The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Samuel — Section 77

WISE UNA0COUNTADiiEl, It certainly does eeem strange that e. man of Abaer's abilitie~, brought up in full knowledge of the special relation of David to s~muel and Jonatbau, and therefore fully aware of the reason why, after the exile from Palestine, David Hhoulcl assumo royal state at Hebron a.ad claim dominion also over the entire house of lsrnel, should givo up hie services in favour of David's rival. In the light of mere custom and regal order it would seem to be patriotic and manly on his pa.rt to identify hi~ life with tho interests of a sun of the reigning house, and probably he flatterecl himself that ordinary men would put this interpretation on his conduct. But the best solution of all the facts of his life is to be found in the hypothesis of his passionate love of pre- eminence, With so strong a man as Joab on Davirl's side, and the reputed zeal of the other sons of Zeruiab, there was little chance of his rising to the position of power which alone would satisfy his ambition. Although his ordinary sense must have assured him, to say nothing of the latent truth recognized by the conscience (vers. 9, 10), that Ishbosheth could never successfully compete with so brave and active a rival as David, yet, on the principle that it is "better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven," he found it more congenial to throw in his lot with a man over whom he could exerci~e c-hief influence and in whose cause he would be the principal. figure. This policy vuid of principle ran through, as we shall soon see, the actions of his entire course. There lies, also, at the spring of every man's conduct, be he a public character or only a private individual, some master-passion to which all other feelings a.nd aims are sub- ordinate, and it is good for each one, and necessary to the true interpreter of life, to :find-out what it is. In public affairs there can be no question that in very many instances it is not fear of God, not pure patriotism, not regnrd for human interests as such, but open or disguised love of pre-eminence which furnishes the main incentive to conduct. The form of conduct may be such as would result from the action of higher and better feelings, but that is simply the result of policy. This feeling, which finds its scope in the rivalry and struggle of individuals, is but the social form of the generic feeling known as selfishness, or, as modem theologians term it, selfism, which in its essence is sin and probably the metaphysical explanation of sin itself, and which, moreover, is the solution of the fact that men do not recognize the eternal King, but prefer to belong to an inferior order.of things. 'l'o please self, men will even consent to lose moral rank, and become foes rather than friends of the Righteous One. 11. MoRAL HUMILIATIONS MAY MODIFY THE FORM OF POLICY, BUT THEY 'WILL NOT DESTROY THE MASTER-PASSION. 'l.'o an aspiring man, as was Abner, it was intensely mortifying to be charged with wrong-doing by one nominally his superior, and the moral sting of the charge probably lay in its truth. This was, on the part of Isb- bosheth, a virtual assumption of both moral and legal superiority; and, as such, was a blow at that secret, unexpressed sense of superiority which Abner had all along felt in relation to the weak young man whose cause be had patronizi.c.gly advocated. In even bad men the moral sense is strong, if not in leading to right courses, yet in making them wretched for wrong-doing. Inwardly and morally Abner was now weak in the presence of his royal master. The soul that is humiliated does not like to be reminded of its humiliation, and, if possible, the occasions of such reminders must be avoided and punished. The change wrought in Abner lay in the deep region of unexpressed and inexpressible feelings. The old love of pre-eminence was untouched by the collision with I~hbosheth., The masterful springs of human life are not easily dried up or supp\ar,.ted. The immediate effect was simply to raise up a minor yet strong personal feeling, which came as a dam between the old love of pre-eminence and the interests of Ishboshetb, and caused it to flow with widened channel in another direction. Emotions stimulate thinkings, and personal feelings arouse ingenuity. Swift as lightning Abner saw that be could be a yet more important personage than ever, and, at the same time, , qualify bis moral humiliation by the sweets of revenge. In spite of Joab and the other son of Zeruiah, ho would figure as the means of placing the crown of a united people on David's head. It should be seen that what war could not do Abner hiul tho power to do. 'l.'he names of David, Israel, and Abner would henceforth be indissolubly 11.ssociated in the aunals of the time. Instead of pre-eminence nt the court of fah- b:>sheth, there would be pre-eminence at the court of David, and in the judgmeut of ~ compact nation. '!'here havo beE:in other instances of st'.\tesmen, under the inB.uence of resentment, changing their course, and apparently, but not in reality, their principles. '16 THE SECOND BOOR OF SAMUEL. [ CU. Ill. 1-39.