2 Samuel 2:12 Study Bible: Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbaal the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

◄ 2 Samuel 2:12 ►

One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

One day
This phrase sets the stage for a significant event, indicating a specific moment in time that God has ordained for His purposes. In the Hebrew context, "one day" often marks a turning point or a divine intervention. It reminds us that God is sovereign over time and history, orchestrating events according to His will.

Abner son of Ner
Abner, whose name means "father of light," was a powerful military leader and the cousin of King Saul. His role as the commander of Saul's army highlights his influence and authority. Abner's actions throughout the narrative demonstrate the complexities of loyalty and power in the ancient Near Eastern context. His lineage, being the son of Ner, ties him to the royal family, emphasizing the political dynamics at play.

the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul
Ish-bosheth, meaning "man of shame," was Saul's son and a puppet king set up by Abner. The term "servants" indicates those who were loyal to Ish-bosheth, though their allegiance was likely more to Abner's military prowess than to Ish-bosheth's leadership. This phrase underscores the fragile nature of Ish-bosheth's reign and the underlying tensions within the house of Saul.

left Mahanaim
Mahanaim, meaning "two camps," was a strategic location east of the Jordan River. It served as a refuge and a base of operations for Ish-bosheth's kingdom. The departure from Mahanaim signifies a move from a place of security to one of confrontation. Historically, Mahanaim was a significant site, often associated with divine encounters and protection, as seen in Jacob's account in Genesis.

and marched out to Gibeon
Gibeon was a significant city in the tribal territory of Benjamin, known for its large pool and historical battles. The march to Gibeon indicates a deliberate military maneuver, suggesting preparation for conflict. Gibeon's history as a city of the Gibeonites, who made a treaty with Israel in Joshua's time, adds layers of historical and theological significance to the narrative. This movement foreshadows the impending clash between the house of Saul and the house of David, highlighting the unfolding of God's plan for Israel's leadership.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abner son of Ner
Abner was the commander of Saul's army and a key figure in the power struggle following Saul's death. He was a cousin to Saul and played a significant role in supporting Ish-bosheth's claim to the throne.

2. Ish-bosheth son of Saul
Ish-bosheth was one of Saul's sons who was made king over Israel by Abner after Saul's death. His reign was marked by conflict with David, who was anointed king over Judah.

3. Mahanaim
A city east of the Jordan River, Mahanaim served as the capital for Ish-bosheth's kingdom. It was a place of refuge and strategic importance during this period of Israel's history.

4. Gibeon
A significant city in the tribal territory of Benjamin, Gibeon was the site of a notable confrontation between the forces of Ish-bosheth and David, led by Joab.

5. The Journey to Gibeon
This event marks the beginning of a series of conflicts between the house of Saul and the house of David, highlighting the division within Israel and the struggle for legitimate kingship.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Loyalty
Abner's actions demonstrate the complexities of leadership and loyalty. As Christians, we are called to examine where our loyalties lie and ensure they align with God's will.

God's Sovereignty in Conflict
The conflict between Ish-bosheth and David reminds us that God is sovereign even in times of division and strife. We can trust His plan and timing in our own lives.

The Importance of Unity
The division between the house of Saul and the house of David serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disunity. As believers, we are called to seek unity within the body of Christ.

The Role of Strategic Decisions
Abner's decision to move to Gibeon was strategic. In our lives, we must seek God's wisdom in making decisions that align with His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abner's role in supporting Ish-bosheth reflect the challenges of leadership and loyalty? How can we apply this to our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways does the conflict between Ish-bosheth and David illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty? How can this understanding impact our response to personal conflicts?

3. What lessons can we learn from the division between the house of Saul and the house of David about the importance of unity in the church today?

4. How can we seek God's guidance in making strategic decisions in our lives, similar to Abner's move to Gibeon?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a division or conflict. How can the principles from this passage guide you in seeking resolution and unity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 14:50-51
Provides background on Abner's relationship to Saul, establishing his role and influence within Saul's family and military.

2 Samuel 3:6-21
Details Abner's eventual defection to David, illustrating the shifting allegiances and the political maneuvering of the time.

1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Describes the support David received from various tribes, contrasting with the divided loyalties seen in 2 Samuel 2:12.

Sermons

Strength and Weakness	H. E. Stone.	2 Samuel 2:1-32
Attempts At Conciliation Defeated	W. G. Blaikie, M. A.	2 Samuel 2:5-32
Opposition to the Divine Purpose	B. Dale	2 Samuel 2:8-12
Taking Sides		2 Samuel 2:12-13

People

Abigail, Abishai, Abner, Ahinoam, Asahel, Asherites, Ashurites, Asshurites, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, David, Gibeon, Ishbosheth, Jabesh, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Joab, Nabal, Ner, Saul, Zeruiah

Places

Ammah, Arabah, Bethlehem, Carmel, Giah, Gibeon, Gilead, Hebron, Helkath-hazzurim, Jabesh-gilead, Jezreel, Jordan River, Mahanaim

Topics

Abner, Gibeon, Ishbosheth, Ish-bosheth, Ish-bo'sheth, Mahanaim, Mahana'im, Ner, Saul, Saul's, Servants

Dictionary of Bible Themes

2 Samuel 2:8-17

5607 warfare, examples

2 Samuel 2:12-17

5608 warfare, strategies

Library

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
'And it came to pass after this, that David enquired 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. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite. 3. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron. 4. And the men of Judah came, and there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King.
We have now to turn and see the sudden change of fortune which lifted the exile to a throne. The heavy cloud which had brooded so long over the doomed king broke in lightning crash on the disastrous field of Gilboa. Where is there a sadder and more solemn story of the fate of a soul which makes shipwreck "of faith and of a good conscience," than that awful page which tells how, godless, wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody sword, and died a suicide's death, …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

This Affection the Martyrs of Christ Contending for the Truth did Overcome...
10. This affection the Martyrs of Christ contending for the truth did overcome: and it is no marvel that they despised that whereof they should, when death was overpast, have no feeling, when they could not by those tortures, which while alive they did feel, be overcome. God was able, no doubt, (even as He permitted not the lion when it had slain the Prophet, to touch his body further, and of a slayer made it to be a keeper): He was able, I say, to have kept the slain bodies of His own from the dogs …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 17.) Differently to be admonished are the meek and the passionate. For sometimes the meek, when they are in authority, suffer from the torpor of sloth, which is a kindred disposition, and as it were placed hard by. And for the most part from the laxity of too great gentleness they soften the force of strictness beyond need. But on the other hand the passionate, in that they are swept on into frenzy of mind by the impulse of anger, break up the calm of quietness, and so throw into …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links

2 Samuel 2:12 NIV
2 Samuel 2:12 NLT
2 Samuel 2:12 ESV
2 Samuel 2:12 NASB
2 Samuel 2:12 KJV

2 Samuel 2:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub