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. (verse 23)
Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader.
What the Lord is Saying: In the previous chapter David mourned the loss of Saul and Jonathan and now as chapter 2 begins he asks the Lord if he should "go up to one of the cities of Judah." The Lord told him to go. David asked where and the Lord said, "Hebron." He had been living in Ziklag but now he goes to Hebron, the place of burial for Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. And upon arrival, the men of Judah anointed him King there. They stated to him there, "let your hands be strong and be valiant" (verse 7).
However, the commander of Saul's army installed Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. Verse 10 "The house of Judah, however, followed David." Ish-bosheth was king for 2 years. Interesting how this occurred. Abner knew that David was the rightful new king, but he did this anyway, creating a conflict.
In verse 12-17 Abner and the servants of Ish-bosheth meet up with Joab and the servants of David on opposite sides of a pool. Abner requests a contest with 12 from each group. Each one grabbed an opponent and thrust the spear into the opponent's side. This was a severe battle with David's servants prevailing.
Asahel, one of the sons of Zeruiah pursued Abner with Abner then telling him to take some of the spoil. But Asahel was not willing. Abner struck him in the belly and he died on the spot. (verse 18-23)
The other two sons pursued Abner but then Abner wondered how much longer and Joab and others "halted and pursued Israel no longer." The servants of David ended up conquering 360 men. Asahel was buried. Abner refused to obey God's will and many died in the process.
Summary: Following Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, leading to a divided kingdom and a civil war against Saul's son Ish-bosheth, whose forces are defeated by David’s army.
Promise: Let us have courage to not resist the truth, but uphold it, even if it at the beginning is not what we want.
Prayer: God, your word in Proverbs tells me to trust in You and do not lean on my own understanding. When there is conflict or division or uncertainty, help me to trust in Your sovereign plan, believing that You are working things out according to Your best for people. Help me to be kind and wait upon your timing to establish Your kingdom. I pray that righteousness would be upheld always.
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