Question 1

Why does David ask God before going up to the cities of Judah?

Accepted Answer

David has already been promised the kingdom, but he still stops and asks God what to do next. This shows that he does not want to push his own way forward just because the moment seems right. He wants to move only where and when God leads. By asking, “Shall I go up?” and then, “Whither shall I go up?” he shows a humble heart that depends on God for both the decision and the details. It’s a picture of trusting God’s timing instead of grabbing power.

Question 2

What is the significance of David being anointed king in Hebron?

Accepted Answer

Hebron is in Judah, David’s own tribe, and is a city with a rich history and spiritual weight. David is not yet king over all Israel, only over Judah. This shows that God’s promise to make him king is coming true step by step, not all at once. The men of Judah recognize him and anoint him, while the other tribes wait. It pictures how God often works through slow, steady stages, and how real authority comes from God, not from force.

Question 3

Why does David bless the men of Jabesh-gilead for burying Saul?

Accepted Answer

David could have treated Saul only as an enemy, since Saul hunted him for years. Instead, he praises the men of Jabesh-gilead for showing kindness to Saul by giving him a proper burial. He calls Saul “your lord” and asks the Lord to show them kindness and truth. Then he promises to repay their kindness himself. This shows David’s respect for the office Saul held and his refusal to rejoice in Saul’s downfall. It reveals a leader who honors even a flawed king.

Question 4

Who are Ish-bosheth and Abner, and why do they oppose David?

Accepted Answer

Ish-bosheth is one of Saul’s sons, and Abner is the commander of Saul’s army. After Saul dies, instead of yielding to God’s choice of David, Abner takes Ish-bosheth to Mahanaim and sets him up as king over the northern tribes. This is not based on God’s direction but on human power and habit. Their rule stands against what God has already promised to David. The brief, troubled reign of Ish-bosheth shows how weak a kingdom is when it rests on human ambition instead of God’s will.

Question 5

What happens at the pool of Gibeon between Abner and Joab?

Accepted Answer

Abner, leading Ish-bosheth’s men, and Joab, leading David’s men, meet by the pool of Gibeon. They sit on opposite sides, and Abner suggests, “Let the young men now arise, and play before us.” This so-called “play” turns into deadly combat, with twelve men from each side killing each other. That small contest quickly grows into a hard battle where Abner’s side loses many men. The scene shows how prideful challenges and making light of deadly matters can spill into needless bloodshed.

Question 6

Why is Asahel’s death included, and what can we learn from it?

Accepted Answer

Asahel, Joab’s brother, is very fast and chases Abner without turning aside. Abner warns him more than once to stop following so closely, because he does not want to kill him and face Joab. Asahel refuses to turn aside, and Abner strikes him with the back end of his spear, killing him. Everyone who comes to that place stops and looks. His death shows the danger of stubborn pursuit when wisdom says to pull back, and how quickly personal loss enters into conflicts that began as power struggles.

Question 7

Why does Abner ask, “Shall the sword devour for ever?”

Accepted Answer

After a long day of fierce fighting and many deaths, Abner calls out to Joab, “Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end?” He is admitting that if they keep fighting, it will only bring more sorrow and bitterness in the end. His words show a late awareness of the cost of the conflict he helped start. Joab answers sharply, but then he blows the trumpet and ends the pursuit. This moment reminds us that stopping a fight, even late, can prevent deeper ruin.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s rule over human plans?

Accepted Answer

Throughout this passage, two lines run side by side: God quietly setting David in place as king, and people trying to hold onto Saul’s house through Ish-bosheth and Abner. David waits on God and follows his leading, while Abner relies on strategy and force. The battle results show that David’s side grows stronger. The story teaches that people can resist God’s plan for a time, but His purpose still moves forward. It encourages readers to trust God’s rule instead of building their own kingdoms.

Question 9

How can the events of this chapter guide believers today in handling conflict and leadership?

Accepted Answer

This chapter does not give simple rules, but it does hold up some clear patterns. David seeks God before moving and shows respect even to a fallen leader. Abner treats serious matters like a game and pushes his own way, which leads to grief. Joab defends David’s cause but also gets drawn into bloodshed and later personal revenge. For believers today, this points toward seeking God’s direction, honoring others, avoiding proud challenges, and being willing to stop a fight before it goes further, trusting that God can defend His purposes.

2 Samuel 2:1

And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

David Anointed King of Judah

Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel

The Battle of Gibeon

David Anointed King of Judah

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2 Samuel 2:1

And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

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David Anointed King of Judah

Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel

The Battle of Gibeon

David Anointed King of Judah

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