Do you use Scripture for your own profit? 2 Samuel 1-4

2 Samuel 3:18 (NASBStr)

Now then, do it! For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, ‘ By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and from the hand of all their enemies. ’”

This section of 2 Samuel is about the struggle between Saul's decedents and David's royal claims to the throne of Israel.  Once Saul died David became a king over Judah, but the leader of Saul's army (Abner) and decided to make Saul's son the leader over the rest of Israel.  Note the following:

2 Samuel 2:8-9 (NASBStr)

 But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish- bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.

Abner is an interesting character in this section.   He rises to power when Saul dies and becomes the "king-maker" for Israel.  He shows "loyalty" to Saul's family by backing Ishbosheth, Saul's son, king.   Yet, we later read in chapter three that he sleeps with one of Saul's remaining concubines, which is a clear indication of his disrespect Ishbosheth and his own desire to reign.   When Ishbosheth objects to the sexual affair with Saul's concubine, Abner decides that his loyalties would be better rewarded if he simply switched allegiance to David, over Ishbotsheth.   In the process we see him quote Samuel the prophet that it was David's destiny to rule Israel (Note 3:18 above).   IF Abner, through this quote of Scripture, thought David was to be the ruler over Israel, why did he make Ishbosheth the king in the first place?   We might mistakenly read this passage with the understanding that Abner was this Spirit filled military leader who was looking out for God's will in the affairs of the leaders.  However, what we actually see is a self-serving warrior who's remaining war was his own self-promtion.  He simply USED Scripture to validate his new direction in life.   Our lesson here is simple: "Be cautious of people who use God's Word to simply accomplish their own plans for life!"   Abner was quick to quote Samuel's prophecy when it was convenient for him.  However, if he thought God's Word was important, why not make David king initially?  We tend to like to use God's Word when it is comfortable and for our best interest but neglect it when we still have another possible play.   David later rewards Abner in death because of how he died (at the vengeful hands of Joab).  However, we see here that Abner uses Scripture after his first two attempts to get his way in the kingdom failed (a straw king and sleep over with the queen).