“But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim.”
Context:The book of 2 Samuel is a continuation of the narrative of the Israelite monarchy, focusing on the reign of King David after the death of Saul. In this verse, we see the political landscape following Saul’s death and David’s anointing as the future king.
Abner, the captain of Saul’s host:Abner was a prominent figure in Saul’s administration and was known as the commander of Saul’s army. After Saul’s death, Abner took charge of Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, and sought to establish him as the king.
Ishbosheth, the son of Saul:Ishbosheth, whose birth name was Ishbaal, was one of Saul’s sons. After Saul’s death, Ishbosheth was proclaimed king over Israel by Abner, while David was recognized as king over the tribe of Judah.
Mahanaim:Mahanaim was a city located east of the Jordan River, which became the temporary capital for Ishbosheth’s reign. It means “two camps” in Hebrew and was likely chosen due to its strategic location.
Political division:This verse illustrates the political division within Israel after Saul’s death. David was anointed as king over Judah, while Ishbosheth, with the support of Abner, ruled over the remaining tribes of Israel. This division sets the stage for conflict and eventual reunification under David’s kingship.
God’s sovereignty:Although this verse does not explicitly mention God, it is important to note that even in the midst of political division and human choices, God’s sovereignty remains. The events unfolding in this chapter ultimately serve as part of God’s plan to establish David as the rightful king over all of Israel.
Application:
- Recognize God’s sovereignty:Even in times of political division and uncertainty, we can trust in God’s sovereign control over the affairs of the world. He is ultimately in control, working out His plans and purposes.
- Seek unity and reconciliation:The division between David and Ishbosheth serves as a reminder of the importance of unity among God’s people. As believers, we should strive for unity and reconciliation, seeking to build bridges rather than divisions.
- Trust in God’s timing:David’s anointing as king did not immediately result in him taking the throne over all Israel. Similarly, in our lives, there may be times when we have to wait for God’s timing and trust in His plan, even when it seems delayed or uncertain.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and explore the broader context of 2 Samuel to gain a deeper understanding of the narrative and the lessons it offers.
