Hypertext Bible

2 Samuel 2

Book of ChroniclesHebrew Bible TranslationJewish Publication Society Bible

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This is a passage of Hebrew scripture — specifically 2 Samuel chapter 2 — belonging to the Deuteronomistic historical tradition of the Hebrew Bible. It narrates the political and military events immediately following the death of Saul: David, directed by God, travels to Hebron where the tribe of Judah crowns him king, while Saul's general Abner installs Saul's son Ish-bosheth as a rival king over the northern tribes, establishing a divided kingdom. The chapter depicts the first open military confrontation between the two factions, beginning as a ritualized combat at Gibeon — twelve champions per side — that escalates into full battle, ending in Abner's defeat. A notably distinctive episode is Abner's killing of Asahel (Joab's brother), which Abner attempts to avoid out of concern for the blood-feud consequences with Joab, foreshadowing the political violence that will recur throughout the David narrative. The text also shows David's diplomatic shrewdness in reaching out to the men of Jabesh-gilead who honored Saul's body, seeking to consolidate loyalty even among those tied to his predecessor. Someone deciding whether to read further would find this chapter essential context for understanding the civil war that precedes David's unified reign and the personal enmities — particularly between Joab and Abner — that drive much of what follows.

2 Samuel 2

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