Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Samuel 2 Devotional

Asking Before Moving

“Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.”2 Samuel 2:1 (BSB)

Saul is dead, the way to the throne seems open, and David's first move is not a march but a question. He asks the LORD whether to go up to Judah, and where, and the LORD answers: Hebron (2:1). There the men of Judah anoint him king. One of David's first acts is to bless the men of Jabesh-gilead for burying Saul, praying that the LORD will show them loving devotion and faithfulness (2:5-6).

Meanwhile Abner makes Saul's son Ish-bosheth king over the rest of Israel (2:8-9), and the two sides meet at Gibeon. A contest turns into slaughter, Asahel is killed, and Abner calls out to ask whether the sword must devour forever (2:26). Rival kingdoms built by human strategy end in bloodshed. The LORD's kingdom comes on his timetable and by his direction. Proverbs says that those who acknowledge God in all their ways will find their paths made straight (Proverbs 3:6). Before your next decision, you can bring it to the one who has already promised to lead.

To think about: What decision in front of you have you not yet brought to God, and what keeps you from asking him first?

About 2 Samuel 2: David Made King Over Judah

Guided by the LORD, David moves to Hebron, where Judah anoints him king, and he blesses the town that buried Saul. Abner sets up Ish-bosheth, a son of Saul, as a rival king, and a clash at Gibeon ends in defeat for Abner, who kills Joab’s brother Asahel before the fighting is halted.

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