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DAVID WINS OVER ISHBOSHETH
MONDAY, JULY 6
2 Samuel 2:12-32

Ephesians 1:3-6

 

“According as he hath chosen us
in him before the foundation

of the world…”

 

DAVID WINS OVER ISHBOSHETH
 
Abner, the captain of the host of Saul, led in the struggle to retain the kingdom in the hands of the son of Saul. Each side flexed their muscles, but the gift of God is not by power or by might. God is the Lord of hosts and gives to whom He pleases. Since there were two kings in a nation that ought to be united, the struggle for power could not be avoided.
 
That situation, where there were two centres of power, caused a struggle and thus war was in the making. This was the natural outcome of having two kings in one nation. Joab, a nephew of David, was the head of his hosts and they met with Abner’s army in Gibeon. Joab had two brothers (Abishai and Asahel) who were also military leaders. Joab was trying to avoid armed conflict at this point, but when the two opposing armies met, the individuals of each side had differing opinions on how to arrive at a resolution. This was what happened between these two armies. David’s army was victorious in Gibeon. The appeal for a ceasefire did not take effect until Asahel was killed by Abner. Joab blew the trumpet to stop the war. All these happened according to God’s will, eventually to enthrone David as king of all Israel.
 
The men of Benjamin gave in and there was a ceasefire. Joab prepared David’s army for any eventualities. That conflict cost lives on both sides. Abner’s side lost three hundred and sixty lives but there were only twenty lost on the side of Joab. Asahel was one of the highest ranking officers among those who died. David’s side continued to get stronger.
 
Despite the confusion, God was in control of the events and David was headed to become king of all Israel. The sovereignty of God cannot be overtaken by human action.
 
THOUGHT: Godly solution to conflict is peace initiative.

PRAYER: Father, make me a peacemaker.

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