“Avner the son of Ner, commander of Sha’ul’s army, had taken Ish-Boshet the son of Sha’ul, brought him over to Machanayim, and made him king over Gil‘ad, the Ashuri, Yizre‘el, Efrayim, Binyamin and all Isra’el.”-2 Samuel 2:8-9
Verses 8 and 9 tell us that Avner decided to move Ishbosheth from the northern part of Canaan to a place called Mahanaim, across the Jordan River.
It was there that he made Ishbosheth the new king, as Saul’s replacement.
There are a couple of interesting things about this.
First, why did Avner crown Ishboshesh king on the other side of the river?
The reason is that it was easier to launch a new government there because the Philistines had pretty much taken over Saul’s old kingdom.
Second, and this is a key question:
Why would Avner even want to make Ishbosheth king if he knew God had already ordained David to be king?
Avner’s admission in Chapter 3 confirms he accepted David as king per God’s decree.
Here’s the thing.
Avner respected God and His commands more than King Saul, his old boss did.
The ancient Sages and Rabbis have entertained some interesting ideas that try to explain Avner’s behavior.
We’ll get into that tomorrow but first, I’d like to get your opinion.
Why do you think Avner make Ishboshesh king despite knowing and accepting that God had already ordained David to be king?
Was this a high rebellion against David?
Was he just blindly following royal protocol?
Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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