“But Abner, the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim.”
In this verse, we find an account of Abner’s actions regarding Ishbosheth, the son of Saul. To fully understand the significance of this verse, let’s provide some context:
After the death of Saul, the first king of Israel, David had been anointed as the next king by Samuel the prophet. However, Saul’s family continued to maintain power over Israel. Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, was made king over the northern tribes of Israel, while David reigned over the tribe of Judah in the south.
Now, let’s explore the verse itself:
- Abner, the son of Ner:Abner was a prominent figure in Saul’s kingdom, serving as the commander of Saul’s army. He was a cousin of Saul and a capable military leader.
- Captain of Saul’s host:Abner held a high‑ranking position in Saul’s army, responsible for leading the military forces of Israel under Saul’s rule.
- Took Ishbosheth, the son of Saul:Abner decided to support and strengthen Ishbosheth’s claim to the throne. He took Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, under his care, providing him with protection and guidance.
- Brought him over to Mahanaim:Mahanaim was a fortified city located on the east side of the Jordan River. Abner brought Ishbosheth to Mahanaim, which served as a secure stronghold for Ishbosheth’s rule.
From this verse, we can gather a few insights:
- Abner’s loyalty:Abner’s actions reveal his loyalty to Saul’s house. Despite David’s anointing as king, Abner remained faithful to Saul’s family and sought to establish Ishbosheth as the rightful ruler over Israel.
- Political dynamics:The verse illustrates the complex political landscape following Saul’s death. The kingdom was divided, with David ruling over the tribe of Judah, and Ishbosheth ruling over the remaining tribes. Abner’s actions aimed to consolidate Ishbosheth’s authority.
- Mahanaim’s significance:By bringing Ishbosheth to Mahanaim, Abner placed him in a strategically important location. Mahanaim offered protection and served as a center for Ishbosheth’s administration, ensuring his legitimacy as king.
It’s essential to note that the events surrounding Abner and Ishbosheth play a crucial role in the ongoing narrative of David’s ascent to the throne and the eventual unification of Israel under his rule. This verse sets the stage for the complex political interactions and power struggles that continue to unfold in the subsequent chapters of 2 Samuel.
