SUMMARY
Ish-Bosheth’s and David’s generals battle for control of Israel, with losses on both sides.
ANALYSIS
After bloody representative combat failed to settle the matter, Israelites and Judahites fought against each other for their chosen kings. Abner led the forces of Israel, and the three brothers – JoabDavid's military commander who killed Absalom., Abishai, and Asahel led the forces of JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes.. When Judah prevailed, Asahel pursued Abner. All the generals knew each other, and Abner appealed to Asahel to fight against someone else. Asahel refused, and Abner killed his pursuer. Nevertheless, when the forces on each side consolidated, Abner called out for peace and Joab granted it to the man who had just killed his brother.
This story frames much of the rest of the Book of 2 SamuelThe judge who anointed the first two kings of Israel.. The fighting in the following chapter will be intensely personal, and violent, often with family members involved on various sides. Secondly, the book will be full of intrigue, with false promises, fragile peace, betrayal, and violent retribution, again, often among family members. Joab will never forgive Abner, and will be willing to weaken DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. and endanger peace in order to take his vengeance (2 Samuel 3:26-30).
