Abner, leading Ish-Bosheth’s army, marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon, a city just north of Jerusalem. This wasn’t just a military maneuver—it was a move to challenge David’s growing influence. The Hebrew word yatsa (to go out) is used for going to war, but also for setting events in motion. Abner’s action was the spark that would ignite a civil conflict between Saul’s house and David’s.

This verse counters the idea that power struggles are always about right and wrong. Sometimes, they’re just about who’s willing to make the first move, regardless of the cost. In ancient Israel, as today, people can get caught up in conflicts started by leaders chasing their own interests.

If you’ve ever been swept up in someone else’s argument or rivalry, this story is familiar. It’s a reminder that big conflicts often start with small, deliberate choices. It’s worth asking whose battles you’re fighting—and whether they’re really yours to begin with.