into the complex political and moral landscape of ancient Israel during the transition from Saul’s reign to David’s kingship. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, the importance of integrity and loyalty, and the overarching sovereignty of God. It prompts us to reflect on our own actions and leadership, striving to align ourselves with God’s principles and purposes.
