2nd Samuel 4 MORAL WEAKNESS 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 that which we knew was either inappropriate or just outright wrong. Then we find excuses to justify doing that which is sinful. Saul was a morally weak man even though he was large and imposing physically. Perhaps Ish-bosheth was not imposing in size physically 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 of what was going to happen next.
Fear and moral weakness paralyze an individual and that extends to those under that person's influence. When we are conscious of our inability and are awakened to our need of God's guidance - we have access to divine strength. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Moral weakness and injustice also go together. Once compromise takes place, it is much easier to either compromise again or even turn away from that which we know is of God, to that which is expedient. Leaders are not free from this danger. When pressure is applied by the majority, it is not easy to stand firm unless we have a word from the Lord. His truth remains unchanged no matter what people may say or do.
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 Ish-bosheth to David, they probably thought because Joab had got away with a cowardly killing and deception, they would too and would be rewarded. David knew enough to never trust a traitor. Whatever was the reason he let Joab go unpunished, he was not going to do the same with those who had been enemies. God does not promote wrong to produce that which is right. "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."