11/17/24 II Samuel

The infighting among the Israelites continued between the house of Saul, the former king, and David, the new king. The house of Saul was represented by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, even though Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, had been installed by Abner as king over eleven of the twelve tribes of Israel. David had been officially appointed king of Judah, the twelfth tribe. The fierce fighting described in vv. 12-32 of Chapter 2 resulted in the deaths of over 400 men.
In Chapter 4, we see the strengthening of David's power and influence. Abner approached David to promise his support to David. Abner seemed to be aware that the LORD had already assured David he would be king over the United Monarchy (all twelve tribes), but Abner still wanted to have a hand in the "takeover". I believe he was campaigning for a high position in the future kingdom. Abner's lust for power resulted in his death at the hand of Joab, the commander of David's army. David lamented over the death of Abner and was admired even more by all of Israel.
Ish-bosheth, the puppet king, was killed by two of Abner's men. Thinking that David would be pleased with them for their murderous ways, they gleefully announced the death of Ish-bosheth to David. However, both of them were executed by David. David's love for Saul surely extended to Saul's son, Ish-bosheth.
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