Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel: Bible Studies, #61
    Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel: Bible Studies, #61
    Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel: Bible Studies, #61
    Ebook262 pages4 hours

    Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel: Bible Studies, #61

    By Hayes Press

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Bible Studies has been the scripture discussion and research magazine of the Churches of God since 1933.  Each year, a different subject is explored via editorials, group discussions, Q&A and special focus articles.  This volume explores the second book of Samuel.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHayes Press
    Release dateOct 2, 2018
    ISBN9781540154286
    Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel: Bible Studies, #61

    Read more from Hayes Press

    Related to Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel

    Titles in the series (32)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    Christianity For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      He’s No King David

      Dec 2, 2019

      He’s No King David
      5 min read

    • Article

      Opinion Piece

      Feb 10, 2020

      “I will bless those who bless you (ISRAEL), but I will curse those who curse you (ISRAEL).” – Genesis 12:3 “The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, ‘Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the

      1 min read

    • Article

      The Single Greatest Sign Of The End Times

      Jul 22, 2019

      It seems like everywhere we look today, we see violence, hatred, and debauchery of every kind. Cities track the number of murders year-to-date, and the local news reports on whether or not the latest body count is a new record. Films and television s

      7 min read

    • Article

      A Guest At The Table

      Aug 7, 2018

      The 3-year-old son of a rabbi who's visiting this obscure corner of the diaspora already stands tall and straight -- like the proper mensch he is becoming, complete with skullcap, earlocks and a blue-and-white fringed garment in accordance with the b

      2 min read

    • Article

      CAIN & THE MURDER OF ABEL

      May 20, 2022

      CAIN & THE MURDER OF ABEL
      6 min read

    • Article

      Why Babel Matters Today: Fighting Prejudice & Racism

      Nov 27, 2020

      In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to show what it means to love your neighbour as yourself. In the parable, a man is travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho when thieves attack him and leave him on the road, severely wounde

      2 min read

    • Article

      The Reign Of Esarhaddon

      Oct 6, 2023

      The Reign Of Esarhaddon
      5 min read

    • Article

      3 Points To Ponder On Bringing Down Walls In Your Life

      Mar 18, 2022

      I enjoy revisiting the interesting and “odd” stories in the Bible – I read them to remind me how good our Father is. The stories of prophets praying fire from the air, out-running horses, giants falling, and an angel locking the mouths of lions, for

      2 min read

    • Article

      Did You Know?

      Oct 27, 2023

      The men of Lud (Lydians) were famous archers (Isa 66:19). Goliath was about nine feet nine inches tall (1 Sam 17:4). Jesus taught from a boat two times: (Matt 13:1-3, Mark 4:1-2, and Luke 5:1-3). Have you ever put your fingers in your ears and made

      1 min read

    • Article

      Excuses When God Calls

      Dec 30, 2019

      Excuses. There is never a shortage of them. People throughout history have always been quick to find an excuse. Way back in the Garden of Eden, Adam set the pattern of excuses when he tried to shift the blame to Eve and to God who gave him the woman.

      6 min read

    • Article

      A Scriptural Study Of Isaiah 6 Isaiah’s Calling To Be A Prophet Part L

      Oct 21, 2019

      So many times, we pray for an Isaiah 6 experience. A scripture well known to all of us. The experience where the train of the robe of Abba Father filled the temple, in a vision that Isaiah saw. The posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cri

      3 min read

    • Article

      The unredeemed REDEEMER

      Apr 5, 2024

      The unredeemed REDEEMER
      3 min read

    • Article

      CHARACTERS OF THE BIBLE Ezra

      Jul 22, 2022

      CHARACTERS OF THE BIBLE Ezra
      3 min read

    • Article

      Characters Of The Bible Gideon

      Oct 28, 2022

      Last month we focused on Samson, the last of twelve judges in the book of Judges. Samson’s moral character appears shoddy at best in the biblical narrative. This month, we’ll take a look at another judge who appears a little better, albeit by no mean

      3 min read

    • Article

      The Real Mr Hyde

      Oct 10, 2019

      The Real Mr Hyde
      9 min read

    • Article

      Are We Cursed Because Of Our Government’s Decision On Israel?

