We are familiar with the saying that a stitch in time saves nine. There is also a sense in saying that a word in season ends a feud. After the death of Saul, war continued to rage between the house of Saul and that of David. Abner was the captain over the residue of Saul’s army while Joab took command of David’s army. One of the skirmishes that ensued led to the death of Asahel, Joab’s brother. More lives could have been lost unduly but Abner seized the initiative as we can see from this verse of scripture: “Abner shouted down to Joab, “Must we always be killing each other? Don’t you realize that bitterness is the only result? When will you call off your men from chasing their Israelite brothers?” 2 Samuel 2:26 NLT.
In a case of protracted feud, it takes one side to demonstrate reason to arrive at a peaceful resolution…God’s word stressed the importance of harmonious relationship. It is what attracts divine blessing and gives us access to God.
Our text was the response of Joab to Abner’s challenge. It is clear that the killing spree would have continued if not for the words of Abner. In a case of protracted feud, it takes one side to demonstrate reason to arrive at a peaceful resolution. Abner reasoned that unabated strife would eventually lead to bitterness both ways. The case he made is still valid today, particularly when the feud is between couple or other close family members. Proverbs 20:3 says it is honourable to cease from strife, it is only fools that delight in being meddlesome. God’s word stressed the importance of harmonious relationship. It is what attracts divine blessing and gives us access to God.
