2 Samuel 1 - 4

Treachery And Murder

Note: Today we begin the second of six major books of history in the Old Testament.

Second Samuel is a linear continuation of first Samuel starting off with the death of Saul being reported to David.  The person who tells of Saul's death is the Amalekite who killed Saul. He mistakenly thought that David perceived Saul as his enemy, which was not true, and thus David had him killed.  This same sort of treachery is rewarded in the same way in chapter 4 when the murderers of Saul's son, Ishbosheth, think they are doing David a favor by killing him. Once again, David has the murderers killed.

David's ascent to the throne and complete rule over Judah and Israel begins in chapter 2 when he is crowned king of Judah.  He makes an appeal to Abner, the leader of Saul's army, asking for their loyalty to his kingship.  However, Abner refuses and establishes Ishbosheth as king of Israel.  This leads to war between Judah and Israel which is costly to both kingdoms. 

Finally, in chapter 3, Abner decides to make peace with David when he realizes David's ascendancy and Ishbosheth's weakness as king. This decision ultimately costs Abner his life. However, in all the treachery and murder, the path to David's rule of the entire country is set up.

An interesting observation is the poetry of David in chapter 1:19-27 in his lamentation for Saul and Jonathan.  Additionally, a brief lamentation is recorded in 3:33-34 for Abner. These are precursor to the Psalms, most of which were composed by David.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.