      Feb 10, 2020

      What are the precise borders of the land promised to Abram’s descendants? The Lord makes them perfectly clear. Like any modern-day land purchase, the deed indicates the boundaries of the land given from the Nile river (which is mainly modern Egypt an

      1 min read

    • Article

      Foreshocks Of Revelation: One Day Everything Will Be Shaken

      Apr 13, 2020

      It’s true that the coronavirus has caused massive upheaval around the world. Whole countries are being quarantined (as South Africa recently was). Massive sports events were cancelled. Schools were closed. The stock markets collapsed. But this is a m

      4 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Bible Studies 1993 - Second Samuel - Hayes Press

      JANUARY 1993 - ABNER AND THE SONS OF ZERUIAH (2 Sam. 2:1 - 3:39)

      EDITORIAL 9301 - FOLLOWING AND TOUCHING THE BIER

      Most would agree that Abner was a far better man than Joab, yet he followed a fool, died like a fool, and is buried with a fool.  Truly. the companion of fools shall smart for it (Prov. 13:20).  Abner changed his mind at the last but, while it is always a good thing for a sinner to come to repentance, he had no real future.  Abner was the king-maker of a revolt which had cost many lives both in Benjamin and Judah.  No amount of repentance would resurrect brethren slain by brethren and it is correspondingly hard to imagine Abner as a leader in David's kingdom.  It is one thing for a `ranker' to change his mind but when a prince and a leader in war does so on the fundamental issue for which he has been fighting, he loses all credibility.

      Nevertheless, Abner's decision to end the fighting was bold, sensible and statesmanlike, apparently involving little if any self-seeking.  His life was thus a great tragedy and, no doubt, there was some recognition of this by David in his characteristically generous and sincere funeral tribute.  Here was a man whom he would have loved to have honoured in life, but could only do so in death.  David was powerless to help him and something of his helplessness and recognition of the tragedy of Abner's life is vividly caught in the poignant phrase, King David followed the bier (2 Sam. 3:31).

      But David was helpless in another way.  Not even he had won Abner's heart.  Abner's conversion lay in his recognition of reality and the inevitability of divine purpose, but he was no follower of David—not from the heart.  If that was bad, however, it may be said that Joab was a worse case.  He was a follower of David, but his heart was hard and as unlike David's as any could be.

      Now in all this there is a great contrast, especially to David's helplessness, in his Greater Son, epitomized in that the Lord, came nigh and touched the bier (Lk. 7:14).  Death was stopped in its tracks.  He vanquished it and raised from the dead.  Resurrection is in the hand and voice of the One who makes His claim of Lordship on the believer's heart today, wishing to raise believers to walk in newness of life.

      Who is he, no matter how good he may be personally, who would risk losing all by resisting His claims?  Who is he who would oppose that kingdom, no matter how good he may be personally?  His would be tragedy to outrank Abner's.  Just as Abner found no place in David's kingdom so such believers will find no place in the kingdom of God today.  But what of those whose hearts are won?  They have the example of Joab to shun, for hard hearts are no company either for the King in the Hebron that is His Fellowship today.  Truly, to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required (Lk. 12:48)

      I.E.P.

      CONTRIBUTIONS

      From Ayr:  Unfolding in this month's study is a tale of two dynasties; one falling and one rising.  The twists in the tale bring us lessons in honour, love, truth and a culmination in the dawning of a new light in the character and life of Abner.  This contrasts with an overstretched zeal for the Lord's anointed king, consumed by prejudice, burning revenge and a desire for self-esteem, in Zeruiah's sons.  Yet over-riding every consequence of human actions is a permeating grace shown by the king, which in the end bound the nation together, bringing it through the tragedy of Abner's death, and setting its position for growth.  This grace could only be a gift from God, and is an excellent picture of David's Greater Son, our Lord Jesus.

      Abner saw the dawning of new light as he recognized, in the end, David as God's anointed, and sought the reunification of Israel to Judah.  We reflect on the meaning of his name, `father of light' (Young), and we see a diminished light living in a weak hope [Comment 1].

      As cousin to Saul and uncle to Ishbosheth, it seemed only correct that he should preserve the King's line and kingdom.  As general, he would be used to assisting the King in setting policy and driving through the King's vision and command.  Being the strongest man in position, he used natural instincts and showed a great level of faithfulness and honour to family and kingdom in sustaining this policy.  Such loyalties are common as a way of the world.

      We could not say he was a dishonest man, but he did show great manipulative skill, and in many respects we can see a audacity supporting the soldier's cunning as he sought to out-manoeuvre the armies of David, under Joab.  He showed excellent powers of diplomacy in preventing, or seeking to prevent in the case of Asahel, unnecessary slaughter.  A love for his people shines through, and a love for, if not a striving for, what is true and right.

