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2 Samuel 2 – Praying through the Bible #98 – A Prayer that Brings Division
Prayer is supposed to solve problems. Talking to God and getting advice from God is not supposed to cause pain, suffering, and division. But this time it does.
Once again “David inquired of the LORD” (2 Samuel 2:1). Saul, along with three sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, are dead. The sons are killed in war (1 Samuel 31.2) against the Philistines. Severely wounded by archers, Saul commits suicide (31.4-5) rather than suffer humiliation or torture. That is the end of 1 Samuel but not the end of Saul’s dynasty. Second Samuel begins with David receiving the news and singing a dirge for Saul and Jonathan. David never considered Saul his enemy.
David asks God, “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?” God says yes. Remember, David is from Judah. David inquires further, “Where should I go?” Hebron is God’s direction (2.1). “Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah” (2.4). This public anointing begins the division. This also begins the public acknowledgment God’s anointing David through Samuel (1 Samuel 16). Officially and divinely, David is king over Judah. Israel does not agree. God’s people are divided. David’s first act is attempting to unify people. Jabesh-Gilead had rescued the mutilated body of Saul who earlier rescued them as one of his first acts as king (1 Sm 13). These men are honorable. So David sends a message of blessing, kindness and faithfulness. After praising them he encourages them that they are not his enemies despite their loyalty to Saul: “Therefore, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them” (2 Sm 2.5-7).
Trouble is brewing. Not all of Saul’s sons were killed in battle. Forty year old Ish-bosheth is taken by Saul’s commander of the army, Abner, and made king (2.8-10). Possibly Ish-bosheth was Saul’s oldest son and remained out of battle for the sake of safety. Possibly he was unfit for battle as will be seen. Regardless, the monarchial line must be preserved and succession is not based upon ability. For two years there is civil war, a nation divided, compatriots now fighting against friends (2.10; 3.1). Abner grows stronger. Despite appointing Saul’s son as king, he was aware of God’s promise to David and turns on his king (3.9). Ish-bosheth grows afraid of Abner. Fear can make you unfit for battle. A deal is made to unite the kingdom once again. A deal that ends bloodshed and brings more. Abner is now assassinated by David’s commander, Joab, in retribution for Abner killing his brother in the civil war (3.30).
This scene begins with prayer. Prayer is supposed to make life better. Good intentions are supposed to make for good results. Problem is life is not filled with people praying and with good intentions.
Prayer Challenge: Pray knowing challenges are often brought by prayer and that conflicts come despite good intentions to unify. Pray knowing that life is messy.
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