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Commentary on 2 Samuel 2 verses 8–17
Here is, I. A rivalship between two kings - David, whom God made king, and Ishbosheth, whom Abner made king. One would have thought, when Saul was slain, and all his sons that had sense and spirit enough to take the field with him, David would come to the throne without any opposition, since all Israel knew, not only how he had signalized himself, but how manifestly God had designated him to it; but such a spirit of contradiction is there, in the devices of men, to the counsels of God, that such a weak and silly thing as Ishbosheth, who was not thought fit to go with his father to the battle, shall yet be thought fit to succeed him in the government, rather than David shall come peaceably to it. Herein David's kingdom was typical of the Messiah's, against which the heathens rage and the rulers take counsel, Psa 2:1, Psa 2:2. 1. Abner was the person who set up Ishbosheth in competition with David, perhaps in his zeal for the lineal succession (since they must have a king like the nations, in this they must be like them, that the crown must descend from father to son), or rather in his affection to his own family and relations (for he was Saul's uncle), and because he had no other way to secure to himself the post of honour he was in, as captain of the host. See how much mischief the pride and ambition of one man may be the occasion of. Ishbosheth would never have set up himself if Abner had not set him up, and made a tool of him to serve his own purposes. 2. Mahanaim, the place where he first made his claim, was on the other side Jordan, where it was thought David had the least interest, and being at a distance from his forces they might have time to strengthen themselves. But having set up his standard there, the unthinking people of all the tribes of Israel (that is, the generality of them) submitted to him (Sa2 2:9), and Judah only was entirely for David. This was a further trial of the faith of David in the promise of God, and of his patience, whether he could wait God's time for the performance of that promise. 3. Some difficulty there is about the time of the continuance of this competition. David reigned about seven years over Judah only (Sa2 2:11), and yet (Sa2 2:10) Ishbosheth reigned over Israel but two years: before those two years, or after, or both, it was in general for the house of Saul (Sa2 3:6), and not any particular person of that house, that Abner declared. Or these two years he reigned before the war broke out (Sa2 2:12), which continued long, even the remaining five years, Sa2 3:1.
II. An encounter between their two armies.
1.It does not appear that either side brought their whole force into the field, for the slaughter was but small, Sa2 2:30, Sa2 2:31. We may wonder, (1.) That the men of Judah did not appear and act more vigorously for David, to reduce all the nation into obedience to him; but, it is likely, David would not suffer them to act offensively, choosing rather to wait till the thing would do itself or rather till God would do it for him, without the effusion of Israelitish blood; for to him, as a type of Christ, that was very precious, Psa 72:14. Even those that were his adversaries he looked upon as his subjects, and would treat them accordingly. (2.) That the men of Israel could in a manner stand neuter, and sit down tamely under Ishbosheth, for so many years, especially considering what characters many of the tribes displayed at this time (as we find, Ch1 12:23, etc.): Wise men, mighty men, men of valour, expert in war, and not of double heart, and yet for seven years together, for aught that appears, most of them seemed indifferent in whose hand the public administration was. Divine Providence serves its own purposes by the stupidity of men at some times and the activity of the same persons at other times; they are unlike themselves, and yet the motions of Providence are uniform.
2.In this battle Abner was the aggressor. David sat still to see how the matter would fall, but the house of Saul, and Abner at the head of it, gave the challenge, and they went by the worst. Therefore go not forth hastily to strive, nor be forward to begin quarrels, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, Pro 25:8. A fool's lips and hands enter into contention.
3.The seat of the war was Gibeon. Abner chose it because it was in the lot of Benjamin, where Saul had the most friends; yet, since he offered battle, Joab, David's general, would not decline it, but there joined issue with him, and met him by the pool of Gibeon, Sa2 2:13. David's cause, being built upon God's promise, feared not the disadvantages of the ground. The pool between them gave both sides time to deliberate.
