Through the plain - See 1 Samuel 23:24. Bithron is unknown. From the expression all (the) Bithron, it seems likely that it is a tract of country, intersected by ravines lying on the east side of Jordan. read more
Joab, having stopped the pursuit, passed the night with his army on the field of battle; the next morning he numbered the missing, and buried the dead; they carried the body of Asahel to Bethlehem and buried him there, and then joined David at Hebron. Hebron would be about 14 miles from Bethlehem, or about five hours’ march. read more
A.M. 2948. B.C. 1056. David goes up to Hebron and is crowned there, 2 Samuel 2:1-4 . Thanks the men of Jabesh- gilead, 2 Samuel 2:5-7 . Ish-bosheth is set up in opposition to him, 2 Samuel 2:8-11 . An encounter between David’s men and Ish-bosheth’s, in which the latter are beaten, 2 Samuel 2:12-17 . Asahel is killed by Abner, 2 Samuel 2:18-23 . Joab sounds a retreat by the advice of Abner, who retires to Mahanaim, 2 Samuel 2:24-29 . The loss on each side, 2 Samuel 2:30 , 2 Samuel 2:31 ... read more
2 Samuel 2:1. David inquired of the Lord By Urim. When he had given a due time to his grief and mourning for Saul and Jonathan, he applied himself to God, who had appointed him to the kingdom, to know by what means he should best be put in possession of it. He did not inquire whether he should take the kingdom; for God had already signified his appointment of that, and David would not offend him nor dishonour his ordinance by unnecessary inquiries; but only where and at what time he... read more
2 Samuel 2:3. They dwelt in the cities of Hebron That is, the cities or towns belonging to Hebron, which was the metropolis. For in Hebron itself there was not space for them all, because it was filled with priests, and with David’s court. read more
2 Samuel 2:4. The men of Judah came and anointed David king This they did on just grounds, because not only the sovereignty had been promised to that tribe, but David was designed and had been appointed by God, and at his express command anointed by Samuel to the regal office. This had long ceased to be a secret. Jonathan had known it perfectly. Saul himself had been no stranger to it; and Abner, the general of his army, was not ignorant of it, as appears by his words to Ish-bosheth, (2... read more
2 Samuel 2:5-7. That ye have showed this kindness This respect and affection. For as it is an act of inhumanity to deny burial to the dead, so it is an act of mercy and kindness to bury them. The Lord show kindness and truth unto you That is, true and real kindness; not in words only, but also in actions, as you have done to your king. I also will requite you So far am I from being offended with you for this kindness to my late enemy. This shows the great generosity of David’s spirit,... read more
2 Samuel 2:8. Abner took Ish-bosheth Abner was not only Saul’s general, but his near kinsman also, and in this instance his interest and ambition, and perhaps also envy, strongly influenced him. He knew that Ish-bosheth, if advanced to the sovereignty, would only have the name of a king, while he himself had the power. It appears, however, sufficiently from the sequel of his history, that he was well acquainted with David’s divine designation to the throne; but should he now submit to it he... read more
2 Samuel 2:9-11. He made him king over Gilead Over all the tribes on the other side Jordan, which are comprehended under this name. Over the Ashurites That is, the tribe of Asher, as the Chaldee paraphrast and others understand it. Over Jezreel A large and rich valley, situate in the borders of the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali, and so put for them all. And over all Israel All the tribes on this side Jordan, save only the tribe of Judah. Ish-bosheth was forty years old ... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:27
Joab’s speech means either “unless thou hadst spoken (challenged us to fight, 2 Samuel 2:14), the people would have returned from the pursuit of their brethren (many hours ago, even) this morning;” or, “If thou hadst not spoken (asked for peace, 2 Samuel 2:26), surely the people would have returned, etc., in the morning, i. e. would not have ceased the pursuit until the morning.” The latter interpretation is the more accordant with Joab’s boastful character. read more