2 Samuel 2 It’s Time!
David was anointed by Samuel while he was probably mid-teens. He is 30 years old now and it’s time for him to be king. Only of Judah first.
David remembered well the words of Samuel, but he never pushed to bring them about. David waited patiently for the Lord to work everything out. And for the people to ASK him to be their king.
We pick up our story days after David learns of Saul’s death. And it all starts with a question; “Can I go home now?” Let’s rejoin David as he moves into yet another stage in his life.
♥ ♦ ♥
It takes David two days before David feels his full self again after learning of Saul’s death. When he does, he begins to think about Samuel’s words. “I need to know if it is time yet” he says to himself. “I will only know if I ask the Lord” he determines.
David seeks out Abiathar. “Please bring the ephod. I need to enquire of the Lord.”
Abiathar nods his head. He opens his bundle and removes the ephod from where he stores it. He carefully straightened it and pulls it over his head. As soon as he is fully clothed in his priestly garments, he returns to David. “What is it you wish to ask the Lord?”
David has been thinking of nothing else but his questions for the Lord. His first question is a little general. He wants to ease into this decision.
“Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” (1 Samuel 2:1a) asks David.
Abiathar doesn’t have to wait any time at all for the Lord’s answer. “Go up” (1 Samuel 1:1b) said the Lord.
David is ready with his follow up question, now that he knows he can return to Judah.
“To which shall I go up?” (1 Samuel 1:1c).
“To Hebron” (1 Samuel 1:1d) answers the Lord through Abiathar.
That settled it. David is ready to follow the Lord. “It’s time to pack up” David calls out to the whole camp. Most of the men had gathered around David as he enquired of the Lord, so they knew the Lord’s answers too.
The rebuilding of Ziklag stops immediately and the people begin packing for the next leg of their journey. They won’t have to worry about Saul chasing them any longer, but they have no idea what awaits up ahead. Many believe that David will take the throne of Israel now. He was chosen by the Lord and had the hearts of the people. At least those of Judah.
It takes two days for David and company to reach Hebron. They bring everything they have with them. Their wives and children, herds, flocks, and the spoils they had left, after making the gifts to the different cities.
As David approaches Hebron, he and his company are spotted by those all around the city. One by one, people leave their work and come to join David and his group as they make their final approach to Hebron.
David is awed by the welcome he receives. He is hailed as if he was a conquering hero returning back from the battlefield. He smiles graciously and continues his march. When he is finally at the city gates, he stops to address the group of elders who are gathered there.
“Shalom, my brothers. The Lord has directed me to return to the land of Judah, and to camp here. May we have leave to set up our camp on the hill?”
“You are most welcome David. We are honored to have you here with us. You may camp wherever you feel is best.”
David bows low before the elders and turns to his company. “We will camp on that hill overlooking the town.” Before moving on, David turns back to the elders. “I trust you received the gift from my hand of the spoils taken from the Amalekites.”
“We did, and it was most generous.”
David nods his head in recognition of the answer. He trusted his men to have delivered all the gifts, but was surprised that it was not mentioned right away. He decides to let it go at that.
It takes little time for David’s company to set up their camp. They are experts at it by now. They are all hoping that this will be the last move for quite some time. They are also very glad to be out of the land of the Philistines.
Once all is in order, David decides to take his wives into town. He wants to give them a special gift, and what better gift than one they select themselves. David, Ahinoam, and Abigail stroll into Hebron. David leads them to the bazar in the middle of the city.
“Choose anything you like” David says. He is rewarded with exuberant smiles before the woman turn to the task at hand. He watches as they move from shop to shop, identifying different items they would like to purchase. After they have decided, they return to David’s side. He will negotiate the prices for their purchases.
By the time David revisits each booth the women have indicated, he is ready to go home. He added a few special items for each of his wives among the many things that were purchased. He has to hire a cart to carry it all back to their camp.
