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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
Following the tragic deaths of King Saul and his sons, 2 Samuel 2:9 details the strategic maneuver by Abner, Saul's army commander, to establish Ish-bosheth, Saul's surviving son, as king over a significant portion of Israel. This act effectively divided the kingdom, with Ish-bosheth nominally ruling over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, while David had already been anointed king over the tribe of Judah. This political division initiated a period of civil war, starkly highlighting the tension between human political machinations and God's sovereign plan to establish David as the rightful king over all Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This pivotal verse immediately follows David's anointing as king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, a significant development after a period of national mourning for Saul and Jonathan. The preceding narrative in 1 Samuel meticulously chronicles Saul's rejection by God and David's divine anointing by Samuel, setting the stage for a divinely appointed successor. However, Saul's death created a power vacuum. While David was consolidating his legitimate rule in the south, Abner, a loyal and influential general to Saul's house, took swift initiative to preserve the Saulide dynasty. By installing Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as a rival king, Abner directly set the stage for the "long war between the house of Saul and the house of David," a conflict explicitly mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:1. Thus, 2 Samuel 2:9 is not merely a geographical listing but a crucial narrative hinge, establishing the immediate political and military landscape of post-Saul Israel and foreshadowing the ensuing civil strife.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the death of a monarch frequently plunged kingdoms into periods of intense political instability and succession struggles. Loyalty to the deceased king's lineage was a powerful cultural imperative, particularly among military commanders like Abner, who had served Saul. The territories enumerated in this verse—Gilead (the Transjordanian region), Jezreel (a strategically vital northern valley), Ephraim (one of the most powerful and populous central tribes), and Benjamin (Saul's own tribal homeland)—represent key strategic and demographic strongholds of northern and central Israel. The identity of the "Ashurites" remains debated, possibly referring to the tribe of Asher or a specific northern clan or territory, but in any case, their inclusion underscores the broad geographical reach of Abner's influence. Abner's actions were a calculated and culturally understandable effort to maintain a unified front against David and to secure his own position within the remnants of Saul's kingdom, reflecting the deep-seated tribal divisions and political rivalries characteristic of early Israelite society before a fully unified monarchy.
Key Themes: The primary themes that emerge from 2 Samuel 2:9 are the Divided Kingdom and Contested Authority. Despite God's clear and unambiguous anointing of David as king over all Israel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:13, human agents like Abner actively sought to thwart or delay this divine plan by establishing a rival monarch. This highlights the profound tension between Divine Sovereignty and Human Resistance, demonstrating that while God's ultimate purposes will prevail, He often permits human free will and political machinations to play out in the interim. The verse also introduces the theme of Political Maneuvering, as Abner's actions are presented as a shrewd strategic effort to consolidate power and prevent David from easily assuming control over the entire nation. This sets the stage for a prolonged civil conflict, underscoring the human tendency to cling to established power structures and dynastic loyalties, even when God's will has clearly shifted. This theme of a divided kingdom and contested rule finds echoes later in Israel's history, notably after Solomon's reign.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Enumeration, systematically listing the specific territories over which Ish-bosheth was made king: Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin. This detailed enumeration serves to emphasize the geographical breadth of Abner's political maneuvering and the significant extent of the immediate division within Israel. There is also a strong implicit Contrast between this humanly established, partial kingship of Ish-bosheth and the divinely appointed, yet currently limited, kingship of David over Judah. The concluding phrase, "and over all Israel," can be understood as an instance of Hyperbole or Irony, as it asserts a comprehensive rule that is demonstrably false given David's existing authority. This overstatement Foreshadows the inevitable conflict and the ultimate failure of Ish-bosheth's reign, as God's sovereign will for David to rule all Israel would eventually prevail.