Bible Commentaries

David, by God’s direction, with his company goeth up to Hebron, where he is made king of Judah, 2 Samuel 2:1-4. He commendeth them of Jabesh-gilead for burying Saul, 2 Samuel 2:5-7. Abner maketh Ish-bosheth king of Israel, 2 Samuel 2:8-11. A mortal fight between twelve of Abner’s and twelve of Joab’s men, 2 Samuel 2:12-17. Asahel pursueth Abner, and is slain by him, 2 Samuel 2:18-24. At Abner’s motion Joab soundeth a retreat, 2 Samuel 2:25-31. Asahel’s burial, 2 Samuel 2:32.

David inquired of the Lord, by Urim, as 1 Samuel 23:6,9 30:7,8. Thus David begins at the right end, and lays his foundation in God’s counsel and assistance, which now he seeks. He asketh not whether he should take the kingdom, for that was appointed and known before; and he would not offend God, nor dishonour his ordinance, with frivolous and unnecessary inquiries; but only where he should enter upon it; whether in Judah, as he supposed, because of his relation to that tribe, and his interest in it; or whether in some other tribe; for he doth not limit God, but resolves exactly to follow his counsels. Unto Hebron; which was next to Jerusalem, (part whereof the Jebusites now possessed,) the chief city of that tribe, and a city of the priests, Joshua 21:10, &c., and in the very centre or middle of that tribe, to which the whole tribe might speedily resort, when need required.

No text from Poole on this verse.

i.e. The cities or towns belonging and subject to Hebron, which was the metropolis, Joshua 21:11,12; for in Hebron itself there was not space for them all, because it was filled with priests, and with David’s court.

They anointed David king over the house of Judah: this they did upon just grounds, because not only the kingdom was promised to that tribe, Genesis 49:10, but David was designed and anointed by God, whose will both they and all Israel were obliged to observe and obey. And they piously resolved not to neglect their duty, though they saw the other tribes would. Yet their prudent caution and modesty is observable, that they make him king of Judah only, and not of all Israel. And therefore there was need of a third anointing to the kingdom over all Israel, which he had 2 Samuel 5:3. But as for that first anointing, 1 Samuel 16:13, it was only a designation of the person who should be king, but not an actual inauguration of him to the kingdom.

This kindness; this respect and affection to procure him burial. For as it is and ever was esteemed an act of inhumanity to deny burial to the dead; so it is an act of mercy and kindness to bury them.

Kindness and truth, i. e. true and real kindness; not in words only, but also in actions, as you have now done to your king, the Lord’s anointed.

I also will require you this kindness; so far am I from being offended with you for this kindness to my late enemy, that I will requite it.

Be ye valiant; be not afraid lest the Philistines should punish you for this fact, but take good courage, I will defend yon.

For your master Saul is dead, or

though your master Saul be dead, and so your hearts may faint within you, as if you were now sheep without a shepherd.

Partly out of envy and malice against David; and partly out of his own ambition and desire of rule, because he knew that Ish-bosheth would have only the name of king, whilst he had the power.

Ish-bosheth, called also Esh-baal, 1 Chronicles 8:33 9:39; it being usual with the Hebrews, instead of Baal, the name of false gods, to put Bosheth, which signifies shame, or confusion, or a shameful thing; as appeareth by comparing Judges 9:53, with 2 Samuel 11:21; and 2 Samuel 4:4, with 1 Chronicles 8:31; and from Jeremiah 3:21 Hosea 9:10.

Mahanaim; a place beyond Jordan, whither he carried him; partly to secure those brave and valiant men of Jabesh-gilead to himself; and principally because this place was most remote from David, and from the Philistines too; and therefore here he might recruit his forces with less disturbance than in other places.