II Samuel 2 Commentary: David's Reign Begins and Division Emerges
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite.
And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh–gilead were they that buried Saul.
And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh–gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the Lord, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
And now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
Ish–bosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by 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.
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath–hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.
And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?
Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel.
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Beth–lehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.
II Samuel 2 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing the initial steps of David's reign and the seeds of future division. This chapter details David's ascent to the throne of Judah, the establishment of a rival kingdom in the north, and the ensuing conflict that foreshadows a long period of internal strife.
Seeking God's Guidance (II Samuel 2:1-7)
Following his period of mourning, David, ever reliant on divine direction, inquired of the LORD about his next move. This act underscores the importance of seeking God's will in leadership and decision-making. The LORD's instruction to go to Hebron, a city approximately twenty miles south of Jerusalem within the territory of Judah, proves to be a strategic one. In Hebron, the men of Judah anointed David as king over the house of Judah (II Samuel 2:4). This event marked a significant step towards David fulfilling his destiny as king, yet it also revealed a crucial division. He was not yet king over all of Israel. This division foreshadows the eventual split between the northern territories, later known as Israel, and the southern territories, called Judah.
Furthermore, David learned of the men of Jabesh-gilead's honorable act of burying Saul. Recognizing their kindness, David promised to reciprocate with goodness (II Samuel 2:6). He also sought their allegiance, inviting them to affirm their loyalty to him as their new king (II Samuel 2:7). This blend of gratitude and strategic maneuvering highlights David's leadership qualities.
A Kingdom Divided (II Samuel 2:8-11)
The division between north and south became starkly apparent when Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, installed Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth (meaning "man of shame"), as king over all Israel (II Samuel 2:8-9). This was a direct challenge to David's legitimate claim to the throne and against the Lord's clear anointing of David. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Abner was the true power behind Ish-bosheth's throne. This act of rebellion against David, and ultimately against the Lord, plunged the nation into civil war. For two years, Ish-bosheth reigned over Israel (II Samuel 2:10), pitting Israelite brother against brother. David remained in Hebron for seven years and six months, solidifying his rule in Judah, before eventually moving his throne and capital to Jerusalem (II Samuel 2:11; see II Samuel 5:6-12).
The Spark of Conflict (II Samuel 2:12-23)
The conflict began with a proposition reminiscent of the battle between David and Goliath (I Samuel 17). Abner suggested a contest between chosen warriors to Joab, the commander of David's army, aiming to determine the outcome of the struggle (II Samuel 2:12-14). However, the contest ended in a tie, leading to a fierce battle. During this battle, Asahel, Joab's brother, relentlessly pursued Abner (II Samuel 2:17-20). Abner, attempting to avoid bloodshed, urged Asahel to desist, but Asahel persisted, forcing Abner to kill him in self-defense (II Samuel 2:21-23). This tragic event ignited a personal vendetta that would have lasting consequences.
Ceasefire and Consequences (II Samuel 2:24-32)
Joab and Abishai, another brother, continued the pursuit until Abner's army rallied around him. Abner appealed to Joab to stop the fighting, arguing that it would only lead to further bloodshed among brothers (II Samuel 2:24-26). Joab heeded Abner's plea and called off the chase, allowing Abner and his army to retreat to their headquarters at Mahanaim (II Samuel 2:27-29). The casualties were counted: David's army lost twenty men, while Abner's army suffered significantly greater losses, eighteen times that number (II Samuel 2:30-31). Asahel's body was taken and buried in his hometown of Bethlehem, and Joab and his men returned to David at Hebron (II Samuel 2:32). However, Joab harbored a deep resentment towards Abner for killing his brother and would later seek revenge.
II Samuel 2 highlights the complexities of leadership, the dangers of division, and the enduring consequences of personal vendettas. While David begins his reign in Judah with divine guidance, the seeds of conflict are sown, setting the stage for future challenges and struggles. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, reconciliation, and seeking God's wisdom in navigating difficult circumstances.
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite.
