And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah ,.... And over them only: was seven years and six months ; to which being added thirty three years he reigned over all Israel in Jerusalem, made forty years and six months; and which, for the roundness of the number, is usually called forty years. See 2 Samuel 5:4 . read more
( MAHANAIM .) Opposition to the Divine purpose. The purpose of God, to make David king over his people, was as yet only in part accomplished; and its fulfilment was opposed by Abner ( 1 Samuel 14:50 ; 1 Samuel 17:55 ; 1 Samuel 20:25 ; 1 Samuel 26:5 ) on behalf of "the house of Saul." Having escaped from the battle of Gilboa, he "took Ishbosheth, the son of Saul" (a man of feeble character, and fitted to become a tool in his hands), "and brought him over to Mahanaim, and made... read more
Fanatical patriotism. The facts are: 1 . By degrees, and with the aid of Abner, those parts of the country not subject to David, and which, during the decay of Saul's power, had come under the control of the Philistines, now became consolidated under the rule of Ishbosheth. 2 . The jealousy between Israel and Judah, owing mostly to the hostility of Ishbosheth's adherents to David, assumes threatening form, and the leaders on each side, attended by a small army, come together face... read more
Ishbosheth …two years … David … seven years and six months . Where are we to place the five years and a half of difference? The usual assumption is that David was made King of Israel immediately upon Ishbosheth's murder; but this is wrong. We cannot believe that Abner would allow so long a period as five years to elapse before asserting the claims of Saul's family, especially as David was already made King of Judah at Hebron. Still, as the war with the Philistines was the first object of his... 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
Two kings in Israel (2:1-3:1)The Philistines now controlled much of Israel’s territory west of Jordan (see 1 Samuel 31:7). Believing that David was still friendly to them, the Philistines allowed him to become king over Judah in the south, no doubt thinking that this would help to divide and weaken Israel further. The tribes east of Jordan, however, were still free, and David quickly tried to win their support (2:1-7). But Abner (Saul’s army commander and his cousin; see 1 Samuel 14:50) had... read more
8-17. Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host took Ish-bosheth—Here was the establishment of a rival kingdom, which, however, would probably have had no existence but for Abner. Ish-bosheth—or "Esh-baal" (1 Chronicles 8:33; 1 Chronicles 9:39). The Hebrews usually changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame") (compare Judges 9:53; 2 Samuel 11:21). This prince was so called from his imbecility. Abner—was first cousin of Saul, commander of the forces, and held in high respect... read more
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
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
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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