Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Thursday, November 8, 2012 Read – 2 Samuel 3 & 4 Chapter 3 relates a long battle between the forces of David and what is left of the “house of Saul.” David grows stronger as the war continues. Eventually Abner, the leader of the northern army defects coming to David intent on delivering the whole country to him. Peace appears to be finally about to happen. Out of jealousy and revenge Joab kills Abner, an event that has the potential of causing the war to erupt once again. Though it is Joab who has killed Abner, his death gives the appearance of betrayal by David. David’s great mourning for Abner – a mourning he demands Joab and the rest of the army to participate in – saves the day. Soon the northern kingdom is ready to join David. Ishbaal stands in the way, but he is soon assassinated by his own people and David emerges as king of the whole country. At the conclusion of the battle we are introduced to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, who was only a child at the time and injured in the chaos surrounding the fall of Ishbaal. He will play a role in David’s story as time passes.