2 Samuel 2
David Made King at HebronAfter Saul and Jonathan died, David knew the way was open for him to become king, because he had already been anointed for this role. However, David didn’t rush to take control or force everyone to accept him. Instead, he waited for God’s timing and acted with patience and trust. David believed in God’s promises, but he also knew he should not act too quickly or by violence. He wanted to be faithful and let God lead him step by step. This section shows how David sought God’s direction, cared for his people, and gained respect as the new leader of Judah.v. 1: David asked God what he should do next. Even though he was confident God’s promise would come true, he still wanted to be sure of God’s will. David prayed, Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah? God answered that he should go to Hebron . Hebron was an important city, and by sending David there, God showed him that He would protect and bless him. David’s example teaches us to seek God’s guidance, even when things seem to be going well. v. 2: David took his wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, with him to Hebron . They had stayed with him during hard times, and now they would share in his new life as king. David’s first son was born in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2 a). v. 3: David also brought his men and their families to Hebron . These people had supported him while he was running from Saul. Now, as David settled in Hebron, they were able to settle down too. This shows that those who share in suffering can also share in good times, just as If we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12 b). v. 4: The men of Judah came to David and anointed him king over their tribe . They did not make him king over all Israel, but only over Judah. This was the first step in David’s rise to power, which happened slowly. Just like how the kingdom of Jesus, the Son of David, grows step by step (Hebrews 2:8 c), David’s rule started small but would later cover all Israel. This gradual process would also encourage future kings of Judah. v. 5: David heard that the men of Jabesh-Gilead had buried Saul. Some people may have thought David would be angry, but he was not. Instead, he thanked them and praised them for honoring Saul, their former king . David believed it was right to show respect for Saul after his death. v. 6: David prayed that God would bless the men of Jabesh-Gilead for their kindness. He said, May the Lord show you kindness and truth . He knew that God rewards those who show love and respect, even to the dead (Ruth 1:8 d). v. 7: David promised to reward the men of Jabesh-Gilead himself. He encouraged them to be strong and join with the house of Judah, who had made him king. David wanted to unite the tribes and lead them in the right way . He reminded them that it is good to honor the past, but also important to support the leaders God has chosen for the future. A Civil War in Israel.After King Saul died, Israel faced a struggle for leadership. David was chosen by God to be king, but Ishbosheth, Saul's son, was made king by Abner, Saul’s uncle and army commander. Many expected David to become king without opposition, especially since everyone knew about his victories and that God had chosen him. But people sometimes resist God’s plans. Even though Ishbosheth had not fought with his father in battle, he was still chosen as king by Abner, who wanted to keep his own power and influence. This conflict showed how people often go against God’s purposes, just as the heathens rage and the rulers take counsel (Psalm 2:1-2 e) against God’s chosen. The civil war also tested David’s faith and patience, as he waited for God's promise, ruling over Judah alone for about seven years while most other tribes followed Ishbosheth. Abner’s ambition caused much trouble, and the struggle between these two kings brought division to Israel. v. 9: Abner set up Ishbosheth as king at Mahanaim, a city across the Jordan River, where David had little influence. Many people from Israel accepted Ishbosheth as king, while only Judah supported David. The majority of Israel followed Abner’s lead, showing how easily people can be swayed by strong leaders rather than by what God wants. v. 10: Ishbosheth ruled Israel for only two years, while David ruled Judah for seven years (2 Samuel 2:10-11 f). The rest of the time, the house of Saul controlled Israel without a clear leader. The civil war lasted for years before David became king over all Israel (2 Samuel 3:1 g). – v. 12: Abner led Ishbosheth’s army from Mahanaim to Gibeon to fight against David’s forces. He was the one who started the conflict, showing that he was eager to fight for his own interests. David, on the other hand, waited patiently, trusting God to fulfill His promises in His own time. v. 13: The two armies met at the pool of Gibeon. Abner chose this location because it was in Benjamin’s territory, where Saul had the most support. Joab, David’s commander, did not refuse the challenge and brought his men to meet Abner there. The pool between them allowed both sides to pause and think before the battle began. v. 14: Abner suggested a contest between twelve men from each side, telling Joab, Let the young men arise and play before us . This “play” was actually a deadly fight, similar to gladiator games. Abner seemed to treat war as a game, not caring about the value of life. Joab went along with the idea, not wanting to look weak by refusing the challenge. v. 15: Twelve men from each army stepped forward as champions to fight. Those on Abner’s side were eager, probably because they had grown up seeking to impress their leader. This contest was meant to decide the outcome quickly, but it was a tragic waste of