September 19, 2012 – 2 Samuel 2

We see the fracture after Saul’s death.  Below is a map that shows some of the areas mentioned.  David is made king of Judah, the small central zone south of Jerusalem.  Ishbaal, son of Saul, is taken by Abner, Saul’s general, and is made king over the rest of Israel.  I don’t know how the 2 years and the 7.5 years works out or when this skirmish at verse 12 happens. 

I was wondering who Zeruiah was, since it mentions the three sons and they play an important role.  It is the sister of David, so Joab, Abishai, and Asahel are David’s nephews.  1 Chronicles 2:15-16

We see that the battle isn’t a conquering victory, but a chasing away of the army of Israel.  It is unclear if any land really changed hands.  We are still left with David ruling over Judah and Ishbaal over the rest of Israel. 

Joab seems to be a person with great influence.  Abner speaks to him, not David, at the meeting and when Abner is being chased, it is Joab who calls the troops back.  When you think that David had 7 brothers and this sister could have been older, it is not unreasonable to think that Joab could be older than David, even though he is David’s nephew. 

http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/References/OT/Historical/1-2Samuel/_res/1-2Samuel_Chart2.jpg