READ: 2 Samuel 2-4
In these chapters we see the
start of David’s kingship, which begins in Judah and eventually spreads into
the rest of Israel. Though Israel was not yet officially divided into two
separate kingdoms, the southern tribe of Judah acted somewhat independently
from the other tribes, having already had their own army during Saul’s reign
(see 1 Samuel 11:8). The events of these first chapters are not what one would
have expected at the end of 1 Samuel. The book left us eagerly anticipating the
triumphant fulfilment of God’s promise to David, yet that fulfilment is slower
and more disjointed than expected. But the Bible is not made up, “happily ever
after” fairy tales; it is the true history of a chosen nation and the story of
God at work within that nation and the world. We see God reaching down into a
world that is broken and messy.
Though Saul is dead, his
supporters are not, and his faithful commander, Abner, seeks to put one of the
royal sons on the throne. And so for two years, we see David ruling in the
south while Ish-bosheth rules in the north. Fighting and rivalry goes on
between the kings’ commanders, Abner and Joab. There is a lot of blood in these
three chapters – one murder per chapter! First Abner kills Ashael, who is in
hot pursuit of him. When Abner comes over to David’s side, Joab, out of
distrust and revenge for his brother’s death, kills Abner. And in chapter 4, we
see King Ish-bosheth murdered by two of his captains.
David, true to his integrity
and reliance on God’s sovereignty, mourns both the deaths of Abner and of
Ish-bosheth. His heartfelt fasting and weeping bring the people to admiration;
they are pleased to see the integrity and compassion of a king who mourns even
his enemies. David was chosen by God to succeed Saul as king, but that didn’t
automatically make him fit for the job. David’s choices to submit to God and to
respond according to God’s ways are what have prepared him to serve Israel as
the nation’s greatest king. God called him to a place of great influence and
David responded with full commitment and submission and this is what made him
great. When God’s power is combined with our obedience, great things happen for
the kingdom!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. David
truly knew how to love his enemies. Though Abner was once against him, David is
willing to trust him.
a. Why
do you think David was able to show love for his enemies time after time?
b. Who
is an enemy in your life? What can you learn from David
c. Ask
God how He wants you to respond or show love to this enemy.
2. The
twelve tribes of Israel found their beginnings in the twelve sons of Jacob, so
all Israel was related down the line. Thus it is sad to read about the battle
of Gibeon in chapter 2 where Abner and Joab set their men against one another –
the descendants of brothers now killing each other for sport! Spend some time
in prayer for your family today:
a. Ask
God to show you ways that you have brought division to your family. Confess
these things as sin.
b. Ask
God how you can bring peace to your family. Be specific.
