David Anointed King of Judah: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on 2 Samuel 2
Executive Summary ✨
2 Samuel 2, a pivotal chapter in the life of David, marks the beginning of his reign over the tribe of Judah. Following Saul’s death, David inquires of the Lord, seeking guidance on where to go. He is directed to Hebron, where the men of Judah anoint him as their king. This act, though significant, is not the full realization of God’s promise, as Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, reigns over the rest of Israel. The chapter then details the ensuing conflict between David’s forces, led by Joab, and Ishbosheth’s army, commanded by Abner. The battle at the pool of Gibeon sets the stage for a long and bitter war, highlighting themes of divine sovereignty, the slow and often painful process of fulfilling God’s promises, and the human cost of division. This commentary will delve into the spiritual significance of these events, drawing on Coptic Orthodox tradition and the wisdom of the Church Fathers to illuminate the deeper meaning of David’s journey to kingship, establishing that even when David became David Anointed King of Judah, his journey was far from over.
Following the tumultuous reign of Saul, the throne of Israel now rests uncertainly. Chapter 2 of 2 Samuel unveils the initial steps of David, guided by divine consultation, towards assuming his destined kingship over Judah. This passage is not merely a historical account but a profound illustration of faith, obedience, and the patient unfolding of God’s plan. The anointing of David, though a moment of triumph, is only the beginning of a long and arduous journey.
Commentary Sections 📖
2 Samuel 2:1 KJV: And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
2 Samuel 2:1 NKJV: It happened after this that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
David’s first act after Saul’s death is to inquire of the Lord. This demonstrates his dependence on God’s guidance, a hallmark of a true leader. His questions, “Shall I go up?” and “Whither shall I go up?” reveal a humble spirit, seeking specific direction. Hebron, meaning “fellowship,” was a city of refuge and significant historically. This choice signifies a shift towards unity and restoration. It is located in the Judean hills, offering a strategic advantage and a sense of security. The Coptic Church emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance in all aspects of life, mirroring David’s example. We should regularly consult God through prayer and discernment, particularly before making significant decisions. Think of how David, in his time of uncertaintly, inquired of the Lord. We can utilize resources like web hosting to build websites to increase faith and spread God’s word.
Spiritual Application: Before embarking on any new venture, seek God’s direction. This is the path to true success and fulfillment. 💡
2 Samuel 2:2 KJV: So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite.
2 Samuel 2:2 NKJV: So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelite, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.
David’s obedience is immediate. He takes his wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, with him. These women represent different aspects of David’s life. Ahinoam likely symbolizes loyalty and companionship, while Abigail embodies wisdom and prudence, qualities that helped her save her household from David’s wrath in 1 Samuel 25. The inclusion of his wives highlights the importance of family in David’s life and emphasizes that his leadership extends to his household. The Church teaches that family is a microcosm of the Church itself, requiring care, guidance, and love.
Spiritual Application: Lead your family with love and integrity, understanding that your leadership at home reflects your spiritual maturity. 🏡
2 Samuel 2:3-4 KJV: And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.
2 Samuel 2:3-4 NKJV: And David brought up his men who were with him, every man with his household. So they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.”
David brings his men and their families to settle in the cities of Hebron. This act creates a sense of community and security for his followers. The anointing by the men of Judah marks a significant turning point. It is a formal recognition of David’s kingship, although only over Judah. This is a partial fulfillment of God’s promise to David. The news about the men of Jabesh Gilead burying Saul is important because it displays great courage and demonstrates loyalty, which David will remember and reward. This contrasts sharply with the general lack of respect shown to Saul after his death. St. Athanasius writes: “Θεὸς γὰρ ἔστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας.” (De Incarnatione, 54) – “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” David’s actions are divinely inspired, a testament to God’s will being carried out. The David Anointed King of Judah event shows God’s will coming to fruition.