4.The engagement was at first proposed by Abner, and accepted by Joab, to be between twelve and twelve of a side. (1.) It should seem this trial of skill began in sport. Abner made the motion (Sa2 2:14): Let the young men arise and play before us, as gladiators. Perhaps Saul had used his men to these barbarous pastimes, like a tyrant indeed, and Abner had learnt of him to make a jest of wounds and death and divert himself with the scenes of blood and horror. He meant, "Let them fight before us," when he said, "Let them play before us." Fools thus make a mock at sin. but he is unworthy the name of a man that can be thus prodigal of human blood, that can thus throw about firebrands, arrows, and death, and say, Am not I in sport? Pro 26:18, Pro 26:19. Joab, having been bred up under David, had so much wisdom as not to make such a proposal, yet had not resolution enough to resist and gainsay it when another made it; for he stood upon a point of honour, and thought it a blemish to his reputation to refuse a challenge, and therefore said, Let them arise; not that he was fond of the sport, or expected that the duels would be decisive, but he would not be hectored by his antagonist. How many precious lives have thus been sacrificed to the caprices of proud men! Twelve of each side were accordingly called out as champions to enter the lists, a double jury of life and death, not of others', but their own; and the champions on Abner's side seem to have been most forward, for they took the field first (Sa2 2:15), having perhaps been bred up in a foolish ambition thus to serve the humour of their commander-in-chief. But, (2.) However it began, it ended in blood (Sa2 2:16): They thrust every man his sword into his fellow's side (spurred on by honour, not by enmity); so they fell down together, that is, all the twenty-four were slain, such an equal match were they for one another, and so resolute, that neither side would either beg or give quarter; they did as it were by agreement (says Josephus) dispatch one another with mutual wounds. Those that strike at other men's lives often throw away their own and death only conquers and rides in triumph. The wonderful obstinacy of both sides was remembered in the name given to the place: Heldath-hazzurim - the field of rocky men, men that were not only strong in body, but of firm and unshaken constancy, that stirred not at the sight of death. Yet the stout-hearted were spoiled, and slept their sleep, Psa 76:5. Poor honour for men to purchase at so vast an expense! Those that lose their lives for Christ shall find them.
5.The whole army at length engaged, and Abner's forces were routed, Sa2 2:17. The former was a drawn battle, in which all were killed on both sides, and therefore they must put it upon another trial, in which (as it often happens) those that gave the challenge went away with loss. David had God on his side; his side therefore was victorious.
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SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in 2 Samuel marks the overt commencement of the civil war that would plague Israel following the death of King Saul. It meticulously records the strategic movement of Abner, Saul's formidable army commander and cousin, as he leads forces loyal to Ishbosheth, Saul's surviving son, from their stronghold in Mahanaim to the strategically significant city of Gibeon. This deliberate advance was not merely a relocation but a calculated military maneuver, setting the stage for the direct confrontation between the house of Saul and the burgeoning kingdom of David, thereby highlighting the deep political, tribal, and theological divisions that fractured the nation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the immediate narrative pivot from political maneuvering to open warfare in the unfolding drama of Israel's kingship. Preceding it, the narrative establishes David's anointing as king over Judah in Hebron, as detailed in 2 Samuel 2:1-4. Concurrently, Abner, leveraging his military authority and tribal loyalties, has taken Saul's son, Ishbosheth, and established him as a rival king over the northern tribes from his base in Mahanaim, a development narrated in 2 Samuel 2:8-10. Thus, 2 Samuel 2:12 is the direct catalyst, initiating the first armed clash between these two competing centers of power. It leads directly into the infamous and tragic "deadly game" at the Pool of Gibeon, described in the subsequent verses 2 Samuel 2:13-16, thereby transitioning the narrative from a state of political tension to overt, bloody conflict.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period immediately following the catastrophic defeat at Mount Gilboa, where King Saul and his three sons perished (1 Samuel 31), plunged Israel into a profound power vacuum and national crisis. David, already divinely anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), was recognized as king by the tribe of Judah. However, the northern tribes, particularly Saul's own tribe of Benjamin, maintained strong loyalties to the deceased king's house. Abner, a formidable military leader and Saul's cousin, shrewdly exploited this lingering loyalty to install Ishbosheth, a seemingly weak and pliable figurehead, as king over the remaining tribes. This move ensured Abner's continued influence and power. Mahanaim, situated east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead, was a strategically astute choice for Ishbosheth's capital, offering a degree of safety from David's immediate reach and serving as a secure base from which to consolidate support from the Transjordanian tribes. Gibeon, conversely, was a significant Benjaminite city located closer to Jerusalem and Hebron, David's sphere of influence. Abner's decision to move his forces to Gibeon was a clear declaration of intent: to assert control over central Israel and directly challenge David's burgeoning authority, thereby initiating a civil war for the soul of the nation.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully illustrates the theme of a Divided Kingdom, serving as a poignant precursor to the later, more enduring schism after Solomon's reign, as seen in 1 Kings 12. It vividly underscores the deep-seated tribal loyalties, political factions, and human resistance that often opposed God's clear choice for leadership, in this case, David's kingship. The military movement from Mahanaim to Gibeon represents the Escalation of Conflict, transforming a tense political standoff into overt civil war, a conflict driven by human ambition, misguided loyalty, and a refusal to acknowledge divine appointment. Furthermore, the verse highlights Abner's Agency and Influence, portraying him not merely as a loyal servant but as the primary architect and driving force behind the anti-Davidic resistance. His personal ambition and strategic acumen are central to this period of national unrest. This human resistance to God's sovereign plan, though ultimately futile in the long run, demonstrates the painful and often bloody path through which God's ultimate purposes are accomplished, as seen in the broader narrative of 2 Samuel.