2 Samuel 2

When Saul and Jonathan were dead, though David knew himself anointed to be king, and now saw his way very clear, yet he did not immediately send messengers through all the coasts of Israel to summon all people to come in and swear allegiance to him, upon pain of death, but proceeded leisurely; for he that believeth doth not make haste, but waits God's time for the accomplishment of God's promises. Many had come in to his assistance from several tribes while he continued at Ziklag, as we find... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:8-17

Here is, I. A rivalship between two kings?David, whom God made king, and Ishbosheth, whom Abner made king. One would have thought, when Saul was slain, and all his sons that had sense and spirit enough to take the field with him, David would come to the throne without any opposition, since all Israel knew, not only how he had signalized himself, but how manifestly God had designated him to it; but such a spirit of contradiction is there, in the devices of men, to the counsels of God, that such... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-24

We have here the contest between Abner and Asahel. Asahel, the brother of Joab and cousin-german to David, was one of the principal commanders of David's forces, and was famous for swiftness in running: he was as light of foot as a wild roe (2 Sam. 2:18); this he got the name of by swift pursuing, not swift flying. Yet, we may suppose, he was not comparable to Abner as a skilful experienced soldier; we must therefore observe, I. How rash he was in aiming to make Abner his prisoner. He pursued... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:25-32

Here, I. Abner, being conquered, meanly begs for a cessation of arms. He rallied the remains of his forces on the top of a hill (2 Sam. 2:25), as if he would have made head again, but becomes a humble supplicant to Joab for a little breathing-time, 2 Sam. 2:26. He that was most forward to fight was the first that had enough of it. He that made a jest of bloodshed (Let the young men arise and play before us, 2 Sam. 2:14) is now shocked at it, when he finds himself on the losing side, and the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 2 This chapter relates that David, upon inquiring of the Lord, was directed to go up to Hebron, and did, where he was anointed king of Judah, 2 Samuel 2:1 . And that being told of the kindness of the men of Jabeshgilead in burying Saul, he sent them thanks, and promised to remember it, and took the opportunity to let them know he was anointed king over Judah, 2 Samuel 2:5 . It also relates that Abner set up Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, to be king over... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1

And it came to pass after this ,.... After David had heard of the death of Saul and Jonathan, and made a lamentation over them, perhaps the next day; since David and his men are only said to mourn, and weep, and fast till even, 2 Samuel 1:10 , that David inquired of the Lord ; of the Word of the Lord, as the Targum, by Abiathar the priest, and through the Urim and Thummim, in the ephod he had put on on this occasion: saying, shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah ? though... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:2

So David went up thither ,.... From Ziklag to Hebron, which was sixteen miles according to Bunting F25 Ut supra, (Travels &c.;) p. 137. . and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, Nabal's wife, the Carmelite ; who were beloved by him, and who had shared with him in his troubles, and which he took with him to partake of his honour and grandeur, wealth and riches; in which he was now a type of Christ. See Romans 8:17 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:3

And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household ,.... They and their families, and no doubt provided well for them when he was settled on the throne, who had shown themselves to be his faithful friends, closely attached to his interest, and had run the risk of their all on his account. See Matthew 19:28 . And they dwelt in the cities of Hebron ; in the towns and villages about it; for that itself being a city of refuge, and inhabited by priests, there... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:4

And the men of Judah came ,.... The inhabitants of the tribe of Judah came from the several parts of it to Hebron, that is, the principal of them, the elders of each city: and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah ; they did not take upon them to make him king over all Israel, but left the rest of the tribes to act for themselves; and no doubt in this they had the mind of David, who was not willing to force himself upon the people at once, but by degrees get the whole... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:8-17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-24

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:25-32

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:4

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