OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. DAVID IS ANOINTED KING OVER JUDAH - (1-7)

II. ISH-BOSHETH IS MADE KING OVER ISRAEL - (8-11)

III. CONFRONTATION BETWEEN JOAB AND ABNER - (12-17)

IV. ASAHEL "RUNS INTO ABNER" - (18-24)

V. A TRUCE IS MADE - (25-32)

I. DAVID IS ANOINTED KING OVER JUDAH - (1-7)

"...David enquired of the Lord...," again, we see David go to the Lord for personal direction in his life. David still has access to the Ephod and Breastplate (see notes on 1 Sam. 23 & 30). It is very obvious that David has developed the habit of seeking God's advice and direction. He believed that God was personally concerned about him, and that the Lord would look out for his best spiritual interest.

The Lord leads David to Hebron. Hebron has many sacred associations in the scriptures. The city is also called by the name of Kirjath-arba (Josh. 14,15) and was inhabited by giants (Num. 13:21,22,31,32). Caleb, the soldier of faith, conquers the place and it is given to him for an inheritance (Judg. 1:20). Here, David begins his 40 year reign as king, and Hebron is also associated with the sojourning of three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Gen. 25:27). "Arbah", "Mamre", "Hebron", and "Kirjath-arba" are the same city in scripture.

David was originally anointed king by Samuel in (I Sam. 16:6-13). As has been noted before, David, as a type of Christ, has been an anointed king in exile. As a result of the death of Saul, the men of Judah choose to make the selection of David as king, official. David serves as king over Judah for seven years and six months (vs. 11).

David is, conscientious, sensitive, and courteous individual. He acknowledges the courtesies extended to Saul (1 Sam. 31:11-13) by the Jabesh-gileadites. In spite of the tragedy and confusion surrounding David, he is not too busy to take notice of the kindness' shown to Saul.

 

II. ISH-BOSHETH IS MADE KING OVER ISRAEL - (8-11)

Ish-bosheth means "man of shame." His reign as king was very short, two years, according to verse ten. One would get the impression that upon the death of Saul, Israel, for the most part, was left in shambles. Because of Saul's selfishness, and his jealousy of those who would show any leadership capabilities under him, he most probably failed to train anyone, so that in the event of his death some one could take over the reins.

Here we get a "sneak preview" of the two kingdoms of Israel that dominated Jewish history after the death of Solomon, David's son. (See I Ki. 12:1ff).

 

III. CONFRONTATION BETWEEN JOAB AND ABNER - (12-17)

Joab has emerged as captain of David's army, while Abner under Ish-bosheth, commands the host of Israel. The two meet at the pool of Gibeon. To this point David's and Saul's armies have not engaged in combat with one another. Abner challenges Joab's soldiers to a comparison display of combat skills (vs. 14). "Play" they don't, twelve Benjamites square off with twelve of David's rejects. It is impossible to agree on a list of rules for the contest (check any war in the last 6000 years, the same is true of all). The war "games" turn into deadly combat (vs. 16). The name of the place "Helkath-hazzurim" - "the field of strongmen," reflects the activities of the day.

 

IV. ASAHEL "RUNS INTO ABNER" - (18-24)

With the "game" getting a little out of hand (this reminds me of some hockey contests I have been witness to), the action "spreads" into the grandstands (vs. 17).

Ish-bosheth's troops are no match for those of David. The kill ratio of 18 to 1 falls in favor of David's men. Abner, captain of Israel's troops, is in no mood for a challenge from a young warrior on the opposing team.

Asahel, voted "rookie of the year" in his league (along with his inflated opinion of himself), decides to go for the big score by selecting the seasoned veteran Abner as his prey. Asahel can not be discouraged in his efforts. Abner warns Asahel that he's cruisin' for a bruisin'. "Pick on someone your own 'speed', kid, you're gonna get hurt" (vss. 21, 22). Abner is concerned, for he knows the young man is Joab's brother, and he doesn't want to unnecessarily infuriate him. Abner finds himself in a foot race with the younger, fleet of foot, Asahel. The young man is gaining quickly on the older man, but Abner's experience is far more valuable than Asahel's speed. Abner applies the "binders" at the right moment, and plunges the blunt end of his spear under and past Asahel's fifth rib' I believe the expression is "stopped in his tracks." Only nineteen other men of Judah are killed in the battle, but the loss of Joab's young brother Asahel, strikes a shocking blow to the men of Judah. See other mentions of fifth rib: (2 Sam. 4:6; 20:10).

 

V. A TRUCE IS MADE - (25-32)

The casualty lists are published in (vss. 30-31). Abner's troops have apparently had things a little too soft. However, David's men, for three to as many as seven years, have lived the lives of fugitives.

Abner calls to Joab (vs. 26), "shall the sword devour forever? Knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end?" The idea is, "what are we accomplishing?" Everyone loses in a war. Yet, what man, king, or country ever faced the grim reality of that statement? "There shall be wars and rumours of wars," that is sure.

Joab agrees with the proposals of Abner, yet, he never forgets the personal loss of his brother Asahel, and seeks to find revenge, (2 Sam. 3:30). It is difficult for Joab to savour the sweet smell of victory, as he transports his brother's corpse to Bethlehem for burial.