02. David is anointed king over Judah & Civil war ( 2Samuel 2:1 – 32)

David became king over Judah, while Ish-Bosheth, a remaining son of Saul, became king over the rest of Israel.

👉 Read 2Samuel 2:1 - 32

Q1. Having inquired of the (       ), David and his followers moved to (      ) and settled there. The people of (      ) anointed him as king. Also, David sent messengers to (        ) to commend them for their loyalty to Saul and to inform them that he had become king over Judah.

Having inquired of the (Lord), David and his followers moved to (Hebron) and settled there. The people of (Judah) anointed him as king. Also, David sent messengers to (Jabesh Gilead) to commend them for their loyalty to Saul and to inform them that he had become king over Judah.

He had not inquired when he went down to the Philistine territory. Now, he inquired of the Lord about this move.

David was wise and tolerant in embracing the people of Jabesh Gilead, who had remained loyal to Saul. His action likely stemmed from diplomatic insight as well—otherwise, they might have become hostile toward David and aligned themselves with his enemies. Also, David warned them not to act rashly by calmly informing them that he had become king of Judah.

Q2. (v8-32) The commander of Saul’s army, (            ), made (             ) the king over all Israel. But the people of Judah followed (              ). (           ) was the leader of David’s soldiers. They met at (                 ) to fight. The battle began with the mutual killing of 24 men: they grabbed one another’s hair and stabbed each other (verse      ). The battle grew fierce. When Abner was chased by (             ), he did not want to kill him because he was his friend’s brother (verse        ). But Abner had no choice. Everyone realized the bitterness of war (verse     or      ). Finally, Abner said to Joab, “We should stop killing our (                  ).” Joab agreed, ceased fighting, and returned home. During this one-day battle, David’s soldiers lost (            ) lives, and Abner’s men lost (           ).

The commander of Saul’s army, (Abner), made (Ish-Bosheth) the king over all Israel. But the people of Judah followed (David). (Joab) was the leader of David’s soldiers. They met at (Gibeon) to fight. The battle began with the mutual killing of 24 men: they grabbed one another’s hair and stabbed each other (verse 16). The battle grew fierce. When Abner was chased by (Asahel), he did not want to kill him because he was his friend’s brother (verse 22). But Abner had no choice. Everyone realized the bitterness of war (verse 25 or 26). Finally, Abner said to Joab, “We should stop killing our (brothers).” Joab agreed, ceased fighting, and returned home. During this one-day battle, David’s soldiers lost (19) lives, and Abner’s men lost (360).

Q3. Find the expressions showing David’s army overcame Abner’s army. 

Verses 17 and 31.

Additionally, the Bible suggests that Abner and his men retreated to their homes in haste overnight. (29, 32)

Though David was anointed as king, it was only over the tribe of Judah, and there were still significant obstacles to overcome before he could rule all of Israel. This is evident in 2 Samuel 2:17–32, which portrays the bitter conflict that continued even after Saul’s death, as the nation was divided and men killed one another—their own brothers and friends.