David and his group settle into a regular routine in the hills of Hebron. David and his men continue to provide protection for the shepherds of the area while caring for their own flocks and herds. The women and children take full advantage of having towns nearby for shopping and making friends. And, little by little, David’s people begin moving into the cities.
A month after Saul’s death, the leaders of Judah call a meeting of all the clans. Being that David is at Hebron, they decide to hold their meeting there as well.
“We know for a fact that Samuel anointed David to be the next king. His father and brothers are here to testify to that fact.” Heads nodded around the room in agreement.
“But Abner has chosen Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, as king over Israel.”
“Abner had no authority to do this. He did not consult with the leaders of Israel; especially not the leaders of Judah. And Abner is NOT God! He KNEW as well as any of us that David was the Lord’s choice. Saul himself said so on several occasions. And Ish-bosheth cannot exercise authority at this time, as the Philistines control the territory Abner claims for him.”
“What should we do, seeing as Abner is pushing Ish-bosheth forward as king of Israel at Mahanaim?”
“We cannot speak for the other tribes. Myself though, I want David as my king. If all are agreed, we can ask him to be king of Judah.”
“What if he refuses? He wouldn’t raise a hand against Saul. He said he would not put his hand out against the Lord’s anointed. What if he sees Ish-bosheth as continuing Saul’s anointing?”
“He knows Samuel’s prophecy as well as any, and Ish-bosheth was NOT anointed by the Lord. I believe we have but to ask and he will rise to the role.”
That settled it. Everyone was in agreement. That very hour, they go as one to the camp of David.
David had purposefully not attended the meeting, as he was not head of any clan. He had a feeling that he would be the topic of discussion, and didn’t want to influence their decision one way or the other. He is pleased to see the group approaching him. As they get near him, he hands his staff to one of the other shepherds so that he can focus his whole attention on the men.
“We would speak with you David.”
“Join me in a drink to refresh yourselves. I know I have need of refreshing.”
The men nod and David leads the way to a place where mats are arranged on the ground near a small table. On the table rests a pitcher of water and one of wine. David pours himself a cup of water and invites the men to drink of either they choose. Most choose to follow David in choosing water. Once everyone has a cup, they all move to the mats and sit down.
“You knew of our meeting in town today, David.”
“I did.”
“Was there a reason you did not attend? You are after all a leader of a sizable company of people.”
“I was concerned that my presence might push you in one direction or another, regarding matters you may be discussing. I did not want to exert influence over you, as I am not an elder or a clan leader.”
Smiles and nods follow David’s explanation. No matter how famous he is, he is still the humble man he always was.
“We have come to you today with one purpose in mind. And that it to make you king of Judah.”
“What of Ish-bosheth? Abner has proclaimed that he will make him king of Israel.”
“He has. But the Lord has proclaimed that YOU are to be king. Abner did not consult the Lord, nor Judah, before making his proclamation. We do not want Ish-bosheth as our king. He does not even reign yet, as the Philistines control most of the territory to the north. We want the man God has chosen. We want YOU as our king. Even if your kingdom is comprised of only Judah, we want you.”
“I appreciate the confidence you have put in me, and I am honored by your decision. I will serve you to the best of my abilities, with the Lord’s guidance, at all times.”
The head elder removes a flask of anointing oil and brings it over to where David sits. David moves to where he is kneeling before the man.
“We anoint you King of Judah this day. We swear allegiance to you and to the Lord. May He make your kingdom endure and prosper. May He go before you in every battle or endeavor you undertake, in His name, or for our sake.” He then pours the oil over David’s head. It covers David’s head and runs down his beard. The elder then turnes to the people gathered with him.
“So say you all?”
“We agree” chorus the men.
Slowly things change with the anointing of David. He moves into town with his two wives, so that he will be available to all who seek him. He doesn’t go out, as often, with his men to do battle. He does have input on the battle plans, but he lets Joab lead the men in executing them. He does go out with them during larger battles; especially those against the Philistines.
