2 Samuel 5:1-16, David Becomes King

As part of our continuing “survey” let’s just note a few passages early in 2 Samuel.

·       2:4-11: Judah was in the lead as far as being the “ruling” tribe according to prophecy (Gen. 49:8-10). The others should have thought about this. The division of Judah and the rest of Israel was seen before, but here it is made official. So for 7 years and 6 mos. (v11) there were 2 kingdoms.

·       2:9: Here is another description of the land.  Using the map attached to this post, this describes the territory under the rule of Ishbosheth.  Gilead is the land east of the Jordan.  The Ashurites (tribe of Asher) likely referred to the people north of the Valley of Jezreel towards the Mediterranean coast. Jezreel was the “Valley of Jezreel,” roughly from west of Beit Shan to NW of Megiddo.  Ephraim was the area south of the Valley of Jezreel to Shiloh.  From there to the area under David’s control was Benjamin.  The phrase over all Israel included all that area.  You will note it did not reach the Mediterranean and did not include “Geshur.”  These areas were still under control of one or another of the Seven Nations of Canaan.

·       Ch. 3: It’s strange that Joab, who murdered Abner, lived; but the 2 commanders who killed Ishbosheth died. But justice was different. Revenge killing was allowed – outside a city of refuge – while killing a king, and as David said, “a righteous man,” for he had broken no law and was not a criminal – was not allowed.

·       3:10: Here is the well-known phrase “from Dan to Beersheba” (Jud. 20:1; 1 Sam. 3:20; 2 Sam. 3:10; 17:11; 24:2,15; 1 Ki. 4:25). It simply means “all of Israel.”

·       3:18: Abner refers to the LORD’s choice and use of David. Why hadn’t he done that before?  He undoubtedly had a loyalty to Saul so that after his death he supported Isbosheth.

·       3:21: David is a peace-maker, as well as a warrior.

·       4:12: Interesting to note: the tomb of Abner is also in Hebron (as is the Cave of the Patriarchs, burial place of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives).

·       5:5,7: Hebron was David’s capital for 7 1/2 years.  Then Jerusalem became the capital.

·       5:18-22: Again, refer to the map for the Valley of Rephaim and Baal-perazim.  Here we see David at his best, as twice we are told that he inquired of the LORD.  And twice, the LORD answered with leadership. 

·       Here are several matters to consider in 2 Sam. 6:

o   There were at least two issues with David’s first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.  First, it was carried on a cart, contrary to the instructions given in the wilderness.  The priestly family of Kohath did not receive a cart because the items were to be carried.  Second, the emphasis was on the army and all the choice men of Israel (v1). God’s emphasis was on the Levites, His chosen leaders in worship.

o   6:7: Why did God kill Uzzah? Why had God made those rules? The nature of God is that He is holy.  And yet – God was WITH Israel. God is saying, “I am with you, David, but there must be protocol, statutes and judgments that will protect my holiness.

o   6:13: Why did David dance, and have a great feast? God’s blessing on Obed-Edom was significant for David (v12).  This encouraged his faith.  Then, there was the corrected understanding.  David did it right the second time (v11).

o   6:19-22: In worship, there is no male or female. All are called to bow, or dance, before Him!  Michal was still thinking like her father, Saul, who saw the kingship as a position of personal glory, and not as being for God’s glory.