Don't Be a Fool

2 Samuel 3:33 – And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?

Abner's death at the Gate of Hebron

It is impossible to understand the statement David made about Abner’s death without first familiarizing ourselves with the backdrop of the situation. Who was Abner? Abner was a high-ranking captain in Saul’s army and a cousin to Saul. It is obvious that he held a place in David’s heart. He had watched David on the battlefield as a boy slaying Goliath. He had been part of the inner workings of all the days of war. And even though he had turned on David and “made himself mighty for Saul’s army,” David still had a sense of respect and care for him.

How did Abner die? There had been tension between a man named Joab and Abner. Joab had joined forces with David’s army, while Abner remained fighting for the house of the fallen king, Saul. At the battle of Gibeon, David’s forces had beaten Saul’s, and Abner was in retreat. While retreating, Joab’s younger brother Asahel pursued after him. Abner warned him not to continue, but the young man refused to turn back. Abner then thrust his spear behind him and killed Asahel, Joab’s younger brother. From that time forward, Joab sought vengeance for his brother’s life—which he finally found in the verse just before our text:

2 Samuel 3:27 – And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Here is what we want to focus on this morning. It comes from David’s description of Abner’s death: “Died Abner as a fool dieth?” What was so foolish about his death, and what lesson does it bear for us nearly 3,000 years later?

At first glance, his death doesn’t seem any more foolish many other. He was lured into a meeting with Joab, who then exacted his revenge. But the foolishness of Abner’s death lies in where it took place. It happened “in the gate of the city of Hebron,” which was a city of refuge. Abner died within a few steps of safety!

The city of refuge offered judicial protection to those guilty of taking a life until a fair trial could be held. There was a process for claiming this safety. Those who had taken a life—perhaps in self-defense or by accident—could flee to the city, state their case, admit their guilt, and request protection. They would then be brought inside and kept safe from the “avenger of blood” until judgment was rendered.

Abner was at the gate of this city. He had everything he needed to be protected from the avenger of blood—and yet he died at the very doorstep of salvation. No wonder David was heartbroken and confused that anyone could be so foolish as to die within steps of safety.

Dear reader, don’t be a fool. We, like Abner, are guilty of the blood of a man. You may say, “I’ve never killed anyone.” That may be true—but a man died because of your sins two thousand years ago. It was for my sins and yours that Jesus was hung on the cross. This was for every man, woman, boy, and girl that ever has been or ever will be.

Isaiah 53:5–6 – But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Don’t be a fool—realize you are guilty of the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ! A man will never seek what he assumes he does not need. You need refuge from the avenger of blood. You need refuge from death, which is on your heels and growing closer every day. The cities of refuge were placed around Israel so that no one was ever more than a day’s journey away. So it is today—our refuge, Jesus Christ, can be found right now!

Drop what you’re doing. You are guilty, and death could overtake you at any moment. Make haste and flee to Christ! Jesus assures us, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Your case will be taken, your sins forgiven, and protection from death will be granted. Don’t be a fool and die within steps of the Saviour!

The Bible tells us of many other fools who died just within steps of salvation. All the generation of Noah watched the ark lift up in the floodwaters just before they drowned in the outpouring of God’s wrath. Many in Jericho saw Rahab’s house stand and be saved just before they fell to the sword. Judas kissed the cheek of Jesus Christ and went into eternal hell. Felix heard the gospel and trembled but never accepted it. Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a Christian, but never was.

Don’t join the Long list of those who have died as fools, when you are so close to salvation:

Romans 10:8–10 – But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Don’t be a fool—come to Christ today and be saved.