Wise or Foolish
So Joab blew a trumpet; and all the people stood still and did not pursue Israel anymore, nor did they fight anymore. Then Abner and his men went on all that night through the plain, crossed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron; and they came to Mahanaim. - 2 Samuel 2:28-29
In facing another battle with their fellow Jews, Abner called to Joab and tried to reason with him. Joab heard the wisdom of Abner’s words, and he blew the trumpet. He stopped all the men from pursuing Israel. The battle, which was started by Abner, was ended, and the men of Israel traveled all night to get home. They did not stay behind and risk another battle.
This was the first conflict between the two kingdoms of Israel. Abner had brought the army of Israel, eleven tribes, against Judah, David’s men. It would seem Israel would have defeated Judah, because there were so many more men, but they were defeated. God did not allow them to defeat David and his men, so they had to run home.
This is the most important thing to remember about this battle. While Abner and Joab were flexing their muscles, trying to show who was more powerful. In truth, neither one of them was more powerful. It was God who was powerful. It was God who defeated Abner, because he came against David, God’s anointed.
Only fools believe they can come against God’s anointed and succeed. A person who has wisdom stands next to God’s anointed, not against him. Look at your life; are you wise or foolish?
Wisdom opens the eyes to both the glories of heaven and to the hollowness of earth.
~J. A. Motyer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
