This is the Bible Book Club.

I'm Susan.

And I'm Heather.

And we're in the book of Second Samuel.

Welcome to the club.

Well, in chapters two and three of Second Samuel, David began his reign by praying about whether it was time or not to start and even the details of which

city he should start in. God answered Hebron, which is where Abraham started with the promise from

God of land for the nation his people would one day become. But not everyone was on board with God's plan, Abner. Abner was not on board,

so he appointed Saul's only remaining son, Ish Basef, king, over most of Israel. Joab and Abner start a civil

war. Then Abner kills Joab's beloved fleet-footed brother, Ashael.

The war for Joab becomes personal, and his intent is to avenge the blood of his brother.

Then, in a startling move, Abner switches teams. He asks to join Team David and promises to bring the other tribes with him.

Well, David makes peace with him,

hoping to reunite Israel as one nation. But not everyone is on board now with David's plan.

Joab is definitely not on board, and I don't know if I can blame him too much.

Joab, remember, is the commander of David's army. Abner is the commander of Ishbushas

army, Saul's former army. Abner killed Joab's brother. How could David expect Joab to trust

Abner and welcome him with open arms? Remember, aside from killing Joab's beloved brother, Abner is adept at political

manipulation. Abner has been trying to kill David, because he was Saul's commander, for over a

decade. Now, Joab has been by David's side for over a decade trying to avoid being killed by Abner and Saul. So how could

David trust Abner? How could Joab trust him? Why would David invite this snake into his house?

And who would Abner most likely to strike first in the case that he is being deceptive? Of course,

...