2 Samuel 2

1. David inquired of the Lord. David does not take a single step towards the attainment of the promised kingdom without Divine direction, inquiring first whether he should await an invitation to fill the vacant throne, and then how far he should go in attracting to himself the notice of the people. Hebron, whither God directed him to proceed, was peculiarly fitted for his purpose, on account of its patriarchal associations, its Levitical sacredness, its central position, and its influence over other cities (3) in the tribe of Judah.

4 they anointed David. The second time. The anointing by Samuel had been private, 1 Sam. xvi. 13.

Jabesh-gilead. Jabesh-gilead was one of the largest towns on the east of the Jordan, and its people had shown themselves loyal and brave.

6 requite. Rather, “show you this goodness.”

8. Abner. First cousin to Saul (1 Sam. xiv. 50).

Ish-bosheth. His name was Esh-baal (1 Chron. viii. 33; ix. 39), esh or ish meaning man. Baal is “lord,” bosheth shame; and the change of the former appellation to the latter was a way of marking the abhorrence of idolatry. So “Merib-baal” became “Mephibosheth,” iv. 4 cp. with 1 Chron. viii. 34.

9. Ashurites. Read “Asherites,” as in Judges i. 32. The verse shows the extension of Ish-bosheth’s kingdom from Gilead through the north-western tribes, until all except Judah were included in it.

10 forty years old. Ish-bosheth was probably about thirty-five years of age at his father’s death.

13. Joab. This distinguished commander of David’s forces was son of David’s sister Zeruiah. Hence he and his brothers, Abishai and Asahel, are designated by their mother’s rather than their father’s name.

met together by the pool. The men on both sides were probably unwilling to fight, feeling that they were fellow-countrymen; and David’s men had, it is likely, received instructions to act entirely on the defensive, in accordance with his wise policy: see ver. 27.

14. Let the young men now arise, etc. A combat of picked men on each side was proposed to decide the question, and avoid the horrors of civil war, (“Play” is a euphemism for “fight.”) But the plan was ineffectual, as neither side had the advantage, and a battle ensued.

16. Hokkath-hazzurim. Perhaps, “the field of the sharp blades.”

18 there were three, etc. R.V., “the three sons of Zeruiah were there.”

21 take thee his armour. i.e., “slay him, rather than attack a warrior like myself.”

23 the hinder end of the spear. The lower end was pointed in order to fix the spear in the ground (1 Sam. xxvi. 7).

under the fifth rib. “In the abdomen.” Asahel’s swiftness, upon which he presumed so much, hastened his death.

27 unless thou hadst spoken. Joab throws the blame of the battle on Abner, whose proposal (see vers. 13, 14) had led to the slaughter. For “gone up from following,” read, with R.V., “gone away nor followed.”

29 through the plain. i.e., the Arabah, or low Jordan valley. What is meant by “all Bithron” (or “the cutting”) is not known.

32 they came to Hebron. About twenty-six miles from Gibeon.