2 Samuel

2 Samuel 2: The LORD directs His chosen king

Begin in prayer

Before we read about David moving to Hebron, let us bow before the LORD together. Ask Him to show us that He directs His chosen king, and to help us trust Him when rivals fight.

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You direct Your chosen King, even when rivals fight against Him. Help us to turn from our own plans and trust You. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David asks the LORD where to go, and the LORD sends him to Hebron in Judah. The men of Judah anoint him king there, and David blesses the men of Jabesh Gilead for burying Saul. Abner, Saul’s army commander, makes Ish-bosheth king over the rest of Israel, so the two houses are at war. Twelve men from each side die at the pool of Gibeon. Asahel chases Abner, and Abner strikes him down. Abner asks Joab whether the sword will devour forever, and Joab calls the people back.

As you read 2 Samuel 2, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD directs His chosen king, even while his rivals fight against him.

Samuel anointed David years earlier (1 Samuel 16 verse 13), yet now David waits to ask the LORD first (verse 1). The LORD sends him up to Hebron, and Judah anoints him there (verses 1 and 4). Abner, Saul’s army commander, takes Saul’s son Ish-bosheth to Mahanaim (verse 8). He makes him king over the rest of Israel, so the nation has two kings and two armies (verses 9 and 10). At the pool of Gibeon twelve men from each side fall together, and the battle after is severe (verses 14 to 17). Asahel, as light of foot as a wild gazelle, will not stop chasing Abner, and Abner kills him (verses 18 to 23). The chapter does not say the LORD acts in the war, but it shows David going where the LORD sent him. Only Christ makes lasting peace with God for His people, through His cross (Colossians 1 verse 20).

How does 2 Samuel 2 show us that the LORD directs His chosen king, even while his rivals fight against him?

David asks the LORD before he moves.

David asks the LORD whether to go up to a city of Judah, and the LORD says Hebron (verse 1). He does not choose the place himself. He brings his wives and his men, and they settle in the towns around Hebron (verses 2 and 3). A king who asks God first is a king who knows he is under God.

Judah makes David king, and David honours those who kept Saul’s body safe.

The men of Judah anoint David as king over their own tribe (verse 4). The men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul, and David sends them a message of blessing (verses 4 and 5). He asks the LORD to show them loving kindness and truth (verse 6). David honours kindness to Saul, who had been his enemy.

War among brothers brings sorrow, and Jesus makes peace.

Twelve men from each side fight at the pool and die together (verses 14 to 16). Asahel dies, and three hundred sixty of Abner’s men fall (verses 23 and 31). Abner asks whether the sword will devour forever (verse 26). Brothers of one nation are killing each other. Only Jesus made peace by the blood of His cross (Colossians 1 verse 20).

Memorise

After this, David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” Yahweh said to him, “Go up.”

2 Samuel 2:1

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, who do I ask first, and where do I find peace with God?

The LORD sent David to Hebron, and Judah made him king. Then the fighting began, and men of one nation killed one another. Jesus, the Son of David, came to make a better peace.

Sinners are at war with God, and they cannot end that war by themselves. Jesus gave His body on the cross for His people and made peace by His blood. He paid the whole debt, and then He was laid in a tomb. God raised Him up, and the peace He made does not end.

So come to Him, and make peace with God through Him. Turn from your sin and trust Jesus. Your sins will be forgiven, and He will not turn you away.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD directed David, and that David asked God before he went anywhere. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He directs His chosen King, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

Psalm 31:3

Lord God, thank You that You lead Your chosen King and bring peace through Him. Bring each person here to turn from sin and trust the Saviour. Help us to ask You first in every decision this week. Amen.