Civil War

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: 2 Samuel
• Chapters: 2 Samuel 2-4
• Summary: The house of David and the house of Saul contend for rule through the rival claims of David and Ishbosheth.

Details

While David reigns in Judah from Hebron, Abner raises up Ishbosheth across Israel from Mahanaim. Violence follows at Gibeon, Abner eventually turns toward David, and Joab murders him in revenge. The weakening of Saul’s house ends when Ishbosheth is assassinated and David rejects the bloodguilt.

Key People Involved

• David
• Ishbosheth
• Abner
• Joab
• Abishai

Key Places

• Hebron
• Mahanaim
• Gibeon
• Bahurim

Important Verses

“And there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David…” - 2 Samuel 3:1

Cross-References

• Related events: David King over Judah, David King over All Israel
• Related books: 2 Samuel

Notes

The united kingdom does not arrive cleanly. 2 Samuel shows how messy the transition from Saul’s house to David’s house really was.