Abner, Saul’s top military commander, chose Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, to rule over Israel’s northern tribes. This decision split the nation, with one part following Saul’s family and the other soon to follow David. The Hebrew word for king here, melek, means more than just a ruler—it implies someone who is recognized and accepted by the people. But Ish-Bosheth’s authority was propped up by Abner’s influence, not by the people’s loyalty or any clear sense of destiny.

This move pushes back against the idea that leadership is always earned or obvious. Sometimes, power is handed out by those with the most influence, even if it’s not the wisest choice. In the ancient world, and even now, who gets to lead isn’t always about character or calling—it’s often about who’s left standing or who has the strongest backer.

If you’ve ever felt like decisions in your life or workplace are made by the loudest voice or the person with the most connections, this story will feel familiar. It shows how fragile and political leadership can be, and how easily people can be caught in the middle of someone else’s power struggle. It’s a reminder that just because someone is put in charge doesn’t mean they’re the right person for the job—or that things will go smoothly.