Reading for April 27th

 Read 2 Samuel 3.1-19. In 3.1-39: The assassination of Abner. In verses 2-5: A similar list of David's son's born in Hebron occurs in 1 Chr 3.1-4. Chileab is there called Daniel. His name is uncertain and like, Shephatiah and Ithream, is not mentioned again. He may have died as a child. David's marriage to Maacah probably sealed a treaty with her father, the king of Geshur. In verse 7: A concubine was a female slave used for sexual purposes. To sleep with a member of the harem was to take a claim to the throne. Thus, Ishbaal's question accuses Abner of treason. In verse 8: Abner responds angrily because the power is in his hands and he has been loyal to Saul and Ishbaal. He says Ishbaal is treating him as a dog's head. This expression is unique but obviously reproachful. In verses 9-10: So may God do ... and so may he add is an oath formula. Abner swears that he will join David, and since he holds the true power, he will thereby transfer the kingdom of Israel to David. From Dan to Beer-sheba marks the traditional boundaries, north and south, of the united kingdom of Israel. In verses 13-16: David requires the return of his wife Michal since Saul's daughter, she is the basis for his claim to Saul's throne (1 Sam 20-29). Ishbaal may have been legally obligated to return Michal to her first husband. Paltiel or "Palti" was Michal's second husband after she was taken from David (1 Sam 25.44). In verse 17; The elders of Israel were the leaders of the tribes. In verse 19: Benjamin was the native tribe of both Saul and Abner. Comments or Questions..