“But Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.”
Context:In this verse, we find Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, and the servants of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, traveling from Mahanaim to Gibeon. This verse marks the beginning of a pivotal moment in the political and military landscape of Israel after the death of Saul.
Background:Prior to this event, Saul, the first king of Israel, and his son Jonathan had died in battle (1 Samuel 31:1-6). Following their deaths, Ish-bosheth was made king over Israel in the northern region, while David was anointed king over Judah in the south (2 Samuel 2:4). Thus, the kingdom was divided, and tensions arose between the followers of Ish-bosheth and those loyal to David.
Abner’s Role:Abner, as the commander of Saul’s army, played a significant role in the transition of power. After Saul’s death, Abner supported Ish-bosheth’s claim to the throne and sought to maintain his influence and power in the northern kingdom of Israel.
Mahanaim and Gibeon:Mahanaim was a city east of the Jordan River, where Ish-bosheth established his headquarters (2 Samuel 2:8). Gibeon, on the other hand, was a city located northwest of Jerusalem. The journey of Abner and Ish-bosheth’s servants from Mahanaim to Gibeon suggests a strategic move to assert Ish-bosheth’s authority and control over more territory.
The Divided Kingdom:This verse reflects the division and conflict within the nation of Israel. The kingdom was split, with David ruling over Judah and Ish-bosheth over the rest of Israel. The journey of Abner and Ish-bosheth’s servants to Gibeon signifies their intention to consolidate power and potentially engage in conflict with David’s camp.
Implications for David:David, who had been anointed as king over all Israel, may have seen the actions of Abner and Ish-bosheth as a challenge to his authority. The movement of Abner towards Gibeon raised concerns for David, as he desired to unite the kingdom under his leadership.
Overall, 2 Samuel 2:12 serves as an introduction to the unfolding events and power struggle between David and the remnants of Saul’s kingdom. It highlights the complex political dynamics and sets the stage for future conflicts and alliances as the story continues.
It’s important to consider the larger context and subsequent verses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the events and their spiritual significance.
