This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of Dr. Wellum’s exposition of 2 Samuel 1- 6 given on Sunday, November 9, 2008.

This week we caught a glimpse of a kingdom with a less than democratic transition of power. 2 Samuel continues with the ascension and rule of David after the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. Chapter 1 begins as David dialogues with an enigmatic Amalekite in Zikglag who claims to have assisted Saul’s suicide. The Amalekite, hoping for a king’s bounty, is instead seized and put to death. Though doubtful as to the truth of his claims, David condemns the killing of his adversary saying, “How is it that you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” (2 Sam 1:14). David continues his lament in chapter 1: “Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!” (1:19). Though Saul had been a threat to David’s life and rule, David loved Saul at his death even by honoring the men who buried him (2:4-7).

Chapter 2 is marked by David’s second anointing, followed by bloodshed in civil war. Emerging from the house of David and the house of Saul are two rival generals, Joab and Abner (2:12). The two begin by having their men fight, 12 each, representing the twelve tribes and an allusion to true Israel. This soon leads to the death of Asahel, Joab’s brother, as Abner flees from Joab. 360 of Benjamin are struck down that day by David’s men (2:31). Saul’s house, ruled by his son Ish-bosheth, diminishes as David’s house grows in strength (3:1). Thereafter, Abner makes a covenant with David on the condition that he procures his wife Michal (3:13). The covenant, however, carries no lasting promise; Joab exacts revenge on Abner by killing him privately. When David hears the news, he mourns Abner’s death.

As he received word of his general’s death, Ish-bosheth knew he was finished. With no formidable strength or power, Ish-bosheth was assassinated in his sleep by two captains, Baanah and Rechab. The two young captains quickly brought Ish-bosheth’s head to David hoping to receive a reward, but David charged them with a crime worse than the Amalekite saying: “shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?” (4:11b). The young men were put to death and their hands and feet were hung beside the pool at Hebron. With no remaining successors in Saul’s house, David was anointed king of Israel, thus, consolidating power and unifying the kingdom. He then defeated the Phillistines at Rephaim (5:17-25).

Finally, it was time for David to return the ark of God back to Israel. While moving the ark from the house of Abinadab, Uzzah grabbed the ark as it was slipping from the cart. This occasion of celebration quickly turned to mourning as Uzzah was instantly struck dead. The ark was not carried by a Levite (1 Chr 15:2). David was angry that the Lord killed Uzzah and left the ark at Obed-edom’s house. Later David received word: “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom…” (6:12). Once again David had the ark moved, this time to Jerusalem and celebrated by dancing before the ark of God.

Throughout these early chapters we see that David’s moments of greatness were not without evidences of weakness. David resorts to polygamy by taking several wives, thus, he buffers his strength through illegitimate means (2:2; 5:13). We also see failure on the part of David to rebuke and punish his nephew Joab for the murder of Abner. This is reminiscent of Samuel and Eli’s similar failures as fathers. Furthermore, Chapter 6 reveals that there is derision in his own house; Michal despised David (6:16). The transfer of power from Saul to David meant that Israel finally had the perfect king, right? Was David the real change agent Israel had hoped for? As we will soon see the Davidic promise and hope of Israel was not based on the character or leadership of one man but firmly secured in the faithfulness and mercies of Israel’s true Sovereign. Their future, as well as, our future is in his hands.

~Ryan Helfenbein

~ds