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All of 2 Samuel

Bible Chapter Summary

2 Samuel 2 Summary

David Made King Over Judah

David inquires of the LORD and is directed to Hebron, where the men of Judah anoint him king over the house of Judah. Meanwhile, Abner, captain of Saul's host, establishes Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel's northern tribes. A fierce battle erupts between David's forces under Joab and Ish-bosheth's forces under Abner at the pool of Gibeon. The conflict ends when Joab calls for peace, but not before Asahel, Joab's brother, is killed by Abner while pursuing him.

Key themes

Divine guidanceDivision of IsraelMilitary conflictDeath in battleTemporary peace

Key verses

2 Samuel 2:1

And it came to pass after this, that David inquired 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 2:8-10

But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;

2 Samuel 2:19-23

And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

2 Samuel 2:27

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.

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