Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” 2 Samuel 3:21
Abner is saying to David, “Make a covenant with me. Tie yourself to me. I will be your path to success.” If Abner gets his way, he will turn David into another Ish-bosheth—a puppet under his control!
The person who promises what only God can give will, in the end, try to take God’s place in your life. Abner promises to give you the desires of your heart, but he wants to control you.
Beware of people who offer gifts and want to control you. Is there a job, a scheme, a passion, that promised to make you successful and to give you the desires of your heart, and now is controlling you? That is the seduction of Abner. And not only does Abner want to control you, he cannot deliver what he promises.
As we read 2 Samuel, it is fascinating to see how the experiences of David are reflected in his Psalms. Surely David had the seduction of Abner in mind when he wrote these words: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
Abner said, “I will give you all that your heart desires.” But David found something different: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Never trust anyone or anything that tries to take the place of God in your life.
Where are you tempted by the seduction of Abner?