Spiritual Application: Remember acts of kindness and loyalty, and be ready to show gratitude in return. 💖
2 Samuel 2:5-7 KJV: And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing. Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your lord Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.
2 Samuel 2:5-7 NKJV: So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “You are blessed of the Lord, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him. And now may the Lord show you kindness and truth. And I also will repay you for this kindness, because you have done this thing. Now therefore, let your hands be strengthened, and be valiant; for your lord Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
David sends messengers to Jabesh Gilead, praising them for their kindness to Saul. This is a diplomatic move, showing respect for the past while establishing his own authority. David blesses them in the name of the Lord and promises to repay their kindness. This act of gratitude demonstrates David’s wisdom and sets him apart as a leader of integrity. The Church teaches us to honor those who have gone before us and to show kindness to all, even our enemies.
Spiritual Application: Show gratitude for the kindness you receive and be a source of encouragement to others. 🤗
2 Samuel 2:8-11 KJV: But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. Ishbosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
2 Samuel 2:8-11 NKJV: But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim; and he made him king over Gilead, Asherites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel. Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. Now the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
This section introduces a counter-narrative. Abner, Saul’s general, takes Ishbosheth (meaning “man of shame”), Saul’s son, and makes him king over the rest of Israel. This creates a divided kingdom, pitting Judah against the other tribes. Ishbosheth’s reign is short (two years), highlighting the instability and weakness of his claim. David, however, reigns over Judah for seven and a half years. Mahanaim, meaning “two camps,” signifies division and conflict. The Coptic Church teaches that division is a work of the enemy, while unity is a sign of God’s presence. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes: “Ὅπου γὰρ εἰσὶ δύο ἢ τρεῖς συνηγμένοι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, ἐκεῖ εἰμι ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν.” (Commentary on Matthew, 18:20) – “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” The absence of God’s guidance in Abner’s actions is evident in the ensuing conflict.
Spiritual Application: Strive for unity and avoid division, knowing that true strength lies in Christ-centered fellowship. 🙏
2 Samuel 2:12-17 KJV: And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool. And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise and play. Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon. And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
2 Samuel 2:12-17 NKJV: Now Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. So they sat down, one on one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool. Then Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men now arise and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise and compete.” So they arose and went over by number, twelve from Benjamin, who belonged to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David. And each one grasped his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called the Field of Sharp Swords, which is in Gibeon. So there was a very fierce battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
The battle at the pool of Gibeon highlights the senselessness of war. Abner proposes a “game” of combat between twelve men from each side. This seemingly lighthearted suggestion quickly turns deadly, resulting in a brutal and even contest. The place is then named Helkath Hazzurim, meaning “field of sharp swords.” The resulting battle is severe, and Abner’s forces are defeated. This section underscores the destructive nature of conflict and the tragic consequences of human pride. The Coptic Orthodox Church consistently advocates for peace and reconciliation, urging believers to be peacemakers in a world torn by strife.
Spiritual Application: Be a peacemaker. Avoid unnecessary conflict and seek reconciliation whenever possible. 🕊️
2 Samuel 2:18-32 KJV: And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. And Asahel pursued after Abner, and turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am. And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then shall I hold up my face to Joab thy brother? Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one troop, and stood on the top of an hill. Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? And Joab said, As God liveth, unless thou hadst spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone up every one from following his brother. So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought any more. And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim. And Joab returned from following Abner: and when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had smitten of Benjamin and of Abner’s men three hundred and threescore men died. And they took up Asahel, and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at the breaking of the day.