      So many people of the world who are upright, charitable and honourable can easily put the soldier of Christ to shame.  But Abner learned that kingdoms are not built on human loyalties, and he angrily despised the betrayal of his trust as the accusation about Saul's concubine is laid on him by Ishbosheth [Comment 8].  The experiences brought him to the point of acknowledging what he had fought against, and he sought conciliation with David.  The light of `the truth' dawned.  Only the kingdom united under David and led by God could heal the long frustration of discord.  As David in his weak human state saw his way through the mist of the immediate future, the sons of Zeruiah, those strong valiant and zealous men, provided the backbone of his kingdom.  They very ably collected the people of Judah to him, whom they loved and recognized as God's anointed.  But what zeal!  It surely overstretched itself to self-esteem and the desire for the prestigious spoils of war.  Hence Asahel saw his downfall, and this added to the fire in the hearts of Joab and Abishai.  Sadly, wickedness became the overspill of their zeal, and they murdered Abner in cold blood; Abner, whom David, in his sorrow and admiration, described as a prince and a great man.  How often young disciples are lost, derailed under the folly and sharp edge of cold words, criticism, dim vision, or over zealousness for an apparent holiness.  One day the Judge will play His hand.

      A. Rankine

      From Derby:  As 2 Samuel 2 opens, the Philistines are seen in control of most of the land promised to Abraham and won in battle by Joshua.  Following Saul's death it was time for David to begin to build together the twelve tribes of Israel; to unify them under one leader, and to bring them to serve and worship one God.  David began his enormous task by enquiring of the Lord (2 Sam. 2:1).  David's confidence in his Lord was not diminished by adversity and served only to centre his thoughts on his God.  Even though the crown was his by God-given right, not by right of earthly inheritance (1 Sam. 16:13), he waited on the Lord for direction and leading.  David was anointed king of Judah in Hebron, and from there he sent his thanks to the men of Jabesh-Gilead over the matter of the burial of Saul and his sons, giving them words of encouragement.  He was indeed a true leader, being able to behave in this way to those who had persecuted him for so long!

      As David was being anointed king over the house of Judah, Ishbosheth, Saul's son, was being made king at Mahanaim, in Gilead on the east bank of the Jordan.  The throne was his by right of earthly inheritance, but the power behind the throne was Abner, cousin of Saul and a general of Saul's army.  This led to seven more years of war, the saddest of all wars, when brethren cannot dwell together in unity.

      The three sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, had one thought in mind.  To kill Abner would remove the opposition to David who could then be king over all Israel and Judah.  Asahel, light of foot as a wild roe, ran after the defeated and fleeing Abner to kill him, but died in the attempt.  Like so many good men he gave his life in the service of David.  2 Sam. 2:23 shows how much his brave act was appreciated and remembered for, as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.  This was a mark of respect for a brave man.

      Joab and Abishai continued after Abner, but the death of Abner at the hand of Joab and Abishai was a revenge killing (2 Sam. 3:30).  Later, Abishai is highly commended for his loyalty to David (1 Chron. 11:20-21), but one of Solomon's first acts as king was to have Joab executed. This he did for the murder of Abner and Amasa, and for his part in the revolt against the throne following the death of David (1 Kin. 2).  As Saul's house decreased, David's increased and so is written the list of David's sons (2 Sam. 3:2-5).  Of these, Amon and Absalom were to be a great sorrow to him while Adonijah joined in the revolt against Solomon.  Thus brethren continued to feud after the death of David.

      As David looked back to these sad years of civil war and remembered the heartaches and the tears, he may well have been constrained to write Ps. 133:  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.  Then there is time and desire (Ps. 134) for all His servants to bless the Lord and bring praise and thanks to Him, whose mercy endureth for ever (Ps. 135 and 136).

      S. Wymer

      From Birkenhead:   Three political factions are obvious at the opening of our study.  The dying house of Saul was championed by Saul's cousin, Abner, who placed Ishbosheth, the only remaining son of Saul, on the throne of Israel in a reign which lasted only two years.  David, the divinely ordained king of God's people, was supported by Joab and his two brothers, and ruled Judah from the easily defensible city of Hebron (one of the ancient cities of refuge, Josh. 20).  But the real enemy of both these factions was the Philistines.

