This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 2 Samuel 3, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there were two groups of people who were fighting a long war. One group was led by a man named Saul, and the other group was led by a man named David. As time passed, David’s group became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s group became weaker and weaker.
David had many sons, and they were all born in a city called Hebron. One day, a man named Abner, who was the commander of Saul’s army, decided to switch sides and join David’s group. Abner knew that God had promised David that he would be king, and he believed that David was the better leader.
Abner also had a personal reason for joining David’s group. Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, accused Abner of sleeping with one of Saul’s concubines, Rizpah. This accusation made Abner very angry, as he had always been loyal to Saul and his family. When Ish-bosheth questioned Abner about the accusation, Abner was so offended that he decided to switch sides and support David instead.
Abner sent messengers to David to ask if they could make peace and join forces. David agreed, but he had one request. He wanted his wife Michal, who was Saul’s daughter, to be returned to him. Michal had been taken away from David and given to another man by Saul, so David wanted her back.
Abner went to talk to the people of Israel, and he told them that they should make David their king. Everyone agreed, and Abner went back to David with a group of twenty men. David welcomed Abner and had a feast for him and his men.
But not everyone was happy about Abner joining David’s group. A man named Joab was angry that Abner had killed his brother in battle. So, he tricked Abner and killed him. David was very sad when he found out what had happened. He said that Joab and his family would be punished for what they had done.
When David heard about Joab’s treacherous act, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!” David wanted to make it clear that he did not approve of Joab’s actions and that he would not let him get away with it.
David and all the people who were with him mourned for Abner. They buried him in Hebron, and David said that he was a great man who had fallen that day. David also said that he did not want anyone else to be hurt, and he wanted to make peace with everyone.
Biblical Lessons
- Loyalty is an important virtue, but it should not be blind. We should use our own judgment and discernment to decide what is right and wrong, even if it means going against those we are loyal to.
- It is important to ask for forgiveness and make amends when we have done wrong, even if it is difficult or embarrassing.
- We should strive for peace and reconciliation, even in the midst of conflict or disagreement.
- The consequences of our actions can have a ripple effect that affects others beyond ourselves.
- We should be careful not to let our emotions control us, but instead strive to act with wisdom and self-control in all situations.