And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh–gilead were they that buried Saul.
And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh–gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the Lord, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
And now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
Ish–bosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by 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.
And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.
And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath–hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am.
And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?
Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill.
Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren?
And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother.
So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.
And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.
And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel.
But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that three hundred and threescore men died.
And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Beth–lehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at break of day.
II Samuel 2 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing the initial steps of David's reign and the seeds of future division. This chapter details David's ascent to the throne of Judah, the establishment of a rival kingdom in the north, and the ensuing conflict that foreshadows a long period of internal strife.
Seeking God's Guidance (II Samuel 2:1-7)
Following his period of mourning, David, ever reliant on divine direction, inquired of the LORD about his next move. This act underscores the importance of seeking God's will in leadership and decision-making. The LORD's instruction to go to Hebron, a city approximately twenty miles south of Jerusalem within the territory of Judah, proves to be a strategic one. In Hebron, the men of Judah anointed David as king over the house of Judah (II Samuel 2:4). This event marked a significant step towards David fulfilling his destiny as king, yet it also revealed a crucial division. He was not yet king over all of Israel. This division foreshadows the eventual split between the northern territories, later known as Israel, and the southern territories, called Judah.
Furthermore, David learned of the men of Jabesh-gilead's honorable act of burying Saul. Recognizing their kindness, David promised to reciprocate with goodness (II Samuel 2:6). He also sought their allegiance, inviting them to affirm their loyalty to him as their new king (II Samuel 2:7). This blend of gratitude and strategic maneuvering highlights David's leadership qualities.
A Kingdom Divided (II Samuel 2:8-11)
The division between north and south became starkly apparent when Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, installed Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth (meaning "man of shame"), as king over all Israel (II Samuel 2:8-9). This was a direct challenge to David's legitimate claim to the throne and against the Lord's clear anointing of David. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Abner was the true power behind Ish-bosheth's throne. This act of rebellion against David, and ultimately against the Lord, plunged the nation into civil war. For two years, Ish-bosheth reigned over Israel (II Samuel 2:10), pitting Israelite brother against brother. David remained in Hebron for seven years and six months, solidifying his rule in Judah, before eventually moving his throne and capital to Jerusalem (II Samuel 2:11; see II Samuel 5:6-12).
The Spark of Conflict (II Samuel 2:12-23)
The conflict began with a proposition reminiscent of the battle between David and Goliath (I Samuel 17). Abner suggested a contest between chosen warriors to Joab, the commander of David's army, aiming to determine the outcome of the struggle (II Samuel 2:12-14). However, the contest ended in a tie, leading to a fierce battle. During this battle, Asahel, Joab's brother, relentlessly pursued Abner (II Samuel 2:17-20). Abner, attempting to avoid bloodshed, urged Asahel to desist, but Asahel persisted, forcing Abner to kill him in self-defense (II Samuel 2:21-23). This tragic event ignited a personal vendetta that would have lasting consequences.
Ceasefire and Consequences (II Samuel 2:24-32)
Joab and Abishai, another brother, continued the pursuit until Abner's army rallied around him. Abner appealed to Joab to stop the fighting, arguing that it would only lead to further bloodshed among brothers (II Samuel 2:24-26). Joab heeded Abner's plea and called off the chase, allowing Abner and his army to retreat to their headquarters at Mahanaim (II Samuel 2:27-29). The casualties were counted: David's army lost twenty men, while Abner's army suffered significantly greater losses, eighteen times that number (II Samuel 2:30-31). Asahel's body was taken and buried in his hometown of Bethlehem, and Joab and his men returned to David at Hebron (II Samuel 2:32). However, Joab harbored a deep resentment towards Abner for killing his brother and would later seek revenge.
II Samuel 2 highlights the complexities of leadership, the dangers of division, and the enduring consequences of personal vendettas. While David begins his reign in Judah with divine guidance, the seeds of conflict are sown, setting the stage for future challenges and struggles. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, reconciliation, and seeking God's wisdom in navigating difficult circumstances.