      Abner was a military giant who used his earthly wisdom to try and keep some semblance of order in Israel.  David himself was prayerfully dependent on God, waiting for guidance as to the right time and way in which to deal with his new responsibility of kingship.  Alas, he was not helped by his ardent supporters, Joab, Abishai and Asahel, who took the law into their own hands and killed Abner.  The Philistines were a constant thorn in the flesh and provided a backdrop to the two struggling factions.  The need to keep the enemy out should have united Israel and Judah under the divinely appointed leadership of David.  Abner appeared to have recognized God's will in the growing strength of David's following, but his move to change sides at a convenient time was used to cover his own fall from grace and his ethics are more questionable [Comment 2].

      Asahel showed over-eagerness in his pursuit of Abner, but his personal vendetta brought about his own death and eventually the death of Abner by the treachery of Joab.  God's approval was not sought for any of these actions and the spirit of self-seeking among these zealous men did not allow God to show his will.

      There was no desire on the part of David to destroy the house of Saul.  He even went to the length eventually of seeking out any remaining family to whom he could show favour.  There appears to be nothing to be gained by his political move to repossess Michal as his wife.  She never bore a son, so the line of Saul would never be reinstated [Comment 3].  David's mourning of Abner's death was genuine.  He recognized a great man's ability and caused the people to know where the blame lay.  He acknowledged his own difficulties in handling the unfolding events, and declared his dependence on God for strength and wisdom.

      Prayer and patience, jealousy and treachery, power and wisdom, grief and responsibility; all are obvious in this part of David's life.  We can consider each of these characteristics in our own lives today.  The essence of Ps. 32:10 remains as true today as in David's time: trust in the Lord and leave vengeance to Him.

      G. H. Roberts, R. D. Williams

      From Bolton and Leigh:  David inquires of the Lord as to whether he should go up to any of the cities of Judah.  This was probably to establish whether the different tribes would accept him, although he was fully persuaded that God had appointed him.  Was the enquiry by the Priest, or by the Urim and Thummin, or by some other means?  There are examples (1 Sam. 28:6) where guidance has been sought [Comment 4].

      David was told to go up to Hebron.  This was the metropolis of Judah.  The mountains of Hebron were famed for fruits, herbs, honey, vines and olives, and excellent water from abounding springs.  It was from this region that David had sent out gifts (1 Sam. 30).  The inhabitants of Judah had been sympathetic to David for many years and they could see the prospect of pre-eminence amongst the tribes through him [Comment 5].

      David had been anointed by Samuel many years previously, giving him a right to the kingdom.  Now the men of Judah anointed David again, giving him authority over the kingdom.  The other parts of the kingdom were obviously as yet attached to the house of Saul.  David, informed of the kindness shown by those from Jabesh-Gilead in burying Saul, sends, as one of his first actions as king, a message to convey his thanks to these men, for their bold and dangerous enterprise in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons.  To show his gratitude, David promises them favour; a promise that was politically sound because this pledge of protection would be of important significance country-wide in that David would render to them the same energetic aid that Saul had done at the state of his reign.

      2 Sam. 2:8-17 tells of Abner making Ishbosheth king over Israel.  Apart from Abner, this rival kingdom would never have existed for Ishbosheth was so called because of his imbecility.  Abner was Saul's first cousin and the highly respected commander of the forces.  Loyalty to the house of Saul, mixed with opposition to David and his own personal ambition prompted Abner to start up opposition.  He was aware of the importance of securing the backing of the eastern tribes so, taking Ishbosheth across the Jordan, Abner proclaimed him king at Mahanaim, a town on the north bank of the Jabbok.  The tribes rallied round the unfortunate Ishbosheth.  However, David neither could nor would force matters, but was content to wait God's time, studiously avoiding any collision with the rival king. 

      This situation remained for two years before hostilities threatened.  Abner's son went to Gibeon and David sent Joab and his men out to observe them.  Abner proposed (v.14) that the young men fight hand to hand.  Some think that this proposal was merely a source of entertainment, whilst others claim that because both parties were reluctant to start a civil war, they decided to leave the outcome of the fight to 12 men on each side.  This fight by championship, instead of ending the matter roused the fighting spirit on both sides and a general skirmish, in which Abner's men were put to flight [Comment 6].

      There then follows the description of the killing of Asahel and the consequences.  It may seen strange to us to find the unarmed pursuer chasing the armed man, but to gain the general's armour may have been considered the greatest trophy and, clearly Asahel wanted the prize.  Abner, conscious of his superior physical strength and weaponry, advised Asahel to get weapons before attacking; he wanted to avoid a conflict with Asahel's brother Joab, but Asahel would not listen and Abner was forced to kill him.  Joab and Abishai pursued by another route till sunset.  Although Abner had rallied his troops, he earnestly appealed to Joab's better feelings to avoid further bloodshed, which would lead to a destructive civil war.  Joab agreed and Abner quickly crossed the Jordan on a forced march as they went all through the night to Mahanaim (the place from which they had set out), in case Joab changed his mind.  It would seem from v.30 that Joab was not fully aware of his brother Asahel's death until he gathered all the people together.

