1-27 David Mourns for Saul and Jonathan
- Two days after David has returned to Ziklag after defeating the Amalekites, a young man, dirty with torn clothes, comes to him and reports that Saul and Jonathan have been killed in the battle with the Philistines.
- When David asks him how he knows, he says he killed the wounded Saul at his own request, and has brought his crown and armlet as evident.
- David and his men tear their clothes and fast until evening.
- David orders one of his men to kill the young messenger, who has identified himself as a resident alien Amalekite, saying "Were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?"
- David composes a mourning song, "The Song of the Bow": "...How the mighty have fallen!...Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and death they were not divided...How the mighty have fallen!...I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan...your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women...How the mighty have fallen!" David is consistent in his devotion to both Saul and Jonathan, as he is toward God. The fact that this means he will assume the throne seems to mean nothing to him.
1-7 David Anointed King of Judah
- David inquires of God, and God tells him to go back to Judah, to Hebron, which he does, with all his men and both wives.
- When he is told the people of Jabesh-Gilead buried Saul, David sends for them and blesses them and promises to reward them.
- Abner, son of Ner, commander of Saul's armies, anoints Ishbaal, son of Saul, as king over Israel, where he reigns 2 years.
- David is king of Judah in Hebron for 7 years.
- Abner and servants of Ishbaal meet Joab and servants of David at pool at Gibeon, where, at Abner's suggestion, they engage in a "contest," 12 on each side.
- Each contestant grabs his opponent by the head, and each "thrusts his sword in his opponent's side," and they all die, so that the place is then called "Field of Sword-edges." This has to be the most inane contest of all time!
- Then (it appears) it evolves into a battle of all the servants, and David's servants prevail.
- Asahel, Joab's brother, "as swift of foot as a wild gazelle," chases Abner. Abner warns him that if he doesn't stop chasing him, he'll kill him, which he does.
- Joab and Abishai, Asahel's brothers, chase Abner, but other Benjamites surround him for protection.
- Abner persuades Joab to stop the killing, and Joab calls off his men.
- When all return home, David has lost 19 men; Abner has lost 360 men. What was Abner thinking? Is this a result of men who are so used to battle and bloodshed it becomes sport? Or maybe it's the result of ambition, resentment, hatred and competition out of control.
1-21 Abner Defects to David
- This battle develops into a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. Saul's resentment toward David now develops into a civil war.
- 6 sons born to David in Hebron -- each with a different mother. At least three - Ahinoam, Abigail, and Eglah -- are wives.
- Abner, who is becoming powerful in Saul's house, is accused by Ishbaal of sleeping with one of Saul's concubines.
- Angry at the accusation, Abner tells Ishbaal since he doesn't respect him, he'll help God accomplish his purposes of handing over Saul's kingdom to David.
- Abner sends messengers to David with his offer, and David accepts, on the condition that he bring Saul's daughter Michal, his former wife, with him. David doesn't have enough wives?
- Ishbaal takes her from her husband, Paltiel, but he follows her, weeping, and Abner sends him back home. This is such a pathetic scene. Notice that it doesn't mention how Michal feels about it?
- Abner promises elders of Israel and Benjamites he will give them David as their king.
- With 20 men, he goes to a feast David prepares, and promises David he will rally Israel behind him. David sends him away in peace. Is Abner really true to David, or is he just an opportunist?
- At this time Joab has been away on a raid. When he finds out about the deal David has made with Abner, he's incensed, and warns David that Abner is spying.
- Secretly, Joab sends for Abner to return to Hebron.
- When Abner does so, Joab takes him aside and stabs him to death to avenge his brother Asahel.
- David curses Joab's family with disease and famine.
- David orders the people to mourn for Abner, and refuses to eat, which the people take as a sign he had nothing to do with Abner's death.
- Interesting note: "All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; just as everything the king did pleased all the people."
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