1. 2 Samuel 2:12–32 (ESV)
  2. Scripture context

Summary of 2 Samuel 2:12–32

2 Samuel 2:12–32 (ESV)

12 Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

2 Samuel 2:1–5:5 is a distinct literary unity in the book, beginning with David’s anointing at Hebron as king of Judah and concluding with his anointing at Hebron as king of Israel.1 The focus of this section is on legitimizing the rule of David and chronicling his rise to power.2

2 Samuel 2:12–32 shows us that the conflict in Israel after the death of Saul was mainly between two families and not two nations.3 In three battle scenes, we see that the armies of Joab and Abner were evenly matched,4 and that David enjoyed the Lord’s favour. Even so, the passage serves to emphasize the stubborn foolishness of Asahel in pursuing Abner, Abner’s inability to stop the war he initiated, as well as the senselessness of the entire conflict where brother is killing brother.5