2 Samuel 2:18 NLT,NIV,ESV

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 2:12-32

5. The conflict between Abner and Joab 2:12-32Travelers can visit the pool of Gibeon today. It lies about three miles northwest of Gibeah."The pool is a cylindrical shaft thirty-seven feet in diameter and thirty-five feet deep. Its five-feet-wide spiral stairway, which winds downward around the inside wall of the pool in a clockwise direction, continues below the floor level to an additional depth of forty-five feet." [Note: Youngblood, p. 825.] There the forces of Ish-bosheth and David met for... read more

John Dummelow

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:12-32

CHAPTER III.BEGINNING OF CIVIL WAR.2 Samuel 2:12-32THE well-meant and earnest efforts of David to ward off strife and bring the people together in recognizing him as king were frustrated, as we have seen, through the efforts of Abner. Unmoved by the solemn testimony of God, uttered again and again through Samuel, that He had rejected Saul and found as king a man after His own heart; unmoved by the sad proceedings at Endor, where, under such awful circumstances, the same announcement of the... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Samuel 2:8-32

3. Abner’s Revolt and the War which Followed CHAPTER 2:8-32 1. Abner makes Ish-bosheth king over Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-11 ) 2. The defeat of Abner (2 Samuel 2:12-17 ) 3. Abner and Joab and Joab’s victory (2 Samuel 2:18-32 ) God’s king began his reign in quietness, and opposition and open revolt followed at once. Abner, who had been the captain of Saul’s host, took a son of Saul by the name of Ish-bosheth and made him king in Gilead. The original name of this son was “Esh-baal,” which... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

David was by no means in a hurry to take advantage of the situation that had been brought about by Saul's death. Though he had not enquired of the Lord as to going down to king Achish at Gath (1 Samuel 27:1-2), he does enquire now as to leaving Ziklag and returning to Judah. The Lord tell him to do so. Yet in a spirit of felt dependence, he further inquires as to what city. God's answer, "Hebron" is not merely intended to indicate a favorable location. Its name means "communion," which would... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

DAVID MADE KING LAMENTING THE DEAD (2 Samuel 1:0 ) Surely the harshness and gentleness of David are strangely blended in this chapter. That one should so lament an enemy and slay the man who professed to murder him surpasses ordinary thought; but David was built on a large mould. Of course the Amalekite lied to David, for the inspired record of the death of Saul in the preceding book must be regarded as correct. Observe the motive governing David: “Wast thou not afraid.., to destroy the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

2 Samuel 2:0 1. And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord [through the high priest Abiathar], 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 [long the residence of Abraham]. 2. So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. 3. And his [six hundred] men that were with him did David bring up, every man... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-23

(18) ¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. (19) And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. (20) Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am. (21) And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18

Woods. Swiftness was one great qualification of a warrior, chap. i. 23. Homer generally styles Achilles, "the swift-footed." read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:18-24

18-24 Death often comes by ways we least suspect. We are often betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of! Asahel's swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no service, but hastened his end. read more