A week after David has been anointed king of Judah, he hears the story of Saul’s burial. His heart breaks as he learns how Saul and his sons had been displayed for all Israel to see, affixed to the walls of Bethshan. He rejoices when he learnes that the people of Jabesh-Gilead had taken them down and carried them into their own land to be buried. They demonstrated love for Saul and Jonathan. A love that he was unable to effect at that time.
“I want to honor the people of Jabesh-gilead” David said to Joab.
“How would you honor them?”
“A promise of protection as king of Judah.”
“But they are part of the kingdom Abner claims for Ish-bosheth.”
“That does not mean that I can’t pledge loyalty to them also. Call a runner for me that I may send them a message.”
David hand writes his message to the people of Jabesh-gilead and seals it with his new signet ring. When the runner appears before him, he gives him his orders.
“Take this message to the elders at Jabesh-gilead and read it in their hearing.”
“It will be done as you have said” the runner replies as he bows low before David.
As soon as the runner reached Jabesh-gilead, he went to the place where the elders gather.
“I have a message for you from my king, David.”
The men look at one another. They knew of Saul’s fear that David would take his kingdom, but Ish-bosheth was the man Abner was hoping to make king. “We do not know of King David.”
“He is king of the land of Judah.”
Understanding dawns and they nod their heads. They are a little reluctant to hear David’s words, as they were loyal to Saul, but they decide to listen anyway.
“What does your king have to say.”
“So says David, king of Judah. ‘May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. 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.’ (2 Samuel 2:5-7)”
After hearing David’s words, the elders are in awe of him. His words are kind and gentle. They show that David, also, has steadfast love for Saul. They honor all, both speaker and receiver.
“Tell King David of Judah, that we are honored by his words. If we have need, we may call upon him for help.”
“And he will answer that call if, and when, it comes.”
With that exchange, the runner returns to David and shares the sentiment of the elders of Jabesh-gilead. David is pleased that his words were received well. This was his first official act as king.
Years have gone by and Abner has driven the Philistines back to the point where he feels he can anoint Ish-bosheth formally as king. Ish-bosheth iss 40 years old when he begins to officially reign.
David has been fighting against the house of Saul, as well as any who come against Judah, since the day he was installed as king over Judah. For five and a half years Abner has pushed Ish-bosheth forward as king, but he has not wielded any power until now. David hopes to end this division before it can go any deeper. He decided to send Joab to Abner and see if there was a way to reunite the fractions of Israel peacefully.
Word reaches Abner in Mahanaim that Joab wants to meet with him at Gibeah. Both men and their armies arrived at the pool of Gibeah at almost the same time. Joab and Abner know each other well. Abner knows Joab’s brothers, Abishai, and Asahel, as well. If it were not for this conflict, they would be good friends.
Joab and Abner sit down, opposite one another, at the edge of the pool. They have a pleasant talk as they share memories of their common past. Neither truly wants war between them. Abner has a suggestion, as a way to avoid full scale conflict.
“Let the young men arise and compete before us” (2 Samuel 2:14a) said Abner.
Joab felt it was a good request. “Let them arise” (2 Samuel 2:14b) Joab replied.
Twelve men from each side are chosen by Abner and Joab for this purpose. They meet in a small field to the left of the pool of Gibeah. All 12 pairs face one another, ready to do battle. As soon as the word was given, the men fall upon each other. Knives are violently thrust into the other’s sides on both sides of the skirmish line. When it is over, all 24 lay dead. Nothing had been decided.
Seeing their brothers dead, both armies begin to clash. The fighting was fierce all day. David’s men, under Joab, were pressing their advantage. Abner knows that his life is in danger, so he jumps onto his horse in fast retreat.
Joab’s brother, Asahel, takes off in pursuit. He is arguably the fleetest of foot in all of the land. He maintains a short separation between him on foot and Abner on horseback. Asahel refuses to give up. He keeps chasing Abner. He sticks like glue to him.
