What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:9? He made him king • Abner, Saul’s seasoned commander, “made him king” (2 Samuel 2:9). This was Abner’s political decision, not the Lord’s anointing. David had already been chosen by God and anointed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1–13), and Judah had just crowned David at Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). • The verse highlights a contrast between man-made appointment and God-ordained kingship (cf. 1 Samuel 15:28; 2 Samuel 3:10). Abner was trying to preserve Saul’s dynasty, yet God’s plan for David would prevail (2 Samuel 5:1–3). Over Gilead • Gilead lay east of the Jordan, home to parts of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh (Joshua 22:1–9). Settlements there had long been loyal to Saul’s house (1 Samuel 11:1-4). • By securing Gilead, Abner gained a natural fortress—rugged terrain and distance from Judah made it a safe base while he regrouped Saul’s followers (cf. Numbers 32:1-5; 2 Samuel 17:26). Over Asher • “Ashurites” refers to the tribe of Asher along the northern coast (Joshua 19:24-31). • Their inclusion shows that Abner’s influence reached the far north. Yet even this tribal backing could not override God’s covenant choice of David (Psalm 89:3-4). Over Jezreel • Jezreel Valley was a fertile, strategic plain connecting north and south (1 Samuel 29:1). • Controlling Jezreel meant command of key trade and military routes, but earthly strongholds do not guarantee divine favor (Proverbs 21:31). Over Ephraim • Ephraim was the dominant central tribe and often stood for the northern kingdom as a whole (Hosea 5:3). • Winning Ephraim gave Ish-bosheth credibility; nevertheless, Judah’s allegiance to David foretold Israel’s eventual unity under Davidic rule (2 Samuel 2:10; 2 Samuel 5:1). Over Benjamin—over all Israel • Benjamin, Saul’s own tribe (1 Samuel 9:1-2), was naturally loyal. By citing Benjamin last, Scripture emphasizes Saul’s house as the core of resistance. • The phrase “over all Israel” reflects Abner’s claim rather than an accomplished fact. Judah, in reality, was already following David (2 Samuel 2:10-11). God allowed a season of divided rule to reveal hearts and to vindicate David’s patience and obedience (2 Samuel 3:1; Psalm 37:7). summary 2 Samuel 2:9 records Abner’s attempt to prop up Saul’s dynasty by installing Ish-bosheth over key regions—Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—claiming “all Israel.” The verse underscores a man-centered kingdom in competition with God’s chosen king. Though Abner secured impressive territory, the Lord’s promise to David stood firm. This brief season of divided monarchy illustrates the futility of human schemes against God’s declared will and sets the stage for Israel’s eventual reunification under David, the true anointed king. |
    |