INTRODUCTION: Joab behaves the opposite of his cousin David. David waits for God to revenge him against his enemy Saul. David trusts that the Lord will, in His time, make things right (1 Samuel 26:9-10 [9] And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless? [10] David said furthermore, As the LORD liveth, the LORD shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish.
See All...). Joab also has an enemy. Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel in battle (2 Samuel 2:21-23 [21] And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. [22] And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? [23] Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
See All...). Joab cannot wait for the Lord, but must exact his own vengeance. But, in doing so, he brings a curse upon himself and his household. Both the Old and New Testaments teach us to leave vengeance to the Lord (Leviticus 19:18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
See All...; Proverbs 24:29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
See All...; Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
See All...). In this lesson, children should be taught what vengeance is and that they should not revenge wrongs done to them.

1. DAVID ESTABLISHES HIS KINGDOM IN HEBRON (2 Samuel 3:1-5 [1] Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. [2] And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; [3] And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; 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, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
   See All...)
1. His Warfare (2 Samuel 3:1Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
   See All...)
1. There was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David.
2. The war continually favors the house of David.
1. The house of David waxes stronger.
2. The house of Saul waxes weaker.
2. His Wives and Children (2 Samuel 3:2-5 [2] And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; [3] And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; 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, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
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1. Amnon, the son of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess (2 Samuel 3:2And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
   See All...)
2. Chileab, the son of Abigail (2 Samuel 3:3And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
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3. Absalom, the son of Maacah (2 Samuel 3:3And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
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4. Adonijah, the son of Haggith (2 Samuel 3:4And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
   See All...)
5. Shephatiah, the son of Abital (2 Samuel 3:4And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;
   See All...)
6. Ithream, the son of Eglah (2 Samuel 3:5And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.
   See All...)
2. ABNER ESTABLISHES HIS POWER IN ISRAEL (2 Samuel 3:6-11 [6] And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. [7] 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? [8] Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman? [9] So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; [10] To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba. [11] And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
   See All...)
1. The Rise of Abner (2 Samuel 3:6And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul.
   See All...)
1. Abner makes himself strong for the house of Saul.
2. This is not a godly strength, but a rebellious desire for power.
2. Abner’s Angry Response to Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:7-8 [7] 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? [8] Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
   See All...); compare this with similar stories: 2 Samuel 16:21-22 [21] And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. [22] So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
   See All...; 1 Kings 2:17-25 [17] And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solomon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that he give me Abishag the Shunammite to wife. [18] And Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king. [19] Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand. [20] Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay. [21] And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. [22] And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah. [23] Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life. [24] Now therefore, as the LORD liveth, which hath established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who hath made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day. [25] And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.
   See All....
1. Ish-bosheth questions Abner’s actions with Saul’s concubine (2 Samuel 3:7And 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?
   See All...).
2. Abner questions Ish-bosheth’s right to question him (2 Samuel 3:8Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?
   See All...).
3. Abner’s Threat to Deliver the Kingdom (2 Samuel 3:9-10 [9] So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; [10] To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
   See All...)
1. Abner makes a vow to translate the kingdom into the hands of David (2 Samuel 3:9-10 [9] So do God to Abner, and more also, except, as the LORD hath sworn to David, even so I do to him; [10] To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
   See All...).
2. Note:  The word translate is only used in three verses in the Bible.
1. Its biblical usage
1. 2 Samuel 3:10To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.
   See All... – Abner threatens to translate the kingdom from the house of Saul to the house of David
2. Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
   See All... – God has translated us into the kingdom of His Son
3. Hebrews 11:5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
   See All... – Enoch is translated from earth to heaven
2. Its biblical meaning
1. To transfer from one place or condition to another intact; in Enoch’s case, he went to heaven without dying.
2. Compare to our modern use of putting a text of one language into another. It moves from the one to the other, but it does not cease to be what it was in the original. In fact, the outcome in each case is better than it was before it was translated.
4. Ish-bosheth’s Fear of Abner (2 Samuel 3:11And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.
   See All...)
