2 Samuel 3:17–21

Now Abner had communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, “In time past you were seeking for David to be king over you. 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 the hand of all their enemies.’ ” And Abner also spoke in the hearing of Benjamin. Then Abner also went to speak in the hearing of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and the whole house of Benjamin.

So Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made a feast for Abner and the men who were with him. Then Abner said to David, “I will arise and go, and 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.” So David sent Abner away, and he went in peace.

It is important to understand this passage in context. Given that there is not even a hint of repentance in anything Abner is doing here, we must assume that he’s still a snake. Even when Abner speaks truth, he’s just using that truth to advance himself.

Abner makes a good case to the elders of Israel that it’s time for them to align with David. There’s not a false word to be found anywhere in his argument. The fact that we can’t trust him any farther than we can throw him doesn’t change that. He sounds like he’s come around to the right way of thinking, but he’s just being shrewd.

Next, Abner takes off to see David, along with enough men to be safe. David treats him and his entourage like they’re important, and Abner responds in kind. He even talks like he has authority over all Israel.

Who knows? Maybe all Israel will fall for his act.

David certainly did.

Don’t get me wrong here; people can change. Abner can change. There’s just no evidence that he did.

The gospel is all about change. We’re never done changing.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. — Romans 12:2

But today’s lesson is about fake change. Abner didn’t repent of anything; he got offended (for no good reason) and switched sides. So, how can we tell when someone’s change is sincere?

A daily devotional is far too short for a topic like that, but one obvious rule is, “Be skeptical.”

Also, one sign of true repentance is doing something costly or impractical. Even the cost of a simple apology counts for something. Conversely, Abner’s actions here are all to his advantage.

Or so he thinks.

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These weekday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday ones are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to the DEEP click here:  https://www.ailbe.org/resources/community

The weekly study guides, which include questions for discussion or meditation, can be downloaded here: https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.