MORAL WEAKNESS. 2nd Samuel 4 It was the normal way of succession for the son of a king to be the next king, so Ishbosheth was not an unrighteous man usurping a role that he usually had the right to. He had taken advice and courage from Abner, not God, so when Abner left him and was killed, he had no ability nor power to rule the people of Israel. He couldn’t handle the pressure, and the people of Israel were afraid because of his powerless leadership.
It is a sad commentary on humanity that once departure and decline begin in a society, it is very hard to stop that from continuing. At first, our awareness of wrong creates discomfort and unease. Before long, we become used to what we knew was inappropriate or outright wrong. Then, we find excuses to justify doing those things that are sinful. Saul was morally weak even though he was large and physically imposing. Perhaps Ishbosheth was not physically imposing in size nor overly strong because he was sleeping in the middle of the day. For whatever reason, when Abner left him, he lost his courage, and all those under his leadership were unsure what would happen next.
To seek to lead the people of God by skill, charisma, domination, or the appointment by people only leads to confusion and fear. Faith in God alone, a knowledge of His word, the desire to follow divine guidance, and how to practice the scriptures' doctrines and principles enable leaders to trust the Lord to guide His people. Fear gives way to faith when we are sure that God’s authority carries out decisions and actions and that His will is being fulfilled.
Fear and moral weakness paralyze individuals and extend to those under that person's influence. When conscious of our inability and awakened to our need for God's guidance, we have access to divine strength. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Moral weakness and injustice also go together. Once compromise occurs, it is much easier to either compromise again or even turn away from what we know is of God to what is expedient. Leaders are not free from this danger. When the majority applies pressure, it is easier to stand firm if we have a word from the Lord. His truth remains unchanged no matter what people may say or do.
Mephibosheth would have been twelve years old at the time of Ishbosheth’s murder. He could not even care for himself, let alone lead the Israelites who had followed his uncle. It was apparent to all the people that Saul's family could no longer lead them. But that did not excuse the two murderers from doing their cowardly deed of killing a sleeping man on his bed, beheading him, and thinking that David would be pleased with them.
There is no honor in cowardice. When we are called upon to make difficult decisions, we need to take the time necessary to think about how our choices and actions will affect other people. What will be the advantage for their welfare instead of how it will advance your agenda, reputation, and testimony as a Christian? Whenever we make decisions that involve other people, we must wait on the Lord for clear guidance on how to carry it out. Don’t be in a hurry. Consider how your decision will affect others for whom you are responsible.
Cowardice and moral weakness go together. Two leaders going into a private bedroom and killing a sleeping man are the actions of people who could never be trusted. When Rechab and Baanah brought the head of Ishbosheth to David, they probably thought that because Joab had gotten away with a cowardly killing and deception, they would, too, and would be rewarded. David knew enough never to trust a traitor. Whatever the reason he let Joab go unpunished, he would not do the same with those who had been enemies. God does not promote wrong to produce that which is correct. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
David would not be pleased with the murder of his brother-in-law and would not consider it an honorable thing to kill a sleeping man simply because he was incapable of doing what he should. Death on a battlefield is undoubtedly different from death at the hands of murderers. No victory is involved, no justice is being carried out, and no honor in cowardice. No wonder David was not impressed in the slightest by the two deceitful, insolent traitors.
Because someone we know has “gotten away with murder” like Joab doesn’t mean we have the right or legitimate reason to think justice will be overlooked in another incident. Traitors can never be trusted; if they are allowed to go unpunished, they tend to sow discord among God’s people. Character, purpose, and the ability to discern falsehood and truth are essential in those who lead the Lord’s people.
David had waited twenty years to come to the place for which he had first been anointed. Thirteen years later, he was anointed to lead the people of Judah. God had allowed Abner's death, so no one could say he had anything to do with David finally becoming king of Israel. His faith had been tested, purified, and tried by the fire of highs and lows, victories and defeats, but it was maintained as long as he had fellowship with God.
Faith in God will be tested throughout our lifetimes because, through faith in Him, our character is being formed, our reputation is established, we are being prepared for reigning with Christ, and God is being glorified. Our lives and testimonies are one way God reveals Himself to the world in ways people can see, understand, and identify with.
Two men were put in positions of leadership as captains of bands. They were trusted until events showed that kingship was changing hands. Baanah and Rehab began planning and plotting to kill the king of their land, whom they had served. Underneath lay the hearts of two traitors.
At first, some men who lack discernment seem quite dependable and capable of leading God’s people. They will align themselves with you, help you, and consider what you say and do until you are expendable and inconsistent with their agendas. Take your time before trusting those who want a place of leadership or claim authority. Be sure they’re reliable because they may have the heart of a traitor. At times, they will assure you they are solidly behind you and even go so far as to lend some support to the work of the assembly or Gospel outreach, but to others, they speak differently, undermining your work. Subtly, they deceive, speaking of things they never knew or learned by practical experience. They will adversely affect your work because they’re traitors.
Only some people can be trusted; choose your confidants well. Often, they become noted by the lies they will tell or half-truths that leave people uncertain about what was said or meant. Be careful lest you fall under their spell, and remember, deception is one of the marks of a traitor. There are likely times when you will have to suffer the wounds of a friend. He may warn you of those whose words you listen to and may not know the person. Be wise and avoid those who will bend God’s truth to be more acceptable to most people rather than be faithful to God and His word. At heart, they have the characteristics of a traitor.
Always let God work things out in His way. Don’t swallow every smooth speech a person makes nor every explanation they will give, which they say will provide you with a better understanding of what you should believe, practice, and pass on to others. Guard yourself by prayer and fellowship with God every day, and you will escape the snares of the traitors.