Second Samuel 4 begins with fear spreading through Saul’s remaining household. When Ish-bosheth hears that Abner has died, he loses courage, and the people of Israel are troubled. The death of a powerful commander has left the kingdom uncertain and vulnerable.
Continue reading “2 Samuel 4 — Refusing Advantage Built on Another Person’s Harm”Second Samuel 3 opens with a prolonged conflict between the houses of Saul and David. David’s position grows stronger while Saul’s house weakens. The chapter also lists the sons born to David in Hebron through several wives. These details describe the royal household in its ancient setting; they do not establish every family arrangement as an example to follow.
Continue reading “2 Samuel 3 — Pursuing Peace Without Concealing Wrongdoing”Second Samuel 2 begins with David seeking the Lord’s direction. He asks whether he should go to one of Judah’s towns, then asks where he should go. The Lord directs him to Hebron. David moves there with his wives, and his men bring their households and settle in the surrounding towns.
Continue reading “2 Samuel 2 — Seeking God’s Direction and Refusing Needless Conflict”Second Samuel begins with David in Ziklag after his return from the conflict with the Amalekites. On the third day, a man arrives from Saul’s camp with torn clothing and dust on his head. These outward signs communicate distress. He bows before David and reports that Israel’s army has fled, many soldiers have died, and Saul and Jonathan are dead.
Continue reading “2 Samuel 1 — Honoring Loss Without Celebrating an Enemy’s Fall”
