John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1-32
David made King over Judah, Ishdosheth over israel. Asahel slain by Abner1. Shall I go up?] The defeat and death of Saul had entirely changed David’s position. He had, for some time to come, nothing to fear from Abner, who was occupied elsewhere (2 Samuel 2:8-9). The Philistines would not molest him, as he was their vassal. But even so, he asks God’s wishes, before he takes the decisive step. Hebron] There were several reasons which rendered Hebron suitable. It was fairly central, was a... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 2:8-11
4. Ish-bosheth’s coronation over Israel 2:8-11David’s overtures to the Jabesh-gileadites were very important. Saul’s commander-in-chief and cousin, Abner, was working to install Saul’s youngest son, Ish-bosheth (called Eshbaal in 1 Chronicles 9:39), Abner’s nephew, as Saul’s successor. This was not a move that Yahweh had ordained (cf. 1 Samuel 13:14). David was God’s anointed. Abner, Saul’s cousin, was simply doing what was customary in the ancient Near East and in the process securing his own... read more