“And David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite.”
This verse is a part of the narrative about David’s ascent to kingship in Israel:it marks a significant moment in David’s life and sets the stage for the events that follow. To fully understand the context of this verse, it’s helpful to explore the broader story in the preceding chapters.
In 1 Samuel, we read about Saul’s reign as the first king of Israel:David’s rise as a young shepherd anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king. After David’s victory over Goliath, Saul’s jealousy grew, leading him to relentlessly pursue David’s life. Despite Saul’s relentless pursuit, David refused to harm the king, as he respected the anointing God had placed upon him.
Tragically, Saul and his sons perished in battle against the Philistines, leading to the end of Saul’s reign. In the aftermath, David mourned the death of Saul and Jonathan:Saul’s son and David’s close friend. This brings us to the beginning of 2 Samuel.
In 2 Samuel 2:1, we find David seeking guidance from the Lord:after the death of Saul. He asks the Lord whether he should go up to one of the cities of Judah, and the Lord responds affirmatively, directing David to go to Hebron. It is in this context that we encounter verse 2:
This verse highlights David’s decision to go up to Hebron:along with his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail. Ahinoam was the wife David acquired when he was still in Ziklag, before his kingship, while Abigail was previously married to Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man who had provoked David’s anger but later died.
In this verse, we see that David’s wives accompany him, suggesting their importance and support in his life. David’s choice to bring his wives may also indicate a sign of stability and establishment as he begins to assume a position of leadership in Hebron.
It’s worth noting that the mention of David’s wives in this verse:serves as a historical record rather than conveying any moral or spiritual lesson. The Bible often includes genealogical and historical details to provide a comprehensive account of events.
Overall, 2 Samuel 2:2 presents a transitional moment in David’s life, signaling the beginning of his ascent to kingship after the death of Saul.
