DBG - April 8 - Genesis 4-6

The book of II (second) Samuel is largely the story of David’s reign over Israel.  It is an honest report of his life and rule.  We will see its great highs and its terrible lows.

A few quick facts about II Samuel:

In this chapter David learns of Saul’s death and mourns over him.

vs. 1-16 – David learns of Saul’s death when an Amalekite arrives, claiming to have seen the dying Saul.  His story is that he killed Saul and brought Saul’s crown and bracelet was proof.  This is not a contradiction of the account of Saul’s death in I Samuel 31.  This man is lying to try to gain favor with David.  David pronounces him guilty by his own testimony and has him killed.

vs. 17-27 – David composes a lament for Saul and Jonathan.  There is some confusion on vs. 18 regarding the word bow.  Some see it is a name of the song (“the Song of the Bow”) but there is little evidence that songs had titles in that manner this early in history.  I think it is through this song and the impact of the defeat that David encourages greater uses of the bow in battle. 

In this chapter a civil war begins between the tribes with two rival kings.

vs. 1-7 – After Saul’s death, David is told by the Lord that it is time to return to his country and his people.  The tribe of Judah anoints David as their king, not waiting for the other tribes to act.  David’s first official act is the express his gratitude to the men of Jabeshgilead for their bravery and kindness in recovering Saul’s body. 

vs. 8-11 – Saul’s general Abner works to mane Saul’s son Ishbosheth (“man of shame”) king over the other tribes of Israel.  There is a state of civil war between the tribes and the two rival kings for the next 7 ½ years.

vs. 12-16 – Ishbosheth’s forces clash with David’s forces, led by his nephew Joab (“who father is Jehovah”), at Gibeon.  It seems that both sides have some reluctance to initiate a fight, so 12 men from each side meet in an opening skirmish to prime the bloodlust of the soldiers.  It is a sad spectacle as the men have all been trained the same way, so each grabs the other’s head with one hand and strike with their sword with the other.  All 24 men perish in mere moments.  The place is called Helkathhazzurim (“the field of rocks”), referring to the men who died without gaining or losing ground. 

vs. 17-32 – As the men under Abner are retreating, Joab’s brother Asahel (“made by God”) gave chase to Abner.  Abner thrusts backwards with the butt of his spear and struck his adversary down.  The loss of Asahel slows the pursuit and allows Abner to establish a fortified position.  Joab calls off the attack, but he does not forget that Abner killed his brother.

In this chapter Abner attempts to change sides but is murdered by Joab.

vs. 1 – This is a snapshot view of the 7 ½ years when David only reigned over Judah.  It was still a very difficult time for David, but better than being on the run from Saul.

vs. 2-5 – We pause to see David’s growing family.  His sons in order of birth are Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, and Adonijah.  Chileab is thought to have died young since little is said about him other than noting his birth and existence.  The other three sons will all cause David great heartache.

vs. 6-21 – Abner is the real power behind Ishbosheth, and everyone knows it.  But Ishbosheth tires of it and call Abner out for his encroaching on royal prerogatives.  Abner is enraged and decides to switch sides and go to David.  David welcomes the opportunity to hopefully put an end to the civil war.  David’s request to open negotiations is the return of his first wife Michal, who had been given to another man after David went on the run. 

vs. 22-39 – Joab returns from a battle to see David negotiating with Abner and is infuriated.  Joab and Abishai murder Abner in cold blood in revenge for the death of their brother Asahel.  David is quick to distance himself from the action and fully blames Joab.  He mourns the death of Abner and the tribes of Israel take notice.

David had to patiently trust God to keep him safe from Saul until the day he could be made king.  Even with Saul’s death there was not full realization of this.  For over seven years he had to endure civil war until finally all the tribes united under him.  The remarkable things about David during these times is that his patience never broke causing him to make terrible, rash decisions.  He could have tried to conquer the other tribes, but he did not press the matter as he could have.  We should so trust the Lord to work His will in His time.  Even if takes decades to come to fruition, it is worth trusting God and letting Him work.

Our hymn today is a metrical setting of David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan.  It is found in the 1742 “Psalms Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of the Old and New Testament” under the heading “David’s mournful Elegy”. 

19 Upon the places high is slain
The flow'r of Israel.
How are the mighty fallen down:
20 In Gath this never tell:
Nor shew't in streets of Askelon,
Lest Philistines rejoyce,
Lest daughters of th' uncircumcis'd
Should make triumphant noise.

21 Ye mountains high of Gilboah
Left there be never dew.
Nor rain, nor fields of offerings
Let ever be on you.
For there the mighty one his shield
Receiv'd disgraceful foil:
The shield of Saul, as he had not
Anointed been with oyl.

22 The bow of Jon'than did not turn
Back from the blood of slain,
From fat of mighty, and Saul's sword
Did not return in vain.
23 Most lovely Saul and Jonathan,
And pleasant did abide
Whilst they did live and in their death
Them nothing did divide

They swifter than the eagles were,
The lions did excell
24 In strength. O weep ye over Saul,
Daughters of Israel.
Who did in scarlet you array,
With deckings manifold,
Who did on your apparel lay
The ornaments of gold.

25 In midst of the fierce battle how,
The mighty fallen lie.
O Jonathan cut off wast thou,
Upon thy places high!
26 O thou my brother Jonathan,
I am diftress'd for theem
A loving dear companion
Thou hast been unto me.

Thy love to me in wonder past
The love of women far:
27 How are the mighty fallen, and waste
The weapons are of war!