1 After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.”
2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.
3 And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron.
4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him.
6 Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing.
7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
8 But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.
9 And he made him king over Gilead, and the Ashurites, and Jezreel, and Ephraim, and Benjamin, and all Israel.
10 Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
12 Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. And they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
14 And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men arise and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.”
15 So they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
16 And each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side, so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is at Gibeon.
17 And there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
18 Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle.
19 And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
20 So Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And the sun went down when they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
21 And Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.
22 And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?”
23 But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.
24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
25 The sons of Benjamin also rallied to Abner and became one band with him.
26 Then Abner called to Joab, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?”
27 And Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning.”
28 So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the men stopped and pursued Israel no more, nor did they fight anymore.
29 Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole morning, they came to Mahanaim.
30 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. And as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
31 But the servants of David had struck down of Benjamin 360 of Abner’s men.
32 And they took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was at Bethlehem. And Joab and his men marched all night, and the day broke upon them at Hebron.
The True Meaning of 2 Samuel 2
The book of 2 Samuel was written by the prophet Nathan, who was a close advisor to King David. This chapter describes the aftermath of King Saul’s death and the beginning of David’s reign as the new king of Israel. David is anointed king over Judah in this passage, while Saul’s son Ish-bosheth is made king over the northern tribes of Israel. This sets the stage for a civil war between the two rival kingdoms. We also witness the first major battle between the two armies, which foreshadows the eventual unification of the kingdom under David’s rule.
The events in this chapter connect to the earlier books of 1 Samuel, where we read about the rise and fall of King Saul, as well as the anointing of David as the future king. This transition of power is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, as God’s plan for the nation begins to unfold under the leadership of the young and faithful David.
2 Samuel 2:1-7
The aftermath of King Saul and his sons being killed in battle is seen in 2 Samuel 2:1-7. David, who had been anointed by Samuel as the future king, had remained faithful to God and did not harm Saul, even when he had the chance. Now that Saul was dead, David sought guidance from the Lord on what his next steps should be.
The verse begins with David inquiring of the Lord as to whether he should go up to one of the cities of Judah. God directs him to go to Hebron. Hebron was an important city in the history of Israel, as it was one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. It was also the place where David was anointed as king over the house of Judah. This highlights the sovereignty of God in guiding David to the place where he would establish his reign.
David obeys God’s command and goes up to Hebron with his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail. It is worth noting that having multiple wives was a common practice in that culture, but it was not in line with God’s original design for marriage (Genesis 2:24). Throughout the Bible, we see the consequences and complications that arise from polygamous relationships, leading to jealousies and rivalries among the wives and their children. David was anointed king over the house of Judah in Hebron. This anointing was a significant moment in David’s life, as it marked the beginning of his reign as king. It was a fulfillment of the promise that God had made to him through Samuel years earlier. This event also highlights the importance of waiting on God’s timing and trusting in His promises. David had to endure many trials and challenges before he could ascend to the throne, but he remained faithful throughout.
Furthermore, David expresses his gratitude to the men of Jabesh-gilead for their kindness in burying Saul and his sons. This act of honor and respect towards Saul and his family demonstrates David’s character of humility and mercy. Despite Saul’s past attempts to kill him, David chose not to hold a grudge but instead showed compassion and grace. This reflects the biblical teaching of forgiveness and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). 2 Samuel 2:1-7 sets the stage for David’s rise to kingship and showcases his faithfulness to God, his humility, and his wisdom in following God’s guidance. It also demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s counsel in all decisions and the power of forgiveness and grace in relationships. David’s journey from shepherd to king serves as a powerful example of how obedience, patience, and trust in the Lord’s promises can lead to the fulfillment of His plans in our lives.
2 Samuel 2:8-11
An important moment in the aftermath of King Saul’s death is seen in 2 Samuel 2:8-11. The passage reads, “Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel. Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he reigned two years. The tribe of Judah, however, remained loyal to David.”
First, we meet Abner, who was the commander of Saul’s army. Abner was a powerful figure in Saul’s reign and continued to be influential after Saul’s death. He plays a significant role in the political landscape of the time. Abner makes Ish-Bosheth, one of Saul’s sons, king over a portion of Israel, setting up a rival kingship to David, who had been anointed by God through Samuel to be the next king. This division in the kingdom between the followers of Ish-Bosheth and David sets the stage for conflict and instability in Israel.
