and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin--over all Israel. He made him kingThis phrase refers to Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who took the initiative to make Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, king over Israel. The Hebrew root for "made" is "מָלַךְ" (malak), which means to reign or to install as king. This action by Abner signifies a political maneuver to maintain the house of Saul in power, reflecting the ongoing struggle for leadership in Israel after Saul's death. It highlights the human tendency to cling to familiar power structures rather than seeking God's will. over Gilead Asher Jezreel Ephraim and Benjamin over all Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. Ish-boshethThe son of Saul, who was made king over Israel by Abner, Saul's army commander. His reign represents a division in the kingdom following Saul's death. 2. Abner The commander of Saul's army who played a crucial role in making Ish-bosheth king. His actions highlight the political maneuvering and power struggles of the time. 3. Gilead A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was one of the territories over which Ish-bosheth was made king. 4. Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin These are tribes and regions within Israel. Their mention signifies the extent of Ish-bosheth's rule, though it was not universally accepted. 5. David Although not directly mentioned in this verse, David is the anointed king of Judah and represents God's chosen leader, contrasting with Ish-bosheth's politically motivated kingship. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty vs. Human PoliticsIsh-bosheth's kingship was established through human political maneuvering, not divine appointment. This reminds us to seek God's will rather than relying solely on human strategies. Unity in God's Kingdom The division between David and Ish-bosheth's followers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of division within God's people. Unity should be sought under God's chosen leadership. The Temporary Nature of Human Authority Ish-bosheth's reign was short-lived, illustrating that human authority is temporary and ultimately subject to God's eternal plan. Trust in God's Timing David waited for God's timing to become king over all Israel, teaching us patience and trust in God's perfect timing for our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the political appointment of Ish-bosheth as king contrast with David's anointing by God, and what does this teach us about seeking God's will in leadership?2. In what ways can the division between Ish-bosheth and David's followers serve as a warning for maintaining unity within the church today? 3. Reflect on a time when you relied on human strategies rather than seeking God's guidance. What were the outcomes, and how can you apply this lesson in future decisions? 4. How does the temporary nature of Ish-bosheth's reign encourage us to focus on eternal values rather than temporary power or success? 5. What can we learn from David's patience and trust in God's timing, and how can we apply this to situations where we are waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16This chapter describes David's anointing by Samuel, establishing him as God's chosen king, which contrasts with Ish-bosheth's political appointment. 2 Samuel 5 This chapter details David's eventual recognition as king over all Israel, fulfilling God's promise and highlighting the temporary nature of Ish-bosheth's reign. 1 Kings 12 The division of the kingdom under Rehoboam and Jeroboam echoes the earlier division between David and Ish-bosheth, illustrating recurring themes of division and God's sovereignty.
People Abigail, Abishai, Abner, Ahinoam, Asahel, Asherites, Ashurites, Asshurites, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, David, Gibeon, Ishbosheth, Jabesh, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Joab, Nabal, Ner, Saul, ZeruiahPlaces Ammah, Arabah, Bethlehem, Carmel, Giah, Gibeon, Gilead, Hebron, Helkath-hazzurim, Jabesh-gilead, Jezreel, Jordan River, MahanaimTopics Asherites, Ashuri, Ashurite, Ashurites, Ash'urites, Asshurites, Benjamin, Causeth, Ephraim, E'phraim, Gilead, Jezreel, Jizreel, ReignDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 2:8-11 5087 David, reign of 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. This Affection the Martyrs of Christ Contending for the Truth did Overcome... The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt How the Meek and the Passionate are to be Admonished. Samuel Links 2 Samuel 2:9 NIV2 Samuel 2:9 NLT 2 Samuel 2:9 ESV 2 Samuel 2:9 NASB 2 Samuel 2:9 KJV 2 Samuel 2:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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