Day 122: Abner Is Killed (2026)

On Day 122 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through 2 Samuel 3, 1 Chronicles 3–4, and Psalm 25, focusing on the pivotal moment when Abner, a powerful general of Saul's house, defects to David in hopes of uniting Israel under David’s kingship. Despite David’s peaceable reception of Abner and his intention to form a covenant, Joab, David’s commander and brother of the man Abner had killed in battle, assassinates Abner in cold blood. David, upon learning of the murder, publicly mourns Abner, wears sackcloth, and curses Joab’s lineage, declaring himself and his kingdom innocent of the bloodshed. This act of mourning, despite Abner being an enemy, reveals David’s wisdom, integrity, and leadership. Fr. Mike reflects on the deeper spiritual lessons: the danger of revenge, the necessity of forgiveness, and the power of mourning one’s enemies as a path to reconciliation. He emphasizes that while trust must be earned, the heart must remain open to healing and peace, even with those who have caused deep wounds. The episode closes with a prayer for strength to endure the 'difficult' genealogies, recognizing that each name represents a real person known by God and essential to the unfolding story of salvation.