Sin Has a Price on It
By: Lynne Conley
Scripture Text: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7 KJV)
The battle of Mount Gilboa was fought between the Israelites and the Philistines. Abner was the commander in chief of King Saul’s army. The definition for commander-in-chief is a commander in charge of all the armed forces of a country or of all the forces fighting in a particular area or operation. (Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary) Abner was a first cousin to King Saul. Saul and Jonathon lost their lives during the battle of Mount Gilboa. Ishbosheth was the only surviving son of King Saul. Ishbosheth was made king over Israel by Abner at a place called Mahanaim. Mahanaim was a place where two camps in Hebrew near Jabbok away from the Jordon River. For seven years Abner fought for the throne of Ishbosheth. ‘’ Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker’’. (II Samuel 3: 1 KJV) There was a deadly feud among the leaders of the disagreeing parties. The definition of the feud is a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate. (Merriam- Webster) Asahel died by the sword of Abner. Asahel was the brother of Joab. Joab was a nephew to King David and the captain of David’s army. By law and custom, someone was to be an avenger of his blood. Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner. Joab and his brother Abishai slew Abner for the avenger of their brother’s blood. ‘’ And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, so most fell thou. And all the people wept again over him.’’ (II Samuel 3:33 KJV) God gives all strength and power to overcome our weaknesses. In our walk with God, we all have failed Him some way. But, our God is a forgiving God and is there for us and will lead and guide us in the way He sees the very best for us. We need to be obedient to His will and ways because sin has a price on it. Stay Strong Friends!