Ish-Bosheth’s reign is described as lasting two years and being limited to certain regions. It is important to note that Ish-Bosheth’s reign was appointed by Abner, not by God, as David’s reign had been. This distinction highlights the difference between man-made authority and God-appointed leadership. Despite being anointed as king, Ish-Bosheth’s rule lacks the divine blessing that David’s kingship carries.
The passage also mentions the tribe of Judah remaining loyal to David. This loyalty to David foreshadows the eventual unification of Israel under his leadership. The tribe of Judah’s allegiance to David reflects the faithfulness and unity that God desires from His people. Throughout the Bible, loyalty and faithfulness are qualities emphasized in relation to both God and earthly leaders.
This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s will in leadership and the consequences of human ambition and manipulation in establishing power structures. It sets the stage for the ongoing conflict and eventual resolution as David rises to power and unites the kingdom of Israel under his reign in fulfillment of God’s plan as foretold. The struggles for power and loyalty seen here echo themes of obedience, faithfulness, and the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes that are prevalent throughout the Bible.
2 Samuel 2:12-17
David is anointed king over the house of Judah in a critical moment in the aftermath of King Saul’s death, as presented in 2 Samuel 2:12-17. The verse begins with Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, moving to make Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, king over Israel, focusing on the tribes beyond Judah. It is important to note that Ish-bosheth’s reign was limited to certain tribes, while David was anointed king over Judah. This division in leadership sets the stage for a conflict between David and Ish-bosheth in the chapters that follow.
Abner’s decision to support Ish-bosheth as king was significant because he was a powerful figure in Saul’s court and possessed great influence over the people. His choice to crown Ish-bosheth highlights the political divisions and power struggles that arose following Saul’s death. Additionally, the fact that Ish-bosheth was made king over Israel, while David was king over Judah, foreshadows the eventual unification of the twelve tribes under David’s rule after Ish-bosheth’s demise.
Furthermore, the verse introduces us to a pivotal character, Joab, who was David’s nephew and commander of David’s army. Joab, along with his brothers, plays a crucial role in David’s reign, both in military victories and in carrying out David’s commands. The relationship between David and Joab is complex, marked by loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power throughout the narrative of 2 Samuel.
The tension between David and Ish-bosheth, fueled by the ambitions of Abner and Joab, ultimately leads to a conflict at the pool of Gibeon. The two opposing forces, representing David and Ish-bosheth, confront each other in a moment that escalates into a fierce battle. This clash of armies foreshadows the turbulent times ahead as David’s reign is embroiled in political intrigue, warfare, and challenges to his authority.
This passage in 2 Samuel highlights themes of power struggles, loyalty, and the complexities of leadership. It sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of David’s rise to kingship over a unified Israel and the challenges he faces along the way. The choices made by characters like Abner and Joab have far-reaching consequences that shape the course of events in the biblical account, underscoring the importance of integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness in leadership. These events remind readers of the enduring truths about human nature, the consequences of choices, and the ultimate sovereignty of God in directing the course of history.
2 Samuel 2:18-23
Joab, the commander of David’s army, and Abner, the commander of Ish-bosheth’s army (Saul’s son), hold a competition between twelve men from each side representing their respective factions in 2 Samuel 2:18-23. They seize each other’s opponents by the head and slaughter one another, leading to a fierce battle resulting in a high death toll.
This section highlights the ongoing conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul following the death of Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines. After the chaos of Saul’s death, the Israelites were divided between those following David and those following Ish-bosheth. This confrontation between Joab and Abner’s forces underscores the tension and animosity between the two factions.
The tragic events that unfold in this passage serve as a reminder of the consequences of division and disunity among God’s people. The fighting between the Israelites not only resulted in loss of life but also hindered the establishment of a unified kingdom under David’s leadership, which was part of God’s plan for His people. This conflict further highlights the importance of seeking peace and unity within the body of believers as emphasized throughout the Bible.
The actions of Joab and Abner also reveal the complexities of human nature and the destructive power of pride, rivalry, and ambition. Both men were skilled military commanders, but their desire to prove superiority and assert dominance only led to bloodshed and further division among the Israelites. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting ego and personal ambitions drive our actions, rather than seeking humility, cooperation, and God’s will. Similar themes of conflict, power struggles, and the consequences of division play out in various narratives in the broader context of the Bible, such as the rivalry between Cain and Abel, the strife between Jacob and Esau, and the civil war within Israel after the reign of Solomon. These stories remind us of the destructive nature of discord and the importance of pursuing reconciliation, peace, and unity in accordance with God’s plan for His people.
