2 Samuel 2
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 2
Guzik - Certainly, this was a key to success in David’s life. With rare exceptions, he constantly inquired of the LORD. David wanted more than God’s blessing on his plans; he wanted to be right in the middle of God’s plan. Saying,"Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?" And the LORD said to him, "Go up." So David said, "Where shall I go up?" And He said, "To Hebron." - David's two part question receives two clear answers. How did he speak to the LORD? The text does not say, but the fact that his second question called for something other than a yes or no, suggests that he did not use the ephod with Urim and Thummim, but we cannot be dogmatic. See maps above for the central location of Hebron, about 25 miles N of Ziklag, west of Dead Sea and 20 miles SSW of Jerusalem, the highest elevation of any town in Judah. "Abraham had located there long before (Ge 13:18), and later Hebron had been given to Caleb (Jos 14:13, 14; Jdg 1:20) when Israel occupied the land after the wilderness wanderings." (MacArthur) Hebron means "association," "alliance" or "communion" in contrast to Ziklag which means "winding" and in the context of David's life story is the place that speaks of exertion of self will! Hebron was a priests’ city, one of the cities of refuge established when Joshua conquered the land. It was a fitting place for David to be crowned. It was the oldest city in the land; and Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, the first four great men of the nation Israel, are buried here. Anderson - David was not in any hurry. He made no fast move at this time. The circumstances seemed to be right for him, but David was learning to be careful of circumstances. Circumstances are a consideration in making a decision but they shouldn’t be the first. Maybe they should be the last. He asked if he should go up to any of the cities of Judah. This was his own tribe, and it was by far the friendliest. They knew how cruelly Saul had hunted him down. Recall that David had sent parts of the spoil from his battle with the Amalekites to the elders of the area (1Sa 30:26–31) Guzik - It isn’t as simple a question as we might think. David didn’t want to appear opportunistic, as if he only came back to Israel because Saul was dead. While not being overly concerned with appearances before man, he was not unconcerned with appearances either. God was faithful to answer when David inquired. Since David had just come out of a period of spiritual decline, God could have put him on “probation” and refused to speak to him for a while. Instead, the LORD spoke to David and gave him guidance. Some 15 to 20 years before this, David was anointed king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:12-13). As the promise seemed almost fulfilled, David didn’t rush in blindly and seize it. Instead, he carefully sought the LORD. David knew the promise was from God, so he knew God could fulfill it without any manipulation from him. Walton on Hebron - This twelve-acre site, occupied about 1200 B.C., was very attractive because there are more than two dozen springs in the area. About the time of David the fortifications of the city were improved and expanded. It served as David’s capital for seven years and enjoyed its greatest prominence during this period. (see page 323 IVP Background Commentary-OT) Life Application Study Bible (borrow) - Although David knew he would become king (1 Samuel 16:13; 23:17; 24:20), and although the time seemed right now that Saul was dead, David still asked God if he should move back to Judah, the home territory of his tribe. Before moving ahead with what seems obvious, first bring the matter to God, who alone knows the best timing. David made Hebron his capital because (1) it was the largest city in Judah at that time; (2) it was secure against attack; (3) it was located near the center of Judah's territory, an ideal location for a capital city; (4) many key trade routes converged at Hebron, making it difficult for supply lines to be cut off in wartime. Matthew
2 Samuel 2
Guzik - This shows that David did not seize the throne. The elders of Judah approached him. David knew that it was better to let God lift him up through others than it was to strive to advance himself. We should strive to advance God’s Kingdom and leave the advancement of self in His hands. The men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah - Did you see the key point? David did not make himself king! The men of Judah anointed him! David had waited on the LORD and obeyed the LORD and was blessed by the LORD, Who clearly stirred the men of Judah to anoint David, even as He had stirred Samuel to anoint David in 1Sa 16:1, 3, 7, 12, 13+. Judah is centrally located and is a large tribe, but David is not yet to be king of the entire united nation. This is the second of three royal anointings (1) by Samuel (at Bethlehem), (2) by Judah at Hebron and (3) by all Israel at Hebron. Walton has an interesting note on the possible dynamics involved in anointing David king at Hebron - In a previous attempt at kingship the process was initiated on the tribal level (see Jdg 9:6+). Since the Philistines had most likely overrun the central part of the land as a result of the battle at Gilboa (1Sa 31:1-2ff+), only a few of the tribes may have had the freedom to participate in designating a new king. It must also be remembered that tribal autonomy had a long history among the Israelites, and a citystate form of government had characterized the previous Canaanite residents of the region. Finally, with three of Saul’s sons having been killed along with him, there was no clear information concerning succession to the throne, even if the tribal leaders were content with Saul’s line and the Philistines would have allowed it. All of this makes the procedure of a tribe designating a king very logical. (see page 323 IVP Background Commentary-OT) And they told David, saying, "It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul - David receives the report of the men of Jabesh-Gilead who honored King Saul after he was be-headed. Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He makes all things beautiful in his time.” Lamentations 3:25,26 “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord.” Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed time. It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it, for it will certainly come. It will not delay.” F B
2 Samuel 2
Guzik - David once challenged Abner when David had the opportunity to kill Saul but did not. David pointed out that Abner failed to protect his king. (ED: read 1Sa 26:15-16NLT+ where David taunted Abner in front of Saul and the army). First use of Abner in 2 Samuel - all 53 uses of Abner - 1Sa 14:50; 1Sa 14:51; 1Sa 17:55; 1Sa 17:57; 1Sa 20:25; 1Sa 26:5; 1Sa 26:7; 1Sa 26:14; 1Sa 26:15; 2Sa 2:8; 2Sa 2:12; 2Sa 2:14; 2Sa 2:17; 2Sa 2:19; 2Sa 2:20; 2Sa 2:21; 2Sa 2:22; 2Sa 2:23; 2Sa 2:24; 2Sa 2:25; 2Sa 2:26; 2Sa 2:29; 2Sa 2:30; 2Sa 2:31; 2Sa 3:6; 2Sa 3:7; 2Sa 3:8; 2Sa 3:9; 2Sa 3:11; 2Sa 3:12; 2Sa 3:16; 2Sa 3:17; 2Sa 3:19; 2Sa 3:20; 2Sa 3:21; 2Sa 3:22; 2Sa 3:23; 2Sa 3:24; 2Sa 3:25; 2Sa 3:26; 2Sa 3:27; 2Sa 3:28; 2Sa 3:30; 2Sa 3:31; 2Sa 3:32; 2Sa 3:33; 2Sa 3:37; 2Sa 4:1; 2Sa 4:12; 1Ki 2:5; 1Ki 2:32; 1Ch 26:28; 1Ch 27:21
2 Samuel 2
Guzik - We shouldn’t forget that David was also a son of Saul by marriage. David married Michal, the daughter of Saul (1 Samuel 18:17-30). Norman Geisler - go to page 154 in When Critics Ask - 2 SAMUEL 2:10—How could Ishbosheth have reigned only two years when 2 Samuel 5:5 says David reigned for seven and one half years? PROBLEM: After the death of Saul, his son Ishbosheth reigned over Israel. According to 2 Samuel 2:10, Ishbosheth reigned for two years. While Ishbosheth reigned in Israel, Judah followed after David (2 Sam. 2:10). After Ishbosheth was killed, the people of Israel came to David to crown him king of all Israel. However, according to 2 Samuel 5:5, David reigned in Hebron for seven and one-half years. How could David have reigned over Judah for seven and one-half years when Ishbosheth reigned over Israel for only two years? SOLUTION: Although Ishbosheth was eventually crowned king of Israel, this did not take place until five years after the death of Saul. The Philistines had been a major obstacle in uniting the ten tribes of Israel and establishing Israel under the reign of Ishbosheth. Once the armies of Israel under Abner’s direction had sufficiently driven back the Philistines, Abner set up Ishbosheth as king over Israel. During the entire period of Abner’s conflicts with the Philistines, and during the two years of Ishbosheth’s reign, David reigned as king of Judah 2 Samuel 2:11 The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. time: 2Sa 5:4-5 1Ki 2:11 1Ch 3:4 29:27 Related Passage: 2 Samuel 5:4-5+ David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. DAVID REIGNS IN HEBRON FOR 7.5 YEARS The time (Literally - "number of days") that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months - As noted from 2Sa 5:4 David is now 30 years old. He had been fleeing for his life for some 10 years (or longer), so finally can experience a degree of peace and rest.
2 Samuel 2
Guzik - David refused to force his reign on his subjects – and neither will the Son of David. Like David, Jesus will battle against pretenders to the throne, but He will not force His reign on mankind – yet. Anderson - David had to wait 7 1/2 years before the whole kingdom is to be put under his hand. David still has to wait. But it is God’s time he is waiting for, not man’s. 2 Samuel 2:12 Now Abner the son of Ner, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul. Mahanaim: 2Sa 17:14 Ge 32:2 Gibeon: Jos 9:3 10:2,4,12 18:25 BEGINNING OF CIVIL WAR Now Abner the son of Ner, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul - Gibeon is north of Hebron about 23 miles. When Abner made Ish-Bosheth king over "all Israel," he knew that in effect he was declaring war on David and here we see him moving into position for battle. On the map above note that Gibeon is about 6 miles NNW of Jerusalem. In 2Sa 2:12-17 we read about the civil war between Israel led by Abner under King Ish-bosheth and Judah led by Joab under King David. The word Ish-Bosheth means ‘man of shame.’ In 1 Chron. 8:33 this man is called ‘Esh-Baal.’ This word EshBaal would mean man of Baal. Baal is the name for a false god. One would hardly expect that the Israelites would put a man on the throne who had a name of Esh-Baal. Abner may have changed his name to Ish-Bosheth when he put him on the throne. 