Talking Points
- David hears of Saul’s death and Jonathan’s death, and he mourns for both. The man who claims to have killed Saul, makes himself out to have killed him in mercy. Most scholars believe that the Amalekite is lying, trying to get in David’s good graces by claiming to have killed Saul. David has him executed for testifying with his own mouth that he had destroyed the LORD’S anointed.
- David is anointed King of Judah. Abner, the commander of Saul’s army makes Ish-Bosheth, one of Sauls’ sons, king over Israel (the northern tribes). The kingdom of Israel is split, and a long civil war ensues between Abner and his men (the house of Saul) and Joab and the servants of David (the house of David).
- Abner leaves Ish-Bosheth and asks for a covenant with David. They make a truce, bringing the northern tribes to recognize David as king. Joab, still seeking revenge for the death of his brother, kills Abner (in a city of refuge, no less). Ish-bosheth is killed by two of his commanders. They bring his head to David, expecting to be commended. Instead, David has them put to death. Twice in these chapters, we see people trying to make names for themselves by claiming to have solved David’s problems with others. In both instances, David makes it clear that the LORD is his Help and his Deliverer.
Thoughts
Lies, rejection of God’s will, dishonor, civil war, disobedience, lust for power, betrayal, death, mourning, and heartache are rampant throughout Israel. If you step back, you can see the destruction taking place as the sons of Israel war against each other. What was supposed to be a united kingdom of God’s people is a mess. What God desired, in a people who would reflect His wisdom and righteousness in their obedience to His laws, is lost in a slanderous attack against His name. They were attracted by the world around them, and this is the result.
And, here’s the truly heartbreaking part — He told them this would happen. It’s all the disastrous result of God’s people demanding a king in their rejection of Him as King.
As God’s people, we are blessed by a good, wise, and righteous King. Nothing in the world — no person, no god, no sin — nothing compares with Him. Today, may we stand out as a united kingdom of God’s people, reflecting His wisdom and righteousness in obedience to His commands. Lord, help us not be attracted to the world around us, but to serve You alone!
As God's people, we are blessed by a good, wise, and righteous King. Nothing in the world — no person, no god, no sin — nothing compares with Him. Share on X