According to Scripture (2 Samuel 2:11; 2 Samuel 2:5), David reigned in Hebron for a total of seven years and six months. He was then made king over all Israel after the death of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 5:1–4). Many commentators believe that the two-year reign of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 2:10) corresponds to the sixth and seventh year of David’s reign in Hebron.1 In this understanding, Abner was a war lord for five years. He took a considerable amount of time to establish borders in the face of Philistine opposition. Having done so, he then legitimized his power through one of Saul’s sons.2 Alternatively, Ish-bosheth came into power immediately after the death of Saul, concurrent with David’s installation as king in Judah. There is then a period of five years between the death of Ish-bosheth and all Israel coming to recognize David as king, or a long period between David’s recognition as king and his decision to capture Jerusalem. We do not know how the two years of Ish-bosheth’s reign correspond with the seven-and-a-half-year reign of David.3
11 Le temps pendant lequel David régna à Hébron sur la maison de Juda fut de sept ans et six mois.