2 Samuel 1-2  David hears of Saul's and Jonathan's deaths and he mourns the loss.  David had great respect for Saul, even though Saul had tried to kill him.  But, most of all David had loved Jonathan like a brother, and was devastated by his death.  David went up to Hebron and became king of Judah. Meanwhile, Saul's cousin Abner took one of Saul's sons, Ish-bosheth and made him king over the rest of Israel.  That lasted 2 years.

Abner, leading the army of Israel and Joab, leading the army of Judah, met together to fight.   The battle goes in Judah's favor.  Abner was running away from them and was being chased by Joab's brother, Asahel.  He warns Asahel several times to turn away, to chase someone else, but Asahel won't turn.  Abner ends up killing Asahel.  Still the chase continued, with Joab and his other brother, Abishai chasing Abner.   Abner does not want any more bloodshed.  He called out to Joab asking, "Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long will you refrain from telling the people to turn back from following their brothers?"  At this, Joab stops and sounds the trumpet. They stop pursuing Israel.  They bury their brother in Bethlehem and return to David in Hebron.

Chapter 3 - Abner makes himself powerful in Israel, but Ish-bosheth gets angry at him for taking one of Saul's concubines.  Abner gets angry and defects to David.  David accepts Abner's offer of a covenant  and asks only that his wife Michal is given back to him.  After David and Abner meet, Joab finds out about Abner's visit .  Joab is angry at Abner because of his brother's death, so he lures Abner back and kills him.  This sets David against Joab.  What a mess!

Sin and suffering go hand in hand. Personal relationships suffer from the sins of pride and self-centeredness.  Nations war against nations for the same reason - sin.   David is not immune from this. He grieved over the consequences of sin.  We do too.  Things have not changed much over the thousands of years since David's day.  Men still seek power, still kill over selfish desires, and still let anger and pride make a mess of relationships.  Our only hope is in Christ!  Let Your Kingdom come, Lord Jesus!

Father, we need You.  Lead us in Your ways and deliver us from all evil.  Forgive us our sins and help us to forgive others freely.  Fill us with Your love and grant us true peace. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, the Righteous Servant. Amen.