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage powerfully illustrates the tension between God's sovereign plan and human attempts to resist, delay, or manipulate it. While God had clearly chosen and anointed David as the rightful king over all Israel, Abner's actions demonstrate a human desire to maintain established power structures and dynastic loyalty, even if it meant defying divine appointment. This period of a divided kingdom, with two rival kings, underscores the reality that God often allows human free will and political machinations to play out in history, yet His ultimate purposes will not be thwarted. The narrative invites profound reflection on patience and trust in God's timing, as David, despite being God's anointed, had to wait and endure a period of civil strife before fully inheriting the kingdom promised to him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Ish-bosheth's kingship, though short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that human plans and political machinations, no matter how strategically sound or well-intentioned from a worldly perspective, are ultimately subservient to God's sovereign will. In our own lives, we may frequently encounter situations where our circumstances seem to contradict God's clear promises, or where human opposition and entrenched systems appear to delay the fulfillment of His divine purposes. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering faithfulness. Like David, who patiently waited for God to establish his reign over all Israel despite the immediate reality of a divided kingdom and a rival king, we are called to persevere in faith, knowing that divine purpose will be fulfilled, despite apparent setbacks or divisions. This passage challenges us to honestly examine where we might be tempted to rely on our own strength, cleverness, or control rather than humbly submitting to God's ultimate authority and patiently waiting for His hand to move in His perfect way.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Ish-bosheth, and why was he made king?
Answer: Ish-bosheth was one of King Saul's surviving sons, also known as Eshbaal. After King Saul and his other sons died in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, Saul's army commander, Abner, took the initiative to establish Ish-bosheth as king over the northern tribes of Israel. This was a strategic political move by Abner to preserve the legacy and dynasty of Saul's house and to counter the growing influence of David, who had already been made king over the tribe of Judah in 2 Samuel 2:4. Abner sought to maintain a semblance of continuity for the Saulide line, despite God's clear anointing of David.
What is the significance of the "Ashurites" mentioned in the verse?
Answer: The precise identity of the "Ashurites" (Hebrew: ʼĂshûwrîy) is a subject of scholarly debate. Some biblical scholars believe it refers to the tribe of Asher, suggesting that Abner's influence extended to the northern coastal plain. Others propose it refers to a specific clan or territory within the northern region, possibly a family group or a particular administrative district, perhaps related to Beth-shan or the Jezreel Valley. Regardless of the exact identification, its inclusion signifies a non-Judahite territory under Ish-bosheth's nominal control, highlighting the geographical breadth of the divided kingdom and Abner's efforts to consolidate power across diverse regions.
Why does the verse say "all Israel" when David ruled Judah?
Answer: The phrase "all Israel" in this verse reflects Abner's ambition and the sweeping claim he made on behalf of Ish-bosheth's reign. It was a declaration of comprehensive authority, asserting Ish-bosheth's right to rule over the entire Israelite nation. However, this claim was aspirational and immediately contradicted by the reality that David had already been anointed king over the tribe of Judah. This contested claim of "all Israel" was therefore incomplete and illegitimate in the divine scheme, setting the stage for the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David that would follow, as explicitly described in 2 Samuel 3:1. It underscores the human attempt to establish a kingdom in defiance of God's chosen king.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divided kingdom under Ish-bosheth and David serves as a profound Old Testament shadow, pointing to the ultimate, undisputed, and universally recognized kingship of Jesus Christ. While Ish-bosheth's reign was a humanly orchestrated, contested, and ultimately temporary attempt to establish a kingdom, Jesus's kingship is divinely appointed and eternal, established by God Himself. Unlike the earthly kingdoms described in 2 Samuel, which were marked by division, political maneuvering, human frailty, and eventual collapse, Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36), yet it encompasses all of creation and all authority. The struggle for the throne in Israel foreshadows the spiritual battle for allegiance, culminating in the reign of the true Son of David, whose authority is not limited by tribal boundaries, human opposition, or geographical constraints. Every knee will ultimately bow to Him, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). He is the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:16), whose kingdom will have no end, fulfilling God's promise of an eternal throne far beyond any earthly dominion, as proclaimed in Luke 1:32-33.