Did the civil war continue between the houses. of David and Saul, and what was the result on the whole?
Does this afford a representation of the conflict between the flesh and the spirit in the hearts of believers?
How many children had David born to him in Hebron?
What was the occasion of a rupture between Ishbosheth and Abner, and to what sharp words did it give rise? v. 7—10.
What proposals did Abner make to David, and on what terms was he willing to accede to them?
What means did David employ, probably by Abner's advice, to obtain his wife, and with what success?
How did Abner exert himself to bring over the nation at large to the interest of David? V. 17—19.
Why may we suppose he was particularly anxious to secure the tribe of Benjamin? 1 Chron. 12. 29.
With what retinue did he go to David, and how was he entertained by him? N. B. This was in all probability a "feast upon a covenant," like those mentioned Gen. 26.30. and 31.54.
With what promise did Abner go from the presence of David?
Where was Joab while Abner was thus negotiating with David, and what did he do upon receiving intelligence, after his return, of what had taken place?
Was not his address to David highly presumptuous and insolent?
Does he appear to have made use of David's name, unauthorised, in recalling Abner?
Of what barbarous deed was he guilty after Abner's return, and how did he effect it? Was any one else privy to the murder, if not concerned in it? v. 30.
What were the peculiar aggravations of this bloody act? 1 Kings 2. 5. Deut. 27. 24.
Was the judgment upon Abner a righteous one as coming from the hand of the Lord? N. B. Besides transgressions known only to the Searcher of hearts, he had for several years, against the declared and known will of God, persevered in supporting the pretensions of Ishbosheth to the throne in opposition to those of David.
How was David affected by this cruel assassination, and how did he express his detestation of it?
Where was Abner buried, and what marks of grief attended his funeral ? v. 32—34. N, B. "Abner died not as criminals do, who are bound, fettered, put to shame, and executed for their offences; nor as a rash man who had needlessly run himself into danger, but as an honest man who is unexpectedly set up by ruffians, and murdered." Scott.
What other tokens of respect did David pay to the memory of Abner, and how did the people stand affected towards him on this account?
Did his conduct and declarations entirely satisfy the people that he was guiltless of Abner's blood ?
What did he say finally to his servants, and what was the import of it? N.B. He admits that a great man has fallen by the hands of a wicked assassin, and supposes that the natural inference would be, that condign punishment ought at once to be inflicted upon him : but he here pleads that his kingdom is yet weak and in its infancy his nephews men of rank and influence, and that the bringing to justice of persons of so much consequence would be too bold a stroke for him in his present circumstances.
Notwithstanding this plea of policy, what wad David's evident duty in the case according to the law? Num. 35. 31—34.
Did Joab eventually meet with the punishment which his crimes deserved? 1 Kings 2. 32—34.
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