2 Samuel 2:1-32
Q.1. What made David settle at Hebron? Who made David their king? Why did he send messengers to Jabesh-gilead? Who was Abner? Where did Ish-bosheth reign? – (2 Sam.2:1-11)
David did not simply do what he thought best. He sought divine guidance, to be sure of the place in which he should settle. After receiving the Lord’s direction, he and his men and their families settled in Hebron. Soon the tribe of Judah – … came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah (2 Sam.2:4 c.f. 2 Sam.2:1-3). David was told that the men of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul in their territory. He sent messengers to commend them for their bravery and told them that he had been anointed king over the house of Judah (2 Sam.2:4-7). Abner had survived the defeat of Israel, and the death of the royal family at the hands of the Philistines (c.f. 1 Sam.31:1-7). He had made Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, king over Israel, from the tribal region of Asher, all the way down to Benjamin (2 Sam.2:8-9). Ish-bosheth – was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for 2 years. The house of Judah, however, followed David (2 Sam.2:10).
Q.2. What prompted the civil war in Israel? How did the battle go? Why did Abner slay Asahel? How was Abner able to stop the civil war? What were the casualties? – (2 Sam.2:12-32)
Abner was the commander of Israel’s army, and Joab the commander of Judah’s troops (2 Sam.2:8, 13). David’s sister, Zeruiah, had three sons – Abishai, Joab, and Asahel (1 Chron.2:16 c.f. 2 Sam.2:13). The opposing armies of Benjamin and Judah met by the pool of Gibeon (2 Sam.2:12-13). Abner and goaded Joab – Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us (2 Sam.2:14). They agreed that twelve chosen men from the opposing armies would represent them. David’s men slew the twelve representing Israel, and – that day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David (2 Sam.2:17). Worse was to come, as the fleet-footed youngest brother of Joab took off after the battle-hardened Abner. Abner did not want to fight Asahel and face the consequences from Joab, so tried to persuade him to stop the pursuit. Asahel refused to stop, so when he caught up, Abner slew him (2 Sam.2:18-23). Asahel’s brothers, Joab and Abishai chased Abner till sundown. Abner pleaded with Joab – … Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long will you refrain from telling the people to turn back from following their brothers? (2 Sam.2:26). Joab accepted that is was folly for two tribes to fight to the bitter end and blew the trumpet to sound a retreat (2 Sam.2:27-28). Nineteen men of Judah had died (beside Asahel), and three hundred and sixty men from the tribe of Benjamin had been slain (2 Sam.2:30-31). The killing of Asahel fuelled a long war between the tribes and caused simmering resentment between Joab and Abner (c.f. 2 Cor.3:1, 6, 23-27).