2 Samuel 2:18-32 NKJV: Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle. So Asahel pursued Abner, and did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Are you Asahel?” He answered, “I am.” And Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. So Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face Joab your brother?” However, he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him under the fifth rib with the blunt end of the spear, so that the spear came out of his back; and he fell down there and died. So it was that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, stood still. Joab and Abishai also pursued Abner. And the sun went down when they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah by the way to the Wilderness of Gibeon. Now the children of Benjamin gathered together behind Abner, formed a single troop, and stood on top of a hill. Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the latter end? How long will it be before you tell the people to return from following their brethren?” And Joab said, “As God lives, unless you had spoken, surely then by morning all the people would have gone up from following their brethren.” So Joab blew a trumpet; and all the people stood still, and did not pursue Israel anymore, nor did they fight anymore. Then Abner and his men went all that night through the plain, crossed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron; and they came to Mahanaim. So Joab returned from following Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing of David’s servants nineteen men and Asahel. But the servants of David had struck down three hundred and sixty men of Benjamin and of Abner’s men. Then they took up Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at the break of day.
The tragic death of Asahel highlights the consequences of pride and stubbornness. Asahel, known for his speed, relentlessly pursues Abner, refusing to heed Abner’s warnings. Abner, attempting to avoid killing him, eventually strikes Asahel fatally. This death fuels the animosity between the two factions. Abner’s plea for Joab to stop the fighting foreshadows a desire for peace. Joab’s response, though harsh, ultimately leads to a ceasefire. The losses on both sides are significant, underscoring the high cost of war. The chapter concludes with Asahel’s burial in Bethlehem, foreshadowing the future birth of the Prince of Peace in that same town. The death of Asahel, fueled by pride, contrasts with the humility of David who inquired of the Lord before acting. This shows the importance of heeding warnings and advice from others.
Spiritual Application: Temper your zeal with wisdom and humility, and listen to the counsel of others. Recognize that sometimes, the pursuit of a “victory” can lead to tragic consequences. 😔
Subtopic Sections
Here are some key reflections and teachings drawn from 2 Samuel 2:
- ✨ Divine Guidance: David’s consistent inquiry of the Lord exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s will in every decision.
- 💡 Partial Fulfillment: David’s anointing as king over Judah is a step towards the complete fulfillment of God’s promise, but not the full realization. This teaches patience and trust in God’s timing.
- 📖 Unity vs. Division: The division of the kingdom between David and Ishbosheth highlights the destructive nature of disunity and the importance of striving for peace and reconciliation.
- 📜 Consequences of Pride: Asahel’s death serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and stubbornness.
- 🕊️ Peacemaking: Abner’s eventual call for an end to the fighting underscores the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and avoiding unnecessary conflict.
- 💖 Gratitude and Loyalty: David’s acknowledgment of the men of Jabesh Gilead demonstrates the importance of remembering and rewarding acts of kindness.
FAQ ❓
- Q: Why did David inquire of the Lord before going to Hebron?
A: David sought divine guidance to ensure he was acting according to God’s will and to secure God’s blessing on his actions. This humility and dependence on God are hallmarks of a godly leader. - Q: What is the significance of David being anointed king only over Judah at first?
A: This signifies a partial fulfillment of God’s promise. It’s a step in the right direction but not the full realization of his kingship over all Israel. It teaches us that God’s plans often unfold gradually, requiring patience and faith. - Q: What does the conflict between David and Ishbosheth represent?
A: The conflict represents the struggle between God’s chosen leader and a rival claimant. It highlights the division that sin and human ambition can create, contrasting with the unity that God desires for His people. - Q: What lessons can we learn from the death of Asahel?
A: Asahel’s death teaches us the dangers of pride, recklessness, and ignoring wise counsel. It underscores the importance of tempering our zeal with wisdom and humility.
Conclusion
2 Samuel 2 is a rich tapestry of faith, obedience, conflict, and the slow, deliberate unfolding of God’s plan. David’s initial steps as David Anointed King of Judah, though marked by triumph, were also fraught with challenges. His inquiry of the Lord, his gratitude towards Jabesh Gilead, and the tragic events at the pool of Gibeon all offer profound spiritual lessons. The chapter reminds us to seek God’s guidance in all things, to value unity and reconciliation, to temper our zeal with wisdom, and to trust in God’s timing. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to emulate David’s dependence on God and to strive for peace and harmony, reflecting the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.