The Bible in a Year Podcast – Day 122: Abner Is Killed

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, brought to you by Ascension
• Episode: Day 122: Abner Is Killed
• Release Date: May 2, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 3-4, and Psalm 25, exploring the intricate narratives of Abner, David’s lineage, and seeking divine guidance through prayer and reflection.

Introduction

In Day 122 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a profound exploration of the biblical accounts in 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 3-4, and Psalm 25. This episode focuses on the tragic death of Abner, the complexities of David’s family dynamics, and the heartfelt prayers for guidance and deliverance.

Biblical Readings Summary

2 Samuel 3: Abner’s Defection and Death

The episode begins with a reading from 2 Samuel 3, detailing the escalating conflict between the House of Saul and the House of David. As David’s influence grows, Saul’s house weakens. Abner, Saul’s formidable general, becomes a pivotal figure:

• David’s Growing Lineage: David has several sons born in Hebron, including Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ethream.

• Abner’s Loyalty and Defection: Despite initially supporting Saul, Abner defects to David, seeking to unify Israel under David’s reign. A contentious incident involving Rizpah, Saul’s concubine, leads to tensions between Abner and Ashibosheth, Saul’s son.

• Peace Negotiations: Abner proposes a covenant to bring all of Israel under David’s kingship, requesting the return of Michal, Saul’s daughter, as a token of good faith. David complies, demonstrating his intention for reconciliation.

• Betrayal and Murder: Joab, David’s commander, seizes an opportunity to avenge the death of his brother Asahel by killing Abner during a raid. David publicly mourns Abner, showcasing his just and compassionate leadership despite personal loss.

1 Chronicles 3-4: David’s Descendants

The readings from 1 Chronicles 3-4 provide a genealogical account of David’s descendants:

• 1 Chronicles 3: Focuses on David’s sons with his various wives, including Solomon, who would succeed him as king. The chapter traces the lineage down to Jeconiah and Zerubbabel, highlighting the continuity of David’s line despite internal strife.

• 1 Chronicles 4: Details the descendants of Judah and Simeon, emphasizing the expansion of their families and the establishment of their tribes. It includes notable figures like Jabez, who earnestly prays for God’s blessings and experiences divine favor as a result.

Psalm 25: A Prayer for Guidance and Deliverance

Concluding the readings, Psalm 25 serves as a reflective prayer:

• Seeking Guidance: David prays for understanding and righteousness, asking God to lead him in truth and protect him from disgrace.

• Forgiveness and Mercy: He petitions for forgiveness of his sins, recalling God’s steadfast love and mercy.

• Deliverance from Enemies: The Psalmist seeks deliverance from adversaries, expressing trust in God’s salvation and covenant.

Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Reflections

On the Complexity of Names and Genealogies

“We thank you for the difficulty of these days honestly, because God it is difficult to get through these names. And we just have to admit that, yes, they mean something. Yes, they're powerful, they're meaningful, and they're difficult.” [20:15]

Fr. Mike acknowledges the challenge of navigating through the extensive genealogies in 1 Chronicles. He emphasizes that each name represents a person with a unique story, integral to God’s overarching narrative of salvation.

David’s Leadership and Character

“David publicly mourns the death of his enemy, David publicly mourns the death of Abner.” [35:50]

Fr. Mike highlights David’s exemplary leadership qualities, particularly his ability to mourn Abner despite their political tensions. This act of mourning serves as a testament to David’s integrity and his commitment to peace and reconciliation.

Cycle of Violence and the Need for Reconciliation

“Violence begets violence. And so Joab finds out that Abner was just there... And Joab kills him… This shows David's character because it unites and it shows David's character because it's the right thing to do.” [42:30]

Fr. Mike discusses the destructive cycle of vengeance illustrated by Joab’s actions and contrasts it with David’s pursuit of unity. He underscores the importance of breaking cycles of violence through forgiveness and reconciliation.

Personal Application: Trust and Reconciliation

“There are people in our lives who have hurt us... We need wisdom... We pray for each other so that cycle of violence ends in our hearts and that forgiveness can be offered...” [55:10]

Drawing from the biblical narrative, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to seek God’s wisdom in dealing with personal conflicts. He advocates for praying for one another to heal wounds and foster forgiveness, mirroring David’s approach to Abner.

Key Insights and Themes

1. The Power of Leadership with Integrity: David’s actions demonstrate that true leadership involves compassion, justice, and a willingness to reconcile, even with former adversaries.

2. The Importance of Genealogies in God’s Plan: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles serve to remind us that every individual, regardless of their apparent significance, plays a role in God’s unfolding story of redemption.

3. Breaking the Cycle of Violence: The episode emphasizes the need to overcome cycles of vengeance through forgiveness, reflecting Christ’s teachings on loving one’s enemies.

4. Prayer as a Tool for Guidance and Healing: Psalm 25 serves as a model for seeking divine guidance, forgiveness, and deliverance, reinforcing the importance of prayer in navigating life’s challenges.

Conclusion

Day 122 of The Bible in a Year podcast masterfully intertwines the historical and genealogical accounts of David’s reign with profound spiritual reflections. Fr. Mike Schmitz not only elucidates the complexities of the biblical texts but also draws meaningful parallels to contemporary life, urging listeners to embody forgiveness, seek divine guidance, and recognize the significance of each individual within God’s grand narrative. Through engaging storytelling and heartfelt prayer, this episode offers both intellectual and spiritual enrichment, inviting listeners to deepen their understanding and faith.

Notable Quotes:

• “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the Lord.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz on David’s declaration after Abner’s death [28:45].

• “All these names is a person. All these names is an untold story.” – Reflecting on the significance of genealogical records [37:20].

• “It is often more beneficial, we're called, to let those enemies become friends.” – On the importance of reconciliation [52:10].

Prayer:

Father Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s strength to navigate difficult passages and to foster reconciliation and forgiveness in our lives. He prays for the ability to hear God’s voice and become the people God desires us to be, emphasizing the transformative power of His Word.

“In the difficulty, Lord, we ask that you please give us strength and give us patience so that we can hear the words we need to hear and we can become the people you want us to become. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.”

Closing Affirmation:

Fr. Mike concludes with a blessing, encouraging listeners to return for the next episode and reinforcing the supportive community fostered by the podcast.

“Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Day 122, blending the biblical narrative with practical spiritual insights, and providing listeners with a meaningful reflection on leadership, forgiveness, and the intricate tapestry of God’s salvation history.