2 Samuel 2 continues the account of David's rise to kingship after the death of Saul. After mourning the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, David inquires of the Lord about going up to one of the cities of Judah. The Lord instructs him to go to Hebron. David takes his wives and followers to Hebron, where he is anointed as king over the house of Judah.
Meanwhile, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, makes Saul's son Ishbosheth king over the rest of Israel. There is a conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, with Abner supporting Ishbosheth. The two sides engage in a battle at the pool of Gibeon, with each side's champions fighting against each other. The battle results in a draw, but David's men prevail against Abner and the house of Saul.
After the battle, Abner proposes a ceasefire, which David agrees to. As a sign of goodwill, Abner returns the bodies of those who died in the battle to their respective families. The chapter concludes with David's kingdom growing stronger, while the house of Saul grows weaker.