Abner looks back and sees Asahel and calls out to him. “Is it you, Asahel?” (2 Samuel 2:20a)
Without missing a beat, Asahel replies; “It is I.” (2 Samuel 2:20b)
Abner shakes his head in wonder. He has to put a stop to this. Abner calls out to him again. “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” (2 Samuel 2:21)
Asahel refuses to turn, to slow, to stop, or even to answer Abner. They continue the chase until Abner calls out to him a third time. “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?” (2 Samuel 2:22)
Still Asahel refuses to give up the chase. He even closed the distance between the two of them. Out of desperation, Abner thrust the but of his spear behind him and it strikes Asahel in the midsection. Abner struck with such force that his spear protrudes out the back of Asahel; who dropps immediately to the ground.
Abner grieves over the death of Asahel, but it is war, and men die. Abner is able to slow his horse a little, but he dare not stop. Once Asahel’s body is discovered, Joab will know that it was Abner who killed him.
The retreating forces of Israel stop to gawk at Asahel’s body as they pass by. Joab and Abishai come across the body of their brother as well. Asahel’s death infuriates both men and they renewe their pursuit of Abner. They plan to avenge the death of their brother with Abner’s blood.
Abner has out distanced Judah’s forces by the time the sun is going down. He reaches the “hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon” (2 Samuel 2:24) From this position, Abner regathers his forces. They stand as one behind him while he faces Joab and Abishai.
Abner calls out to Joab for an end to this conflict. “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?” (2 Samuel 2:26)
Joab, stops in his tracks as Abner’s words penetrate his heart. He drops his sword to his side and calls back to Abner. “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning.” (2 Samuel 2:27)
Joab blows the rams’ horn and all of his troops stop where they are. Joab turns his men around and they begin to make their way back to Hebron. On their way, they retrieve the body of Asahel and then bury him in the tomb of his father in Bethlehem first. Then they marched all night until they reach Hebron.
Abner takes his troops and marched them home as well. They cross back over the Jordan and return to Manahaim, which is where Ish-bosheth is now ruling from.
After both armies made their way home, and a count of casualties was made, Joab’s company was down by 20 men, including Asahel. Abner had lost 360 during the conflict. These two men would not personally face one another in battle again. But battle would continue between the house of Saul and David for another two years.
(to be continued)
I had to do a fair amount of research to understand how David ruled Judah in Hebron for 7½ years while Ish-bosheth only ruled for two years. We know that Abner’s defecting to David was at the end of Ish-bosheth’s reign. Ish-bosheth was killed shortly after that. I’m not guaranteeing that my interpretation is correct, of Abner fighting the Philistines first, but it makes the most sense to me. This idea was put forward during my Google search for the answer. It was a “Christian” website that posed this answer, so I felt a little easier about adopting it.
I contemplated adding David’s marital story in the “years that passed” section, but we will save that for later. I would like to know what he did with his days during this time. He certainly didn’t make an appearance in the battle of Gibeah. And he NEVER pushed his leadership on ANYONE. He waited to be asked to take on the role of king of Judah. He will do the same with the rest of the nation of Israel. He does fight against “the house of Saul.” Was his fighting to become king or was it defending against Judah being annexed by the rest of Israel? I would like to know the answer to that question. It just occurred to me. As humble as David was, I have feeling it was the later.
Father God, thank You for opening up even more questions for me to search out in Your word. You keep me digging, even in the familiar stories. That keeps them fresh and new.
Thank You for allowing me to ‘rewrite’ Your story too. I pray I haven’t changed anything in my telling, from what You intended. I pray that my ‘reconciliation’ of the time differences meets with your approval. I have no way to know if it is accurate until I see You face to face. I guess I can wait. Hopefully, I’m exercising my ‘David patience’ in this.