1. Ish-bosheth would no longer answer Abner.
2. He feared the threats of Abner.
3. ABNER SENDS MICHAL TO DAVID (2 Samuel 3:12-16 [12] And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee. [13] And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face. [14] And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. [15] And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish. [16] And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
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1. Abner Opens Negotiations with David (2 Samuel 3:12And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.
   See All...).
1. Abner sends messengers to David on his behalf.
2. He offers his help to bring the kingdom into David’s hands.
2. David Requires Michal as a Precondition (2 Samuel 3:13And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.
   See All...).
1. David offers to make a league with Abner if he will bring Michal.
2. David fought for the right to marry Michal (1 Samuel 18:27-28 [27] Wherefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew of the Philistines two hundred men; and David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full tale to the king, that he might be the king's son in law. And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. [28] And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him.
   See All...).
3. Saul gave Michal to Phalti instead of David (1 Samuel 25:44But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David's wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim.
   See All...).
3. Ish-bosheth Sends Michal to David (2 Samuel 3:14-16 [14] And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. [15] And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish. [16] And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
   See All...).
1. David requests Michal at the hand of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 3:14And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul's son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines.
   See All...).
2. Michal is taken from her husband (2 Samuel 3:15And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish.
   See All...).
3. Abner sends Michal’s husband home (2 Samuel 3:16And her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned.
   See All...).
4. DAVID MAKES PEACE WITH ABNER (2 Samuel 3:17-21 [17] And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: [18] Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies. [19] And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. [20] So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast. [21] And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
   See All...)
1. Abner Negotiates with the Elders of Israel (2 Samuel 3:17-18 [17] And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: [18] Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
   See All...).
1. Abner opens communications with the elders of Israel (2 Samuel 3:17And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you:
   See All...).
2. He encourages the elders to take David as their king (2 Samuel 3:17-18 [17] And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: [18] Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.
   See All...).
2. Abner Negotiates with the House of Benjamin (2 Samuel 3:19And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin.
   See All...).
3. Abner Negotiates with King David (2 Samuel 3:20-21 [20] So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast. [21] And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
   See All...).
1. Abner and David meet in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:20So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.
   See All...).
2. Abner pledges his help in gathering Israel unto David (2 Samuel 3:21And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.
   See All...).
5. JOAB SLAYS ABNER IN REVENGE (2 Samuel 3:22-27 [22] And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. [23] When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. [24] Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? [25] Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest. [26] And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not. [27] And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
   See All...)
1. Joab Returns and Hears of Abner’s Visit (2 Samuel 3:22-23 [22] And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace. [23] When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
   See All...).
1. Joab and David’s servants return from a great spoil (2 Samuel 3:22And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.
   See All...).
2. Joab is informed of Abner’s visit (2 Samuel 3:23When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
   See All...).
2. Joab Accuses Abner before David (2 Samuel 3:24-25 [24] Then Joab came to the king, and said, What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto thee; why is it that thou hast sent him away, and he is quite gone? [25] Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, that he came to deceive thee, and to know thy going out and thy coming in, and to know all that thou doest.
   See All...).
3. Joab Calls Abner Back to Hebron (2 Samuel 3:26And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again from the well of Sirah: but David knew it not.
   See All...).
1. Joab sends messengers to bring Abner again.
2. David has no knowledge of Joab’s actions.
4. Joab Kills Abner in the Gate (2 Samuel 3:27And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.
   See All...).
1. Abner returns to Hebron.
2. Joab kills Abner in the gate of Hebron.
3. Note: The protection offered in the cities of refuge (Numbers 35:24-34 [24] Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments: [25] And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil. [26] But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; [27] And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood: [28] Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession. [29] So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. [30] Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. [31] Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. [32] And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. [33] So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. [34] Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.
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1. For the manslayer (Numbers 35:24-29 [24] Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments: [25] And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil. [26] But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; [27] And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood: [28] Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession. [29] So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
   See All...)
2. Not for the murderer (Numbers 35:30-34 [30] Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. [31] Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. [32] And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. [33] So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. [34] Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.
