2 Samuel 3:6-8 — And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine? Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog’s head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

The house of Saul is in decline. The Star of David is rising. Saul’s fourth son, Ishbosheth (an interesting name — it translates as “man of shame”) was king of Judah. He had his place because Abner, Saul’s strongest general backed him.
In 2 Samuel 3, we read of this surprising development. Ishbosheth accuses Abner of having sex with one of Saul’s concubines. What’s that all about?
A concubine was a wife of lower status than a primary — often she would be a slave. She was her husband’s property by right of conquest or purchase, but she was entitled to legal protection.
The concubines and wives of kings were symbols of their power. They would be the property of his successor. Having sex with the concubine of the ruler was an act of rebellion. Even to float the idea was a political act — which is why Solomon saw Adonijah’s request to have Abishag the Shunamite as an act of rebellion, and so had him killed.
The scripture does not tell us whether Abner was guilty or not, but he reacts explosively. He changes sides from Ishbosheth to David (interestingly, David demands the return of his alienated wife, Michal, before he will accept Abner). With the loss of Abner’s support, the writing is on the wall for Ishbosheth, and not long after, both he and Abner are dead by treachery.
It’s the undercurrents that are so fascinating in this story. Why did Ishbosheth form this suspicion of his key lieutenant? Why did Abner react so violently? I think they shared the same motive — guilt.
Ishbosheth knew he was not meant to be king. The same man who had anointed Saul to be king had anointed David to be his replacement. In claiming to be king, Ishbosheth was defying God’s will.
Abner may or may not have been having illicit relations with one of Saul’s concubines — but it seems clear that he had ambitions. When Ishbosheth called him out, his extreme reaction made his guilt clear.
There’s a simple truth in this story. When we’re guilty events or people’s questions lead us to extreme reactions. So if you find criticism or questioning angering you and suggesting defensive responses, it’s time to check your conscience. The chances are that there’s a hidden sin lurking!