SCRIPTURE: 2 SAMUEL 2
DAVID ANOINTED KING OVER JUDAH (vs. 1-7)
David and his two wives – Ahinoam and Abigail together with his men settled in Hebron. When he knew that Saul was buried by the men of Jabesh Gilead, he sent messengers to acknowledge his appreciation for their kindness to Saul. David was anointed king at Judah.
WARS BETWEEN HOUSES OF DAVID AND SAUL (vs. 8-32)
Abner, son of Nun, the commander of Saul’s army took Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. He had him king over Gilead, Ashuri, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel.
Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul was 40 years old when he became king over Israel and he reigned for two years. But the house of Judah followed David. David reigned over the house of Judah for 7 years and 6 months.
Saul’s men – Abner and Ish-Bosheth and David men’s – Joab met at the pool. Abner and Joab agreed to choose 12 men to fight with each other. Asahel chased Abner so Abner killed him with the spear. Then Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. So, Abner called out to stop the battle. Joab blew the trumpet and they stopped the fight. David’s side lost Asahel and 19 men while 360 the Benjamites in Abner’s side were killed.
THOUGHTS:
David’s tribe of Judah anointed David as king and set up his headquarter in Hebron. But Abner, the commander of Saul’s army mad Saul’s on king in open defiance of God’s will. These had caused division and destruction to Israel. When we allow division among ourselves, the result is conflict and sorrow.
Abner suggested hand-to hand combat between the champions of his army and the champion of David’s army led by Joab. Twelve men from each side would fight each other and the side with the most survivors would be declared the winner. However, all 24 champions were killed before either side could claim victory. Nothing was accomplished and the civil war continued. The battle ended with a victory for Joab’s troops but war in the divided nation continued until David was finally crowned king over all Israel.