Introduction
Civil war follows when David is made king over Judah and Ishbosheth is made king over Israel.
Questions
1. Why was David pleased with the men of Jabesh Gilead?
v 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by the LORD, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.
2. What did Abner do to Ishbosheth?
v 8 and 9 Now Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army, had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
3. How did the fighting end?
v 28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued Israel no more, and they fought no more.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 7 At God’s instruction, David goes to Hebron and is anointed king over Judah following Saul’s death
- v 8 to 11 Abner, Saul’s army captain, makes Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, king over northern Israel
- v 12 to 16 There is an initial confrontation at Gibeon between the servants of Ishbosheth and those of David
- v 17 to 32 A fierce battle then follows. Abner’s army is defeated by Joab’s army. Joab’s brother Asahel is killed by Abner. At the end of the day Joab and Abner agree to stop the fighting and the men return home