(2:1) David Ask the Lord's Direction - Although David knew he would become king (1 Samuel 16:13; 23:17; 24:20), and although the time seemed right now that Saul was dead, David still asked God if he should move back to Judah, the home territory of his tribe. Before moving ahead with what seems obvious, we should first bring the matter to God, who alone knows the best timing.

(2:2) David Goes to Hebron - God told David to return to Hebron, where he would soon be crowned king of Judah. David made Hebron his capital because (1) it was the largest city in Judah at that time; (2) it was secure against attack; (3) it was located near the center of Judah's territory, an ideal location for a capital city; and (4) many key trade routes converged at Hebron, making it difficult for supply lines to be cut off in wartime.

(2:4) Israel Fails to Accept David's Kingship - The men of Judah publicly anointed David as their king. David had been anointed king by Samuel years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13), but that ceremony had taken place in private. This one was like the inauguration of a public official who has already been elected to office. The rest of Israel, however, didn't accept David's kingship for another seven and a half years (2 Samuel 2:10-11).

(2:5-7) David Thanks His Men - David sent a message thanking the men of Jabesh-gilead who had risked their lives to bury Saul's body (1 Samuel 31:11-13). Saul had rescued Jabesh-gilead from certain defeat when Nahash the Ammonite had surrounded the city (1 Samuel 1), so these citizens were showing their gratitude and kindness. In his message, he also suggested that they follow Judah's lead and acknowledge him as their king. Jabesh-gilead was to the north in the land of Gilead, and David was seeking to gain support among the ten remaining tribes who had not yet recognized him as king.

(2:8-9) Israel is Divided - The nation of Israel split in two after Saul's death. Ten tribes followed Ish-bosheth, one of Saul's surviving sons; two tribes (Judah and Simeon) followed David. Abner, Saul's general, rallied Israel around Ish-bosheth; he was no doubt afraid that he, as the opposing general, would be killed if David became king of all Israel. Judah pledged allegiance to David (2:4) because (1) he was from their own tribe; (2) he had kept close ties with them; and (3) he had protected their land and shared battle spoils with them (1 Samuel 30:26). In addition, the elders of Judah may have known that Samuel had anointed David as Israel's next king and that therefore he was God's choice (1 Samuel 16:13).

(2:10-11) The Philistines Dominate the Northern Territory - David ruled over Judah for seven and a half years, while Ish-bosheth reigned in Israel for only two years. The five-year gap may be due to Ish-bosheth not assuming the throne immediately after Saul's death. Because of constant danger from the Philistines in the northern part of Israel, five years may have passed before Ish-bosheth could begin his reign. During that time, Abner, commander of his army, probably played a principal role in driving out the Philistines and leading the northern confederacy. Regardless of when Ish-bosheth began to rule, his control was weak and limited. The Philistines still dominated the area, and Ish-bosheth was intimidated by Abner (3:11).

(2:12-17) David's Troops Win the Battle - With Israel divided, there was constant tension between the north and south. David's true rival in the north, however, was not Ish-bosheth but Abner. In this incident, Abner suggested hand-to-hand combat between the champions of his army and the champions of David's army, led by Joab. The fact that this confrontation occurred at the pool of Gibeon (located in Saul's home territory of Benjamin) suggests that Joab's men were pushing northward, gaining more territory. Abner may have suggested this confrontation in hopes of stopping Job's advance. Twelve men from each side were supposed to fight each other, and the side with the most survivors would be declared the winner. The confrontation between David and Goliath (1Samuel 17) was a similar battle strategy--a way to avoid terrible bloodshed from an all-out war. In this case, however, all 24 champions were killed before either side could claim victory. The civil war continued, but David's troops won the battle. 2:14 "Let the young men now arise, and play before us" could be translated, "Let's watch some swordplay between our young men."

(2:21-23) Asahel Refuses to Turn Back - Abner repeatedly warned Asahel to turn back or risk losing his life, but Asahel refused to turn from his self-imposed duty. Abner was more skilled in battle, but he knew killing Asahel would unleash a cycle of revenge from his brother Joab. Persistence is a good trait if it is for a worthy cause. But if the goal is only personal honor or gain, persistence may be no more than stubbornness. Asahel's stubbornness not only cost him his life but also spurred unfortunate disunity in David's army for years to come (3:26-27; 1 Kings 2:28-35). Before you decide to pursue a goal, make sure it is worthy of your devotion.

(2:28) Victory for Joab's Troops - This battle ended with a victory for Joab's troops (2:17), but war in the divided nation continued until David was finally crowned king over all Israel (5:1-5).