2 Samuel 2:24-28
Joab and Abishai pursue Abner after he kills Asahel in 2 Samuel 2:24-28. This incident sheds light on the complex relationships and political climate in ancient Israel during King David’s rise to power. Asahel, one of David’s mighty men and brother of Joab and Abishai, was pursuing Abner during a battle when Abner warned him to turn aside, but Asahel pressed on and was ultimately killed by Abner in self-defense. This tragic event sets the stage for further conflict between the followers of David and those loyal to Saul’s house. Joab and Abishai’s fierce loyalty and commitment to avenging their brother’s death are seen in this passage. Joab, the commander of David’s army, was a skilled and strategic military leader, but he was also known for his hot temper and ruthless nature. Abishai, Joab’s brother, was likewise a valiant warrior who often fought alongside Joab. Their pursuit of Abner demonstrates the deep bonds of family and loyalty that characterized their actions.
This episode highlights the theme of revenge and the cycle of violence that often ensues in the aftermath of conflict. While seeking justice for Asahel’s death may have been understandable from a human perspective, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of vengeance. Proverbs 20:22 reminds us not to say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!”‘ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you. This passage underscores the complexities of leadership and the challenges of navigating political alliances in a divided kingdom. Abner, as the commander of Saul’s army, was a formidable adversary to David, who was establishing himself as the rightful king of Israel. The power struggles and betrayals that play out in this chapter serve as a backdrop to the larger narrative of God’s sovereign plan to establish David as the king after His own heart. 2 Samuel 2:24-28 offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power, loyalty, and divine justice. It reminds us of the consequences of unchecked ambition, the importance of seeking God’s guidance in times of conflict, and the ultimate futility of relying solely on human strength to achieve our goals. We reflect on Joab, Abishai, Abner, and David in this passage, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all our endeavors, trusting in His sovereign will to bring about justice and redemption in His perfect timing.
2 Samuel 2:29-32
A tragic event unfolds in the aftermath of a battle in 2 Samuel 2:29-32. This passage reads, “Abner and his men marched all that night. They crossed the Jordan River and, after marching all morning, arrived at Mahanaim. Joab and his men also arrived at that place. Then Abner shouted to Joab, ‘Must we always solve our differences with swords? Don’t you realize that this will end in bitterness? How long before you order your men to stop chasing their Israelite brothers? Joab replied that if you had not spoken, the men would have continued chasing them until morning, as surely as God lives.’ So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and his men stopped pursuing the troops of Israel.”
Here, we see Abner, who was the commander of Saul’s army, engaging with Joab, the commander of David’s army. The confrontation takes place near the pool of Gibeon, following a battle between the two factions. Abner questions the senseless violence and urges Joab to cease the bloodshed among brothers. There is a poignant irony as Abner, who was once a fierce adversary of David, is now advocating for peace between the two sides. This moment highlights the complexities of human relationships and the potential for transformation and reconciliation, even in the midst of conflict.
This encounter between Abner and Joab reminds us of the biblical themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the desire for peace. It echoes Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament about loving our enemies and seeking reconciliation with those who have wronged us. Jesus says in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”” This principle of seeking peace and reconciliation is timeless and continues to hold significance for us today. The interaction between Abner and Joab raises questions about the futility of violence and the tragic consequences of pride and stubbornness. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Abner’s plea for peace and Joab’s decision to halt the pursuit are crucial in preventing further bloodshed and easing tensions between the two factions in this case. We are challenged to consider our own responses to conflict and actively pursue peace and reconciliation in our relationships as we reflect on this passage. The example of Abner and Joab serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace, even in the most challenging circumstances.
After 2 Samuel 2
The men of Judah had anointed David as their king. But the house of Saul, led by Abner, had made Ish-bosheth king over Israel. A great battle ensued between the two sides. Many were killed, and the battle raged on. Yet, in the end, Abner and his men were forced to retreat. The stage was set for a long and bitter civil war between the house of David and the house of Saul. I could not help but wonder what the future held as the sun set on that fateful day. Would this division tear the nation apart? Or would God, in His infinite wisdom, bring about a reconciliation and unite His people once more? Only time would tell. But of this I am certain – the road ahead would be long and arduous, testing the faith and resolve of all who would follow the Lord. The next chapter would surely be one of great consequence, both for the kingdom and for the souls of men.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.