V.1 David only gradually becomes stronger.
V.6-21 Abner had been Saul’s army general. He had been all for Saul and his family (v. 6). Abner’s pride was deeply wounded by a protest made to him by one of king Saul’s sons. He goes over to David’s side. In fighting each other, they are forgetting their real enemy, the Philistines.
V.12-21 David realizes that Abner is sincere. It was very humbling for Abner to come to David in this way. Abner goes to some of the tribes of Israel to persuade them to follow David. Has the Lord Jesus won your heart like David won Abner’s?
V.22-39 We see a contrast in this man. He did not understand the change in the heart of Abner. And Joab is suspicious of Abner, accusing him of treachery to David.
V.27 He does a dreadful thing.
V.28-39 David puts all in its true perspective. We see the tender heart of David. If we are close to the Lord we learn the correct view of everything. It is better when we get God’s thoughts. Then, though everything may go wrong for us, and we suffer unjustly, we can have the assurance that God’s way is perfect.