life. v. 16: The twenty-four men fought fiercely, each killing his opponent so that they fell down together . None of them survived. This place was called Helkath-hazzurim, meaning “field of strong men,” because of their stubborn bravery. In the end, their courage only led to death for all, showing how pride and rivalry can destroy lives (Psalm 76:5 h). v. 17: After this, the full armies joined the battle. Abner’s forces were defeated by David’s men . Even though Abner started the fight, it was David’s side that won because God was with him. This shows that God’s plans cannot be stopped, even when people try to oppose them. Asahel Slain by AbnerThis section describes the pursuit and tragic death of Asahel during the conflict between David’s men and Abner. Asahel, known for his speed, chased Abner with the hope of ending the war quickly. The passage highlights lessons about pride, wisdom in conflict, and the unexpected ways that danger and death can come.v. 18: Asahel, the brother of Joab and a commander in David’s army, was famous for running fast—he was as light of foot as a wild roe . He used this skill not to run away, but to chase enemies. v. 19: Asahel decided to chase Abner and ignored everyone else around him (2 Samuel 2:19 i). He was proud of his family connections and his speed. He wanted to capture or kill Abner, thinking this would end the war and help David become king. However, he did not consider whether he was really able to defeat Abner, who was a much more experienced soldier. – v. 21: Abner tried to warn Asahel. He told him to chase someone else instead, saying, Lay hold of one of the young men . Abner advised Asahel to fight someone more equal to his own skill. This teaches us to be careful and realistic about who we challenge in life, and not to overestimate our own strength. If we are not wise, we may end up hurting ourselves, as it says, meddle to his own hurt (2 Chronicles 25:19; Luke 14:31 j). v. 22: Abner begged Asahel to stop chasing him, because he did not want to kill him. He said he would rather not harm Asahel, but would defend himself if he had to . Abner also did not want to face Joab’s anger if he killed Asahel. This shows that even enemies can show respect and concern for each other. v. 23: Asahel refused to give up the chase, thinking Abner was afraid of him. But when Abner caught up, he struck Asahel with the back end of his spear and killed him . Asahel did not expect to be hurt by the blunt end of a spear, but that was how he died. This reminds us that sometimes, we are harmed by the very things we are proud of. Asahel’s speed, which he trusted so much, led him straight to his death. v. 24: Asahel’s death stopped the pursuit for a moment. Everyone who came to the place where he fell stood still. But Joab and Abishai, instead of being afraid, became even more determined. They continued to chase Abner until sunset , when it became too dark to keep fighting. Abner Asks for Peace After BattleThis section describes how the fierce battle between David’s and Abner’s forces comes to a sudden end. Abner, who started the fight, now asks Joab to stop the killing. Joab agrees, showing mercy and respect for his fellow Israelites. The events teach us about the dangers of civil war and how quickly people can change their attitudes when they begin to lose.v. 25: Abner gathered his remaining soldiers on top of a hill, trying to make a stand . But instead of fighting, he became humble and asked Joab to stop the battle. Earlier, Abner had made a joke of fighting, saying, Let the young men arise and play before us (2 Samuel 2:14 k). Now, when he was losing, the idea of war was no longer fun to him. He asked, Shall the sword devour forever? He realized that war only brings pain in the end, as it did for Israel before (Judges 21:2 l). He begged Joab to stop the fighting because they were all brothers. v. 26: Abner pleaded with Joab for a break in the fighting, saying that a civil war would only end in bitterness. He reminded Joab that they were fighting against their own people, and that the results would be sad for everyone . Abner’s change of heart shows that people may only use good reasons when it benefits them. He did not speak this way while he was winning. v. 27: Joab, even though he had won the battle, responded kindly. He reminded Abner that he was the one who started the fight by saying, Unless thou hadst spoken . Joab said that if Abner had not challenged them, there would have been no battle or bloodshed. Still, Joab did not want to destroy his fellow Israelites, so he agreed to stop the fighting. v. 28: Joab ordered his men to stop chasing Abner and his army, using a trumpet to signal the end of the battle . He showed mercy, even though he could have finished the fight. Joab cared about the lives of his people and followed David’s example of seeking peace for Israel. v. 29: Both armies left the battlefield during the night. Abner and his men went to Mahanaim, and Joab returned to Hebron to join David . v. 30: After counting their losses, Joab found that only nineteen of David’s men were missing, besides Asahel . Asahel was considered very valuable among the soldiers. v. 31: Abner’s side lost 360 men in the battle . This number was much less than in some older civil wars, which sometimes had even greater losses (Judges 12:6, 20, 44 m). v. 32: Asahel was given a special funeral. Unlike the other soldiers, who were buried on the battlefield, Asahel was taken to Bethlehem and buried in his father’s tomb (2 Samuel 2:32 n). This shows that people may be treated differently in death, but in the resurrection, the only real difference will be between the godly and the ungodly, and that difference will last forever.
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