The Better Man

Posted 6/13/2004 8:01:45 AM

During the time of Saul and David's cat-and-mouse chases, there were many men accompanying them in their efforts. Saul had the power of the government, and the advantage of a much larger army. His men were loyal to him, the first king, and to their country. David had the blessing of God, and had many famously valiant men on his side. They also each had a general, each a mighty man, powerful and effective for their leaders.

Abner	Joab
Captain of Saul's host 1Sam 14:50	Captain of David's host 2Sam 8:16
Discovered David with Goliath 1Sam 17
Saul's bodyguard 1Sam 20:25
A valiant man, in all Israel, spared by David 1 Sam 26
Beaten by Joab's army 2Sam 2	Defeated Abner's army 2Sam 2
Merciful to Asahel 2Sam 2:19-23	Tricked Abner & killed him 2Sam 3
Calls for end to the civil war 2Sam 2:25-30	Agreed to end conflict 2Sam 2:27
Honourable in conduct 2Sam 3:7-11
Seeks peace with David 2Sam 3:17-21
Greatly respected by David 2Sam 3:28-37
	Defeated the Syrians 2Sam 10
	Worked with David to destroy Uriah 2Sam 11
	Gets David to deal with Absalom 2Sam 14 Kills Absalom, despite David's wishes 2Sam 18,19
	Kills Amasa in cold blood 1Ki 20
	Betrays David, and dies for it 1Ki 2

So, who's the better man? Joab was on the right side, and accomplished much, but Abner had godly character and did what was right. Despite leadership, these men showed their true selves, and I'd rather be like Abner and be faithful and true consistently.