Psalm 163 from Beyond Psalm 150
Abner is captain of Saul’s army and initially opposes David.
Later, he switches his allegiance. Nevertheless, Joab, the leader of David’s army, kills Abner to avenge his brother’s death.
David weeps for Abner and sings this lament.
Should Abner die as a fool dies? Your hands weren’t bound, and your feet weren’t put into fetters. As a man falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell.
2 Samuel 3:33–34 (WEB)
Reflections on David Mourns Abner’s Death
David viewed Abner’s life as valuable. Joab didn’t. David forgave. Joab held a grudge. David mourns Abner’s death, whereas Joab caused it.
Do we value the lives of others? What can we do to elevate the lives of all people, regardless of their situation?
May we see others as God sees them.
Explore the other psalms—sacred songs of praise, petition, and lament—scattered throughout the Bible in Peter’s book Beyond Psalm 150.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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