Study 2 Samuel 2 and David's anointing as king of Judah, revealing the struggle for unity and God's sovereign plan.
The death of Saul and Jonathan had left the nation of Israel in a state of uncertainty. David had mourned deeply for the fallen king and his beloved friend Jonathan. The time for mourning had passed, and the time for action had arrived. David needed to know God's direction for the next step in his journey.
David inquired of the Lord after the period of mourning was complete. He asked whether he should go up to any of the cities of Judah. The Lord answered clearly, saying, Go up. David then asked where he should go, and the Lord replied, Unto Hebron. David obeyed the divine instruction and went to Hebron with his two wives and his men. The men of Judah came and anointed David king over the house of Judah. The anointing at Hebron marked the beginning of David's reign, though it was only over one tribe.
The struggle for unity became immediately apparent. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, took Saul's son Ish-bosheth and made him king over the northern tribes of Israel. Ish-bosheth reigned for two years while David reigned over Judah for seven and a half years. The division between the house of Saul and the house of David led to conflict and war. The battle at Gibeon between the forces of David and the forces of Ish-bosheth resulted in casualties on both sides. The chapter reveals that God's plan for unity often requires patience and perseverance through times of division.
David's Anointing at Hebron
The Inquiry of the Lord
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? (2 Samuel 2:1). David sought divine guidance before taking any action. The death of Saul had opened the way for David to assume the throne. Yet David did not presume to act without God's direction.
David asked two questions of the Lord. He first asked whether he should go up to Judah at all. The Lord answered, Go up. David then asked, Whither shall I go up? And the Lord replied, Unto Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1). The double inquiry demonstrated David's humility and dependence on God. He knew his destination was to be king, but he would take no step without obtaining divine direction.
The Journey to Hebron
So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite (2 Samuel 2:2). David obeyed the Lord's command without hesitation. He took his two wives with him to Hebron. The women were from the region of Judah, which would help strengthen David's ties to the tribe.
David also brought his men that were with him, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron (2 Samuel 2:3). The men who had followed David during his years of exile came with him. Their families were also included. The settlement in Hebron was a significant step in establishing David's presence in Judah.
The Anointing by Judah
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). The anointing was a public ceremony recognizing David as king. The tribe of Judah took the initiative to crown David. The action was based on the promise that the kingdom would come from the tribe of Judah.
The anointing at Hebron was David's second anointing. The first anointing by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:13 was a private designation of David as the future king. The anointing at Hebron was a public inauguration as king over the house of Judah. A third anointing would later make him king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). The people of Judah demonstrated their loyalty to David and their recognition of God's will.
The Kindness to Jabesh-gilead
And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul (2 Samuel 2:4). The news came to David about the people of Jabesh-gilead. These brave men had recovered Saul's body from the wall of Beth-shan and given him a proper burial (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Their actions demonstrated loyalty to the fallen king.
David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, 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 (2 Samuel 2:5). David commended the people for their loyalty and kindness. He did not misunderstand their actions as betrayal or opposition to his own reign. David's response was gracious and conciliatory.
David also promised to reward them: And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing (2 Samuel 2:6). The promise of reward was a gesture of goodwill. David encouraged them to be strong and valiant, reminding them that he had been anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:7). The message was an invitation for them to join his side.
The Rise of Ish-bosheth
The Appointment by Abner
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8). Abner was the commander of Saul's army. He was a powerful and influential figure in the northern tribes. He refused to accept David's claim to the throne.
Abner took Ish-bosheth, one of Saul's surviving sons, and made him king. The location of Mahanaim was east of the Jordan River. The choice of location was strategic, providing safety from David's forces. Abner's action created a rival kingdom to oppose David's reign.
The Kingdom of Ish-bosheth
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel (2 Samuel 2:9). The kingdom of Ish-bosheth included the northern tribes of Israel. The territory extended from Gilead in the east to Jezreel in the north. The tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin were also included.
The kingdom of Ish-bosheth was a political entity opposed to David's rule. The division between north and south reflected the ongoing struggle for power. The ambition of Abner created conflict and division. The unity of the nation was fractured.
The Length of the Reign
Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years (2 Samuel 2:10). Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he assumed the throne. His reign lasted only two years. He was a weak king who depended on Abner's support.
But the house of Judah followed David (2 Samuel 2:10). The tribe of Judah remained loyal to David. The division between the house of Saul and the house of David was established. David was king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth was king over Israel.
The Duration of David's Reign
And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months (2 Samuel 2:11). David reigned in Hebron for seven and a half years. The period was one of patient waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise. David did not attempt to seize the throne of Israel by force but waited for God's timing.
The seven and a half years were a time of testing and preparation. David learned to trust in God's sovereign plan. He demonstrated patience and humility during this period. The waiting was a necessary part of God's purpose for David's life.
The Battle of Gibeon
The Confrontation at the Pool
And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:12). Abner and the forces of Ish-bosheth moved to Gibeon. The location was near the territory of Benjamin. The move was a show of strength and a challenge to David's authority.
Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:13). Joab was the commander of David's army. He led the forces of David to confront Abner. The two armies faced each other on opposite sides of the pool. The confrontation set the stage for battle.
The Agreement for Combat
Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise (2 Samuel 2:14). Abner proposed a contest between twelve young men from each side. The word play suggests a mock battle or a demonstration of skill. The contest was intended to avoid a full-scale war.
Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David (2 Samuel 2:15). The young men engaged in combat. The contest was fierce and deadly. And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together (2 Samuel 2:16). The result was mutual destruction. The place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which means the field of strong men.
