Interesting stories; first, the young man who reported to David that he had killed Saul. The report seems to be that almost of a mercy killing. Saul was in terrible anguish, he could not live, and he himself asked the guy to put him out of his misery. David’s response: “How is it you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord's anointed?” (1:14) And then, David had the guy killed, saying to him, “Your blood be on your head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord's anointed’” (1:16). Perhaps it was the actual killing of Saul, but I suspect it was more that David perceived a boasting and a selfish desire on the part of the young man to benefit personally from killing David’s rival. No doubt, though, that David personally and deeply mourned the death of Saul and Jonathan. Always, David had shown a good respect for the king and had recognized Saul as God's anointed ruler.
And then, the civil war between the northern tribes (Ish-bosheth) and Judah (David). Abner, the northern general, and Joab, David's general, take seats on opposite sides of the pool of Gibeon (2:13) and appear, quite calmly, to agree to put on a competition between their troops. Twelve men from each side battle and kill each other while the generals look on. And then, the summary statement: “And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David” (2:17). So, a competition followed by all out battle? But, though these odd details are interesting, perhaps it is important to see the forest rather than the individual trees. “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker” (3:1). God was establishing the Davidic dynasty, and no historical persons or forces would frustrate that purpose. Even Abner, in his confrontation with Ish-bosheth, recognized what was going on: God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah” (3:9,10).
Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true and only Light,
Sun of righteousness, arise,
triumph o’er the shade of night;
Day-spring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear. -- Charles Wesley (1740)
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