2 Samuel 2 opens David’s reign in Hebron and the civil war that divided Israel after Saul’s death. Judah anoints David king, but Abner installs Saul’s son Ishbosheth over the northern tribes - two kings, two armies, and a collision at the pool of Gibeon where young Asahel falls and Abner asks: “Shall the sword devour f

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Lyrics

David enquired of the LORD saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah The LORD said to him, Go up David said, Where shall I go up He said, To Hebron

David went up there with his two wives Ahinoam the Jezreelitess And Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite David brought up his men who were with him every man with his household They lived in the cities of Hebron

The men of Judah came and there they anointed David king Over the house of Judah They told David, The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul Blessed are you by the LORD

Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army Had taken Ishbosheth the son of Saul And brought him over to Mahanaim and made him king

But the house of Judah followed David Abner and the servants of Ishbosheth went out And met them by the pool of Gibeon They sat down one on the one side and the other on the other side

Abner said to Joab, Let the young men arise And compete before us So twelve for Benjamin and for Ishbosheth And twelve of David’s servants arose

They caught each opponent by the head And thrust his sword in his fellow’s side So they fell down together The battle was very severe that day

Abner was beaten and the men of Israel before David’s servants Three sons of Zeruiah were there Joab Abishai and Asahel Asahel pursued Abner and didn’t turn to the right hand or to the left Abner struck him with the back end of the spear

The spear came out behind him and he fell down and died Joab and Abishai pursued Abner And Abner called to Joab, Shall the sword devour forever Don’t you know it will be bitterness in the latter end

How long will it be before you ask the people To return from following their brothers Joab blew the trumpet and all the people stood still And pursued Israel no more

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2 Samuel 2 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press