2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2

When I think of the two separate kingdoms of Israel (Israel and Judah) I typically think of the time in the Kings when they are split under the rule of Solomon’s son. A large section of Israel/Judah’s history is the time in which the kingdom was split in two. But there was a time even before Solomon and his sons when the kingdom was split. After Saul’s death, David knew that God would raise him up to be the next king of Israel (that being the whole land). In fact, not long after that final battle, some men from Judah approached David about ruling over their land and being their king. But as David assumes the throne in Judah, Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth rallies several of the tribes together, and they support him as their next king. So Ish-bosheth and David actually rule over two different parts of Israel simultaneously, and this last for 7 ½ years.


What happened to the promise that God had made David about him being Israel’s next king? What happened to the promise that God had made to Saul about his family no longer being able to rule as king of Israel? If you know the story of 2 Samuel, you know that this situation is resolved, and there is no need to worry about what might happen to David. And even if you do not know the story of 2 Samuel, you should understand by now that God always keeps His promises. Furthermore, God does things in his own time. While He promised that David would one day be king, He did not give any specific time constraints on that promise. David had waited this long, and God would come through for David in the end. Ish-bosheth might have thought that he had gotten away with being king, but since that was not and had never been God’s plan, Ish-bosheth’s plans would not stand.

The first conflict between these two ruling nations within Israel occurred at Gibeon, and as expected it was because of this dual leadership. While David did not seek to throw Ish-bosheth off the throne, many of his men did. Now I am sure that David was upset at the way things had turned out. He knew the promise God had given him and probably wondered why all this had happened, but he was also content with waiting on God’s timing. So when Ish-bosheth and his men came up against David, probably seeking to throw David off his throne, God protected David and gave him and his men the victory. Both sides lost men in the battle, but David came out victorious. He was still not king of Israel, and this one battle did not win the war. But God stuck by David’s side, gave him the victory, and continued to prove to David that He would be with him through all of the challenges David would face.

Just think about all that David has been through. He was the youngest of several brothers and looked down upon because of it. No one expected him to be a great warrior, but he was the one who took down Goliath. He helped Saul by playing the harp and became one of the most trusted men in Saul’s court, and yet Saul later tried to kill him on multiple occasions. So he left his home land in fear and stayed on the run for years. Then, his wives get captured by the Amalekites, and he had to go in and rescue them. It is then that he finds out about Saul’s death, and he grieves over him even though Saul was his greatest enemy. He also learns that his best friend Jonathan is dead. Then, when it finally seems like things will turn around and he will be king just as God had promised, Ish-bosheth, another one of Saul’s sons rises up in his way. But no matter the problems and challenges, David always trusted God. He did not give up on God or blame God for the challenges. Instead, he allowed God to work in those situations and every time, God came out on top for David. So when it seems like the odds are stacked against you or if life just does not seem fair (like when you see the ungodly prospering in life) always remember that God has your back. We may not understand why we have to face life’s various challenges, but with God’s help, we can make it through them all. Never give up on God.

Matt