      Abner would seem to be one of quick temper as, having been accused by Ishbosheth of familiarities with Rizpah, Saul's concubine, he is enraged and offers his services to David.  Yet he admits to Ishbosheth that God had given the kingdom to David.  Was he then admitting that he had been fighting against God? [Comment 1].  Joab, still harbouring the enmity to Abner, pretended to David that Abner was a spy and should not be permitted to return.  The enmity burned within Joab so that he followed Abner and, fearing that David would now make Abner captain of the host, determined to prevent it by murdering the man, under the pretence of avenging the death of his brother Asahel.

      The power and influence of Joab were such that David did not dare to bring him to justice.  However, David did command Joab to take on the part of a principal mourner, rending his clothes, putting on sackcloth and mourning.  Despite the mourning, the people tried to encourage David to eat but he refused, and fasted the whole day.  The people could see that David's grief was sincere and that he had no part or device in the murder of Abner.  This was despite Abner's previously being his enemy.  He knew that the Lord would show true justice.

      Martin Jones, W. Paterson (Jnr)

      From Leeds:  David was now approaching thirty years of age (2 Sam. 5:4) and, as his life was to take a fresh course, he enquired of the Lord.  Joseph, at thirty entered into the service of the king (Gen. 41:46).  Those chosen of the sons of Levi to enter the service and to do the work in the Tabernacle, did so from thirty years old (Num. 4).  The Lord Jesus, about thirty, began His ministry, being, (as was supposed) the son of Joseph (Lk. 3:2-23).  David, now thirty, came to Hebron where the men of Judah anointed him king (2 Sam. 2:4), and where, in the seven and a half years he remained, six of his sons were born, each of a different mother (2 Sam. 3:2-5).

      Abner (Father of light), son of Ner, Saul's uncle, military leader and commander of the army of Israel (1 Sam. 14:50), despite knowing of the Lord's purpose in choosing David to be king over all of Israel from Dan to Beersheba (2 Sam. 3:9-10), elected to go his own way and make his own choice, Ishbosheth (Man of shame), also called Esh-Baal (Man of Baal) (1 Chron. 8:33), was forty years old when he was made king at Mahanaim (2 Sam. 2:8-10), but only reigned for two years.  The dividing of the kingdom brought warfare (2 Sam. 3:1) and, in their battle (2 Sam. 2:17), David's men suffered the loss of twenty, whilst those of Abner lost three hundred and sixty (2 Sam. 2:30, 31).

      Zeruiah was David's sister (1 Chron. 2:15, 16), and her three sons, David's nephews, were Abishai, Joab and Asahel.  Foremost of these three was Joab (Jah is father) (1 Chron. 11:6), who, by David, was made chief and captain.  Abishai (source of wealth) and Asahel (God is doer) were also chiefs and among David's mighty men (1 Chron. 11:20, 26).  The three brothers pursued after Abner and it was Asahel, being fleet of foot, like a wild roe (R.V.) or gazelle (2 Sam. 2:18 NIV), who caught up with Abner, being so determined to catch him and would not give up (2 Sam. 2:21).  Abner, however, with a backward thrust of his spear, killed Asahel and those that had followed later in pursuit of Abner, stopped and regarded the place where Asahel had fallen.  Joab and Abishai then continued after Abner and heard Abner call out Shall the sword devour forever?  Those that live by the sword die by the sword.  Abner died by the short sword of Joab (2 Sam. 3:27).  Both Joab and his brother Abishai were implicated in the murder of Abner (2 Sa,. 3:30), both plotting his death in the gateway of Hebron.  Having been lured to his death, Abner was considered by David to have died as a fool dies (2 Sam. 3:33), but he declared him to be a prince and a man, great among men (2 Sam. 3:38).  David has written much about those of the sword in his Psalms e.g. The wicked have drawn out the sword ... to slay such as he upright in the way, their sword shall enter their own heart (Ps. 37:14, 15).  Save me from the blood thirsty men, ... lo, they lie in wait for my soul; Swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? (Ps. 59:2, 3, 7).  "My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.  But those

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1