Have you ever heard of the Breishis Rabbah?
It’s an ancient Jewish commentary that dives into the Book of Genesis.
It’s attributed to Rabbi Gennadius and contains a collection of homilies, interpretations, and stories that expand on the biblical text.
Well, here’s the thing.
This commentary states that Avner did NOT deny God’s decision to make David ruler over Israel when he made Ishboshesh king as a replacement for Saul.
Avner only thought it was not yet the appointed time.
This belief was based on a tradition that said the tribe of Benjamin would have to provide at least two kings before David could become king.
This idea came from the following verse in the Book of Genesis:
“And God said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will be among your descendants.'”-Genesis 35:11
The context is God blessed Jacob as he was returning from Mesopotamia to escape Laban, and He told him “Kings will come from you.”
It was believed that because none of Jacob’s sons had become kings so far, any future kings had to come from a son who wasn’t born yet.
Tradition affirms the only son not yet born at this time was Benjamin.
Therefore, it was assumed these “kings” would have to come from the line of Benjamin.
Note the word “kings” is plural.
So at least two kings had to emerge from Benjamin’s line before David assumed his throne.
Of course, it’s believed that Saul was the first king to come from the tribe of Benjamin.
And then the Rabbis affirmed that Ishboshesh was the second king.
They say that Avner was actually helping David become king by making sure the “prophecy” in Genesis 35:11 was fulfilled first.
Now honestly, I think that’s one heck of an extrapolation.
But lemme get your thoughts.
What do you think?
We’ll continue this discussion the next we meet.
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