2 Samuel 2:13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool. Joab: 2Sa 2:18 8:16 20:23 1Ki 1:7 2:28-35 1Ch 2:16 pool: Jer 41:12 Site of Ancient Pool of Gibeon Steps Down into Pool ABNER CHALLENGES DAVID'S MEN TO A FACE-OFF And Joab the son of Zeruiah - This is Joab's first appearance in the David narrative and he becomes a major player for his name appears 116 times from 2Sa 2:13 to 1Ki 11:21. Zeruiah was David’s sister (1Ch 2:16), so Abishai and Joab (and their brother Asahel who appears in 2Sa 2:18) were David’s nephews, as well as trusted military leaders. Joab was commander David's army serving as a valiant, capable, and unscrupulous warrior devoted to the King (cf (2Sa 10:7–14; 11:1; 12:26; 1 Ki 11:15–16). Vannoy adds that "At times David was unable to control him (2Sa 3:39; 18:5, 14; 1Ki 2:5–6), and he was eventually executed for his wanton assassinations and his part in the conspiracy to place Adonijah rather than Solomon on David’s throne (1 Ki 2:28–34)." (NIV Study Bible) Alexander Whyte points out, “Joab, the son of David’s sister was a man of the very foremost ability. Had it not been for David, Joab would have climbed up into the throne of Israel. As it was, he stood on the steps of the throne and faced the king all his days. Notwithstanding their family relationship, David and Joab were much of an age, and that no doubt helps to account for a good deal that went on between the uncle and the nephew. Joab was a stern, haughty, imperious, revengeful man. His only virtue was a certain proud, patronizing loyalty to his king.” And the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool - The Pool of Gideon was located in Saul's home territory of Benjamin. Believer's Study Bible - Archaeologists discovered a huge pit at el-Jib, ancient Gibeon, probably dating from David's time. It is about 37 feet across and 35 feet deep, with steps leading down to a water chamber 82 feet below the surface. Wikipedia - Pool of Gibeon - The Pool of Gibeon is a site in Gibeon mentioned a number of times in the Hebrew Bible. Archeological evidence locates the historical site of the pool in the village of Jib, in the West Bank Palestinian territories.....The remains of Gibeon were excavated in the late 1950s and early 1960s by a team of archaeologists led by University of Pennsylvania archaeologist James B. Pritchard. The pool itself was unearthed in 1957.[2] The Pool of Gibeon, "one of the ancient world's remarkable engineering achievements", was dug 88 ft (27 m) into limestone until it met the water table. A spiral staircase along the walls allowed access to the water, according to the archaeologists that excavated the site.[3] 2 Samuel 2:14 Then Abner said to Joab, "Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us." And Joab said, "Let them arise." BGT 2 Samuel 2:14 καὶ εἶπεν Αβεννερ πρὸς Ιωαβ ἀναστήτωσαν δὴ τὰ παιδάρια καὶ παιξάτωσαν ἐνώπιον ἡμῶν καὶ εἶπεν Ιωαβ ἀναστήτωσαν LXE 2 Samuel 2:14 And Abenner said to Joab, Let now the young men arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. KJV 2 Samuel 2:14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise. NET 2 Samuel 2:14 Abner said to Joab, "Let the soldiers get up and fight before us." Joab said, "So be it!" CSB 2 Samuel 2:14 Then Abner said to Joab, "Let's have the young men get up and compete in front of us." "Let them get up," Joab replied. ESV 2 Samuel 2:14 And Abner said to Joab, "Let the young men arise and compete before us." And Joab said, "Let them arise." NIV 2 Samuel 2:14 Then Abner said to Joab, "Let's have some of the young men get up and fight hand to hand in front of us." "All right, let them do it," Joab said. NLT 2 Samuel 2:14 Then Abner suggested to Joab, "Let's have a few of our warriors fight hand to hand here in front of us." "All right," Joab agreed. hold a contest: 2Sa 2:17,26,27 Pr 10:23 17:14 20:18 25:8 26:18,19 ABNER PROPOSES A CONTEST BETWEEN 12 MEN ON EACH SIDE Then Abner said to Joab, "Now let the young men arise and hold a contest (sachaq) before us." - NLT = "Let's have a few of our warriors fight hand to hand here in front of us." Abner throws down a challenge similar to the challenge of the Philistines to the nation Israel in 1 Samuel 17:8,9 as occurred between David and Goliath (1Sa 17) and was hopefully a way to avoid bloodshed from an all-out war. The KJV is somewhat misleading translating it as "play," but in the context Abner is speaking euphemistically, is calling for representative combat as when David fought Goliath, each serving as representatives of their nation. In the same way Abner calls for a similar contest of arms, presumably to prevent more widespread bloodshed that would result from an all out war between Abner's army and Joab's army. NET Note on hold a contest - Heb “play.” What is in view here is a gladiatorial contest in which representative groups of soldiers engage in mortal combat before the watching armies. Cf. NAB “perform for us”; NASB “hold (have NRSV) a contest before us”; NLT “put on an exhibition of hand-to-hand combat.” Editorial Note - Some writers do not interpret it this way based on the KJV which says "play before us," and think it was more a contest for entertainment that got out of control. It is interesting that the Septuagint translate the Hebrew verb (sachaq) with the verb paizo which means to amuse oneself, to engage in some activity for the sake of amusement, and is in the aorist imperative Abner giving it as a command. And Joab said, "Let them arise." - Joab agrees to Abner's proposal. Henry