College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Samuel 2 - Introduction
A DIGEST OF CHAPTER 2
David, king in Hebron. David inquired of the Lord concerning his every move. He asked him where he should go after Saul had been killed. The Lord told him to go up to Hebron. Hebron was one of the important cities of Judah, David's own tribe. David went up to this important city, and all the men of Judah came there to make him king over them.
Saul's son, king in Gilead. Abner, the son of Ner and captain of Saul's hosts, took Ishbosheth, Saul's son, and made him king in Gilead. Gilead was the land east of the Jordan river. There were thus two rival kings in Israel.
The contest at Gibeon. Abner was the captain of the Ish-bosheth's army, and Joab was the captain of David's army. The two armies met in a battle near Gibeon. A contest was suggested, and twelve men from each side went out to engage in the battle. All these men fell mortally wounded, and nothing was decided by the contest. The two main armies then joined in battle.
Asahel slain. Asahel was the younger brother of Joab. He decided to pursue Abner from the field of battle. Abner did not wish to engage in hand-to-hand combat with Asahel. Asahel was a young man, and Abner was an experienced man of war. When Asahel continued to pursue Abner, Abner put out the back part of his spear. Asahel was running at full speed and ran against the sharpened end of Abner's spear. Asahel thus fell mortally wounded.
LESSONS FOR LEARNING
1.
With patience wait for it (Romans 8:25). David must have spent many years as a fugitive. He was anointed king over Israel while still a young man and living in his father's home in Bethlehem. He had gained rather immediate success as the slayer of Goliath. He was also prominent in Saul's court as a talented musician. Nonetheless he was forced to wander for years until finally the time was right for him to become king. All of us can learn a lesson of patience from this experience with David. We should not take things in our own hands but let God in His own good providence lead us step by step.
2.
Be sober, be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8). David had little time to rest on his laurels. A rival king was ruling in Gilead. It is ever thus with Christians. There never seems to be any time when they can let down their guard. Our adversary, the Devil, as a roaring lion walks about continually seeking whom he might devour.
CHAPTER 2 IN REVIEW
1.
To what city in Judah did David go?
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2.
What tribe first anointed David as king?
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3.
Which of David's wives went with him?
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4.
To what city in Gilead did David send word?
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5.
How long did David rule over the one tribe?
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6.
Which of Saul's sons ruled the rest of Israel?
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7.
Who was his captain?
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8.
In what city was his capital?
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9.
Who led David's men against the men of Israel?
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10.
Near what town did David's men meet the men of Israel?
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