‏ 2 Samuel 2

* David made king in Hebron. (1-7) Abner makes Ishbosheth king

Battle between Abner's men and those of Joab. (8-17) Asahel

slain by Abner: 25-32. Both parties retreat. (18-24)

#1-7. After the death of Saul, many went to David at Ziklag,

#1Ch 12:22|, but he trusted in God who promised him the kingdom,

to give it in his own time and manner. Yet assurance of hope in

God's promise, will quicken pious endeavours. If I be chosen to

the crown of life, it does not follow, Then I will do nothing;

but, Then I will do all that God directs me. This good use David

made of his election, and so will all whom God has chosen. In

all our journeys and removes, it is comfortable to see God going

before us; and we may do so, if by faith and prayer we set Him

before us. God, according to the promise, directed David's path.

David rose gradually: thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son

of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all, but we see

not yet all things put under him.

#8-17. The nation in general refused David. By this the Lord

trained up his servant for future honour and usefulness; and the

tendency of true godliness was shown in his behaviour while

passing through various difficulties. David was herein a type of

Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the

Father to be a Prince and a Saviour to them. Abner meant, Let

the young men fight before us, when he said, Let them play

before us: fools thus make a mock at sin. But he is unworthy the

name of a man, that can thus trifle with human blood.18-24 Death often comes by ways we least suspect. We are often

betrayed by the accomplishments we are proud of! Asahel's

swiftness, which he presumed so much upon, did him no service,

but hastened his end. 25-32 Abner appeals to Joab concerning the miserable

consequences of a civil war. Those who make light of such

unnatural contests, will find that they are bitterness to all

concerned. How easy it is for men to use reason, when it makes

for them, who would not use it, if it made against them! See how

the issue of things alter men's minds! The same thing which

looked pleasant in the morning, at night looked dismal. Those

who are most forward to enter into contention, will repent

before they have done with it, and had better leave it off

before it be meddled with, as Solomon advises. This is true of

every sin, oh that men would consider it in time, that it will

be bitterness in the latter end! Asahel's funeral is here

mentioned. Distinctions are made between the dust of some and

that of others; but in the resurrection no difference will be

made, but between the godly and ungodly, which will remain for

ever.