Lectionary Calendar
Friday, July 18th, 2025
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
the Week of Proper 10 / Ordinary 15
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Bible Commentaries
Bridgeway Bible Commentary Bridgeway Bible Commentary
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Fleming, Donald C. "Commentary on 2 Samuel 2". "Fleming's Bridgeway Bible Commentary". https://studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bbc/2-samuel-2.html. 2005.
Fleming, Donald C. "Commentary on 2 Samuel 2". "Fleming's Bridgeway Bible Commentary". https://studylight.org/
Whole Bible (44)Old Testament (1)Individual Books (2)
Verses 1-32
Two kings in Israel (2:1-3:1)
The Philistines now controlled much of Israelâs territory west of Jordan (see 1 Samuel 31:7). Believing that David was still friendly to them, the Philistines allowed him to become king over Judah in the south, no doubt thinking that this would help to divide and weaken Israel further. The tribes east of Jordan, however, were still free, and David quickly tried to win their support (2:1-7). But Abner (Saulâs army commander and his cousin; see 1 Samuel 14:50) had beaten David to it. Having escaped across Jordan, he appointed Saulâs son Ishbosheth as king over all Israel (apart from Judah), though he himself was the one who had the real power (8-11).
Davidâs army commander was his nephew Joab (1 Chronicles 2:13-16). Both Abner and Joab were eager to control the strategic town of Gibeon, and when the two happened to meet near the town they agreed to an armed contest between selected young men from each side (12-14). The limited contest grew into a furious battle, which Joabâs army won (15-17). Joab and Abner had long been rivals (see 1 Samuel 26:5-6), but for Joab the rivalry became hatred when Abner killed Joabâs brother (18-25). Abnerâs army fared badly, and only his personal appeal to Joab brought a break in hostilities (26-32).
Over the next two years the supporters of Ishbosheth and the supporters of David were in constant conflict. Victory consistently went to those on Davidâs side (3:1).