"THE BATTLE FOR THE KINGDOM"

Proposition - As we continue in our study of 2 Samuel this day we will see how the battle for the kingdom begins to unfold.

Interrogative Question - What can we learn from Abner's decision to support Ish-bosheth and how it impacted the kingdom?

1. Seeking God's Direction -

2 Samuel 2:1–7 NASB95

1 Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. 3 And David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hebron. 4 Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the Lord because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him. 6 “Now may the Lord show lovingkindness and truth to you; and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing. 7 “Now therefore, let your hands be strong and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

What happened in chapter 1?

What does David do in verse 1?

What does “inquire” mean?

What two questions does David as of the Lord?

How does David respond to the people in Jabesh-gilead?

Logos AI - You could explore how David's choice to seek God's guidance before acting sets the tone for his rule. His initial movements as a king involved humility and reliance on divine direction, which reflects Christ's obedience to the Father. Encouraging teens to prioritize prayer and God's wisdom in their decisions can help them align their actions with their faith.

2. Choosing Sides Wisely -

2 Samuel 2:8–11 NASB95

8 But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. 9 He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel. 10 Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was king for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. 11 The time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

Who is Abner?

What do you think that Abner was pushing for?

Who is Ish-bosheth?

How long was David king?

How long was Ish-bosheth king?

When did Ish-bosheth reign?

Logos AI - Perhaps you could discuss Abner's decision to support Ish-bosheth, highlighting how choices driven by loyalty to human power can lead to unnecessary conflict. This point could be used to illustrate the need for aligning our allegiance with Christ's eternal kingdom, rather than transient earthly powers.

3. Conflicts Create Catastrophe -

2 Samuel 2:12–17 NASB95

12 Now Abner the son of Ner, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon with the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul. 13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool. 14 Then Abner said to Joab, “Now let the young men arise and hold a contest before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.” 15 So they arose and went over by count, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. 16 Each one of them seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side; so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 17 That day the battle was very severe, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

What takes place in verses 12-14?

What is the purpose of this competition?

What is the outcome?

Logos AI - Maybe you could describe the tragic consequences of the battle between Joab's and Abner's forces, illustrating how unchecked ambition and rivalry create unnecessary chaos. This passage could be used to challenge teens to avoid letting pride escalate into conflict, mirroring Jesus' teaching to seek peace.

4. Impulsive Decisions Leads to Danger -

2 Samuel 2:18–23 NASB95

18 Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field. 19 Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.” 21 So Abner said to him, “Turn to your right or to your left, and take hold of one of the young men for yourself, and take for yourself his spoil.” But Asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him. 22 Abner repeated again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” 23 However, he refused to turn aside; therefore Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it came about that all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.

Who are Zeruiah’s three sons?

The MacArthur Study Bible (Chapter 2) 2:18 Abishai. Brother of Joab, he was an aide to David throughout his rise to power. Abishai was with David in the camp of Saul when David had opportunity to kill Saul and encouraged the murder of Saul, which David would not allow (cf. 1 Sam. 26:6–9). Asahel. Another brother of Joab, Asahel was single-minded with dogged determination; though he was extremely fleet-footed, his determination would prove to be fatal (v. 23).

What does Asahel do?

Why do you think that he pursues Abner?

What does Abner do in order to persuade Asahel?

What does Abner finally end up doing?

Logos AI - Perhaps you could highlight Asahel's impulsive pursuit of Abner, leading to his demise. This can be a cautionary tale about rushing into decisions without considering the possible outcomes, reinforcing the importance of wisdom and patience, as seen in Christ's carefully considered actions.

5. Choosing Peace Over Conflict -

2 Samuel 2:24–32 NASB95

24 But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and when the sun was going down, they came to the hill of Ammah, which is in front of Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 The sons of Benjamin gathered together behind Abner and became one band, and they stood on the top of a certain hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long will you refrain from telling the people to turn back from following their brothers?” 27 Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then the people would have gone away in the morning, each from following his brother.” 28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people halted and pursued Israel no longer, nor did they continue to fight anymore. 29 Abner and his men then went through the Arabah all that night; so they crossed the Jordan, walked all morning, and came to Mahanaim. 30 Then Joab returned from following Abner; when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen of David’s servants besides Asahel were missing. 31 But the servants of David had struck down many of Benjamin and Abner’s men, so that three hundred and sixty men died. 32 And they took up Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb which was in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men went all night until the day dawned at Hebron.

How does Joab and Abishai respond to what Abner has done to their brother?

How does Joab respond to Abner in vs. 26 and 27?

Do you think it took a lot of courage to stop the civil war?

How many people died?

Logos AI - You could reflect on the eventual ceasefire and the recognition of the futility of continued conflict. This resolution points to the peace that Christ offers, encouraging teens to seek reconciliation and unity within their communities just as they are called to be peacemakers in the spirit of the Gospel.

SO WHAT?

The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes (Chapter 2) David was a man who always needed to see God’s finger pointing out the right road, to hear God’s voice, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” And he never seemed to be satisfied unless he could hear the sound of his Master’s feet close behind him or see a clear indication that his Master was just in front of him or walking by his side.

How can you apply David's example of seeking God's direction in your own life decisions?

What are some ways you can choose sides wisely in situations where peer pressure is involved?

Can you think of a time when conflict arose in your life? How could you have handled it differently to prevent chaos?

In what areas of your life might you need to slow down and consider the outcomes of your decisions?

How can you be a peacemaker in your school or community, following Joab's example of stopping conflict?