BSB
2 Samuel 2
1Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.
2So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.
3David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.
4Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
5So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him.
6Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.
7Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”
8Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim,
9and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.
10Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
11And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
12One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.
13So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool.
14Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied.
15So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.
16Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.
17The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David.
18The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
19and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.
20And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.
21So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him.
22Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?”
23But Asahel refused to turn away. So Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.
24But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
25The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill.
26Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?”
27“As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.”
28So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.
29And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim.
30When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s servants were missing,
31but they had struck down 360 Benjamites who were with Abner.
32And they took Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and reached Hebron at daybreak.
Study This Passage
Key Words and Topics
These study connections are drawn from the internal BSB concordance and topical index imported into Daily Bread Intake.
Key Words in This Passage
Select a word to open the full concordance search.
Related Topics
Abigail: Nabal's Wife: Her Wisdom and Tact, and Marriage to David 2 Samuel 2:2
So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.
Abishai: Pursues and Kills Abner 2 Samuel 2:24
But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
Abner: Loyalty of, to the House of Saul 2 Samuel 2:8–32
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
Ammah: A Mountain 2 Samuel 2:24
But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.
Anointing in Consecration: David 2 Samuel 2:4
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
Appreciating One Another 2 Samuel 2:6
Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.
Appreciation 2 Samuel 2:6
Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.
Armies: How officered: Commander-In-Chief 2 Samuel 2:8
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim,
Armies: March in Ranks: Champions Fight Instead of 2 Samuel 2:14–17
Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. / So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. / Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.
Armies: March in Ranks: Determine Royal Succession 2 Samuel 2:8–10
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
Armies: March in Ranks: Orders Delivered with Trumpets 2 Samuel 2:28
So Joab blew the ram’s horn, and all the troops stopped; they no longer pursued Israel or continued to fight.
Armies: March in Ranks: Seeking Counsel from God Before Battle 2 Samuel 2:1
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.
Asahel: Nephew of David, and One of his Captains 2 Samuel 2:18–24, 32
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.
Ashurites: (Possibly Geshurites) 2 Samuel 2:9
and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.
Beasts: Clean: Roebuck 2 Samuel 2:18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
Bithron: A District Bordering on the Edge of the Jordan River 2 Samuel 2:29
And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim.
Burial of the Friendless, a Kind Act 2 Samuel 2:5
So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him.
Burial: Members of a Family Interred in the Same 2 Samuel 2:32
Later, they took Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and reached Hebron at daybreak.
Championship: Young Men of David's and Abner's Armies 2 Samuel 2:14–17
Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. / So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. / Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.
David: Anointed King Over all Israel, After Reigning Over Judah at Hebron for Seven Years and Six Months 2 Samuel 2:11
And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
David: King of Israel: David Goes to Hebron, and is Anointed King by Judah 2 Samuel 2:1–4, 11
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. / So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. / David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.
David: King of Israel: David Wages War Against and Defeats Ish-Bosheth 2 Samuel 2:13–32
So Joab son of Zeruiah, along with the servants of David, marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two camps took up positions on opposite sides of the pool. / Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. / So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David.
David: King of Israel: Ish-Bosheth, Son of Saul, Crowned 2 Samuel 2:4
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
Deer: Fleetness of 2 Samuel 2:18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
Select a topic to open the full topical search.
Bible Dictionary
Related Dictionary Terms
Explore people, places, themes, and biblical terms connected to this passage.
Commentary Insights
Study and Reflection
Explore devotional and study commentary connected to this passage.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
Pastoral and devotional reflections focused on spiritual formation and application.
2 Samuel 2:1-7 Verses 1-7
After the death of Saul, many went to David at Ziklag, 1Ch 12:22, but he trusted in God who promised him the kingdom, to give it in his own time and manner. Yet assurance of hope in God's promise, will quicken pious endeavours. If I be chosen to the crown of life, it does not follow, Then I will do nothing; but, Then I will do all that God directs me. This good use David made of his election, and so will all whom God has chosen. In all our journeys and removes, it is comfortable to see God going before us; and we may do so, if by faith and prayer we set Him before us. God, according to the promise, directed David's path. David rose gradually: thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all, but we see not yet all things put under him.
2 Samuel 2:8-17 Verses 8-17
The nation in general refused David. By this the Lord trained up his servant for future honour and usefulness; and the tendency of true godliness was shown in his behaviour while passing through various difficulties. David was herein a type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the Father to be a Prince and a Saviour to them. Abner meant, Let the young men fight before us, when he said, Let them play before us: fools thus make a mock at sin. But he is unworthy the name of a man, that can thus trifle with human blood.
2 Samuel 2:18-24 Verses 18-24
Death often comes by ways we least suspect. We are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of! Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no service, but hastened his end.
2 Samuel 2:25-32 Verses 25-32
Abner appeals to Joab concerning the miserable consequences of a civil war. Those who make light of such unnatural contests, will find that they are bitterness to all concerned. How easy it is for men to use reason, when it makes for them, who would not use it, if it made against them! See how the issue of things alter men's minds! The same thing which looked pleasant in the morning, at night looked dismal. Those who are most forward to enter into contention, will repent before they have done with it, and had better leave it off before it be meddled with, as Solomon advises. This is true of every sin, oh that men would consider it in time, that it will be bitterness in the latter end! Asahel's funeral is here mentioned. Distinctions are made between the dust of some and that of others; but in the resurrection no difference will be made, but between the godly and ungodly, which will remain for ever.