The Battle Ensues
And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David (2 Samuel 2:17). The contest escalated into a full battle. The forces of David were victorious over the forces of Abner. David's men demonstrated superior strength and skill.
The battle was a significant victory for David's cause. The defeat of Abner weakened the position of Ish-bosheth. The victory was a step toward the eventual unification of the nation. Yet the battle also resulted in casualties on both sides.
The Pursuit and Death of Asahel
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe (2 Samuel 2:18). Asahel was Joab's brother and a swift runner. He pursued Abner relentlessly. Asahel would not turn aside from following Abner (2 Samuel 2:19).
Abner warned 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? (2 Samuel 2:22). Abner did not want to kill Asahel and create a blood feud with Joab. But Asahel refused to stop his pursuit. 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 (2 Samuel 2:23). The death of Asahel would have lasting consequences for Joab and Abner.
The Ceasefire
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? (2 Samuel 2:26). Abner appealed to Joab for a ceasefire. The fighting was causing unnecessary bloodshed among brothers. The continued war would only lead to bitterness and grief.
Joab responded: As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother (2 Samuel 2:27). Joab agreed to stop the pursuit. So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more (2 Samuel 2:28). The battle ended, but the war between the houses of David and Saul continued.
Lessons from 2 Samuel 2
Seeking Divine Guidance
David inquired of the Lord before taking action. He did not assume his own wisdom was sufficient. He sought God's direction for every step. The lesson for believers is to seek divine guidance in all decisions. The apostle Paul writes: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6).
The Importance of Patience
David waited for God's timing to become king over all Israel. He did not take matters into his own hands. He was content to rule over Judah while waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise. The lesson for believers is the importance of patience in God's timing. The apostle Paul writes: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9).
The Tragedy of Division
The division between the house of Saul and the house of David led to conflict and war. The struggle for power caused suffering on both sides. The lesson for believers is the tragedy of division in the body of Christ. The apostle Paul writes: Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The Pursuit of Unity
David demonstrated a commitment to unity by honoring the men of Jabesh-gilead. He did not view them as enemies but as loyal people of God. The lesson for believers is the importance of pursuing unity. The apostle Paul writes: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
Connections to Scripture
The Anointing of David
The anointing of David is recorded in 1 Samuel 16:12-13. Samuel anointed David as king over Israel. The anointing was a private ceremony that designated David as the future king. The anointing at Hebron was the public fulfillment of that designation.
The Promise to David
The promise to David is recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. God promised that David's throne would be established forever. The promise pointed forward to the Messiah, the Son of David. The struggle for unity in 2 Samuel 2 was part of God's plan to establish David's kingdom.
The Kingdom Divided
The division between the house of Saul and the house of David foreshadowed the later division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign. The kingdom of Israel would split into the northern and southern kingdoms. The struggle for unity in David's time was a precursor to the later division.
Conclusion
The second chapter of 2 Samuel records the beginning of David's reign as king. David inquired of the Lord and went to Hebron. The men of Judah anointed him as their king. David showed kindness to the people of Jabesh-gilead. Abner made Ish-bosheth king over the northern tribes. The division between the two kingdoms led to conflict. The battle at Gibeon resulted in casualties on both sides.
David's example of seeking divine guidance teaches believers to trust in God's direction. He did not act without prayer and inquiry. He patiently waited for God's timing to fulfill His promises. The lesson for believers is to seek God's will in every decision and to trust in His sovereign plan. David's patience and humility during the years of waiting demonstrate the importance of trusting in God's timing.
The struggle for unity in 2 Samuel 2 reflects the ongoing conflict in a fallen world. The division between the house of Saul and the house of David caused suffering and grief. Yet God's plan was to bring unity through David's reign. The lesson for believers is to pursue unity in the body of Christ. The example of David encourages believers to seek reconciliation and to work for the unity of God's people. The ultimate unity is found in Christ, who came to make Jew and Gentile one new man.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did David inquire of the Lord before going to Judah?
David inquired of the Lord because he sought divine guidance for his next step. He knew that he was destined to be king, but he did not assume his own wisdom was sufficient. David asked two questions of the Lord: whether to go to Judah and where to go. The Lord directed him to Hebron. David's inquiry demonstrated his humility and dependence on God.
2. What was the significance of David's anointing at Hebron?
The anointing at Hebron was a public ceremony recognizing David as king over the house of Judah. The first anointing by Samuel was a private designation of David as the future king. The anointing at Hebron was a public inauguration as king over one tribe. A third anointing would later make him king over all Israel. The anointing at Hebron marked the beginning of David's reign.
3. Why did Abner make Ish-bosheth king over Israel?
Abner made Ish-bosheth king over Israel because he refused to accept David's claim to the throne. Abner was the commander of Saul's army and was a powerful figure in the northern tribes. He took Saul's son Ish-bosheth and made him king to maintain the influence of the house of Saul. The action created a rival kingdom that opposed David's reign.
4. What happened at the battle of Gibeon?
The battle of Gibeon began with a contest between twelve young men from each side. The contest escalated into a full battle. David's forces under Joab defeated Abner's forces. Asahel, Joab's brother, was killed by Abner during the pursuit. The battle ended with a ceasefire called by Abner. The conflict resulted in casualties on both sides.
5. How long did David reign in Hebron over Judah?
David reigned in Hebron over the house of Judah for seven years and six months. The period was one of patient waiting for the fulfillment of God's promise. David did not attempt to seize the throne of Israel by force but waited for God's timing. The waiting was a time of testing and preparation for David's eventual reign over all Israel.
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