   See All...)
4. Note: When a murderer was allowed to go free, the unrevenged blood that he shed defiled the land. Even in the case of unsolved murders, a sacrifice was to be made for the land (Deuteronomy 21:1-9 [1] If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him: [2] Then thy elders and thy judges shall come forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which are round about him that is slain: [3] And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke; [4] And the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer unto a rough valley, which is neither eared nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer's neck there in the valley: [5] And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried: [6] And all the elders of that city, that are next unto the slain man, shall wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley: [7] And they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. [8] Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them. [9] So shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD.
   See All...). This defilement of the land eventually led to its destruction by the judgment of God (see Leviticus 18:25And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.
   See All...; Deuteronomy 19:10That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.
   See All...; 2 Kings 24:4And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.
   See All...; Psalm 106:38And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
   See All...; Ezekiel 22:3-4 [3] Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself. [4] Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.
   See All...).
5. Note: Abner died as a fool because he was in the gate of Hebron, one of the cities of refuge, when Joab killed him for the killing of Asahel.
6. DAVID PRONOUNCES A CURSE ON JOAB’S HOUSE (2 Samuel 3:28-30 [28] And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: [29] Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. [30] So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
   See All...)
1. David Declares the Place of Guilt (2 Samuel 3:28-29 [28] And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: [29] Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
   See All...).
1. He declares the innocence of him and his kingdom (2 Samuel 3:28And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner:
   See All...).
2. He calls for the punishment of guilt to be upon the house of Joab (2 Samuel 3:29Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
   See All...).
1. He declares that every child in the house of Joab should have an issue.
2. He names some of the issues:
1. Leprosy
2. Leaning upon a staff
3. Falling upon the sword
4. Lacking bread
2. Asahel’s Blood Is Revenged (2 Samuel 3:30So Joab, and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
   See All...).
1. Joab and Abishai conspire in the killing of Abner.
2. They kill him to revenge the blood of their brother.
7. DAVID MOURNS THE DEATH OF ABNER (2 Samuel 3:31-39 [31] And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. [32] And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept. [33] And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? [34] Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him. [35] And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down. [36] And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. [37] For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner. [38] And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? [39] And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
   See All...)
1. David Mourns Abner’s Death (2 Samuel 3:31-32 [31] And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. [32] And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
   See All...).
1. David calls for mourning from Joab and his men (2 Samuel 3:31And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
   See All...).
2. David is moved at the burial of Abner (2 Samuel 3:31-32 [31] And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier. [32] And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
   See All...).
1. He follows the bier (2 Samuel 3:31And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.
   See All...; see Luke 7:14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
   See All...).
2. He lifts up his voice and weeps at the grave (2 Samuel 3:32And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.
   See All...).
2. David Laments over Abner (2 Samuel 3:33-34 [33] And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? [34] Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
   See All...).
1. David presents a lamentation for Abner (2 Samuel 3:33-34 [33] And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? [34] Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
   See All...).
1. He died as a fool dieth (2 Samuel 3:33And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?
   See All...).
2. His hands and feet were not bound (2 Samuel 3:34Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
   See All...).
3. He fell as a man falls before wicked men (2 Samuel 3:34Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
   See All...).
2. The people weep over Abner (2 Samuel 3:34Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.
   See All...).
3. David Fasts until Evening (2 Samuel 3:35-37 [35] And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down. [36] And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. [37] For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
   See All...).
1. David refuses food till the sun goes down (2 Samuel 3:35And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
   See All...).
2. David’s actions please the people (2 Samuel 3:36-37 [36] And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people. [37] For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the king to slay Abner the son of Ner.
   See All...).
4. David Speaks Out against the Injustice (2 Samuel 3:38-39 [38] And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel? [39] And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
   See All...).
1. He speaks well of Abner (2 Samuel 3:38And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?
   See All...).
2. He speaks of judgment for the sons of Zeruiah (2 Samuel 3:39And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.
   See All...).

CONCLUSION: At a time when David should be rejoicing, he finds himself mourning yet another miscarriage of justice.