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs significant Foreshadowing by setting the precise geographical stage for the inevitable and bloody confrontation between the two houses of Israel. The deliberate movement of Abner's forces to Gibeon is not merely a geographic detail but a clear signal of impending warfare, building narrative tension and alerting the reader to the conflict that will immediately follow. There is also a strong element of Juxtaposition, as the narrative implicitly contrasts the legitimate, divinely appointed kingship of David (established in Hebron) with the humanly contrived, resistant kingship of Ishbosheth (established in Mahanaim). This creates a tension between divine will and human resistance. Furthermore, the very name of Mahanaim, "two camps," serves as a subtle yet potent Symbolism for the fractured state of the nation, divided into two opposing factions, each with its own leader and loyalties, thereby foreshadowing the civil strife that will tragically unfold in the subsequent narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple geographical movement, is deeply theological, illustrating the persistent human tendency to resist God's appointed leadership and cling to established, yet divinely superseded, power structures. Despite God's clear anointing of David as king over all Israel, human ambition (specifically Abner's) and misplaced loyalty (to Saul's house) lead to prolonged conflict and bloodshed. This resistance to God's sovereign will, while ultimately unable to thwart His overarching plan, vividly demonstrates the painful consequences of human stubbornness, pride, and the disunity that arises when divine authority is challenged. It highlights God's patience and sovereignty, as He allows human choices to unfold, yet ultimately orchestrates all things for the fulfillment of His eternal purposes, even through the crucible of human conflict.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The strategic movement of Abner and Ishbosheth's forces to Gibeon serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that even when God's ultimate plan and chosen leadership are clear, human resistance, fueled by ambition, misguided loyalty, or fear, can lead to prolonged and devastating conflict. This narrative challenges us to critically examine our own loyalties and allegiances: are we truly aligned with God's revealed will and His ongoing work in the world, or do we cling to familiar structures, personal preferences, or perceived power dynamics that may, in fact, be at odds with His divine purposes? The profound cost of division, vividly portrayed in the subsequent verses of 2 Samuel, underscores the paramount importance of unity, especially within the body of Christ. True peace and flourishing, both individually and corporately, emerge not from asserting our own will or defending human institutions at all costs, but from humbly submitting to God's chosen leadership and actively working towards reconciliation rather than perpetuating strife. This passage calls us to discern God's hand in our circumstances and to align our actions with His sovereign design, even when it requires letting go of the familiar.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Abner, and what was his role in this period?
Answer: Abner, the son of Ner, was King Saul's cousin and the highly influential commander of Saul's army. Following Saul's tragic death at Mount Gilboa, Abner emerged as the most powerful figure still loyal to the deceased king's house. He strategically took Saul's surviving son, Ishbosheth, and installed him as king over Israel (excluding Judah, which recognized David) in Mahanaim, effectively serving as the true power behind Ishbosheth's throne. Abner's role was absolutely pivotal in resisting David's legitimate claim to the kingship, orchestrating military movements like the one to Gibeon, and thereby prolonging the bitter civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. His actions were driven by a complex mix of loyalty to Saul's lineage, a desire to maintain the existing power structure, and personal ambition for continued influence and authority.
Why was Mahanaim chosen as Ishbosheth's capital?
Answer: Mahanaim was chosen as Ishbosheth's capital for several compelling strategic and historical reasons. Geographically, it was located east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead, offering a significant degree of safety and distance from David's immediate sphere of influence in Judah. This geographical separation provided a secure and defensible base from which Abner could rally support from the northern and Transjordanian tribes, particularly those less inclined to immediately accept David's rule. Historically, Mahanaim was a city with significant biblical connections, notably as the place where Jacob encountered angels in Genesis 32:2, lending it a certain gravitas and symbolic importance. Its location allowed Ishbosheth's fledgling kingdom to establish itself and consolidate power without immediate, direct confrontation with David's forces, though as 2 Samuel 2:12 clearly demonstrates, this period of relative peace was ultimately temporary.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The civil war initiated by Abner's march to Gibeon, a struggle between the house of Saul and the house of David, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the undisputed, eternal reign of Jesus Christ. David, though divinely chosen and a man after God's own heart, was an imperfect king whose ascent to the throne was marked by human resistance, political maneuvering, and bloodshed. His kingdom, though established by God's decree, was still subject to internal strife and external threats. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David, whose lineage is meticulously traced in Matthew 1:1 and Luke 3:23-38, is the perfect, sinless King whose reign is not achieved through human ambition or military might but through sacrificial love on the cross and divine power in His resurrection. The resistance David faced from Abner and the house of Saul powerfully foreshadows the world's inherent resistance to Christ and His kingdom, a theme echoed in Psalm 2:1-3. Yet, just as God ultimately established David's throne despite all opposition, He has supremely exalted Christ to His right hand, giving Him "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). The deep tribal and political division seen in 2 Samuel 2:12 is ultimately overcome in Christ, who breaks down all walls of hostility and unites all who believe into one body, reconciling them to God and to one another (Ephesians 2:14-16). His is a kingdom of peace, righteousness, and joy in the Holy Spirit, which will endure forever, without rival, division, or end (Luke 1:33; Daniel 7:14).