Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: David Wages War Against and Defeats Ish-Bosheth

◄ David: King of Israel: David Wages War Against and Defeats Ish-Bosheth ►

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his military prowess, deep faith, and complex personal life. His rise to power was marked by a series of conflicts, including a significant struggle against Ish-Bosheth, the son of Saul, who was made king over Israel by Abner, Saul's military commander.

Background

Following the death of King Saul and his sons at the Battle of Mount Gilboa, the kingdom of Israel was left in a state of disarray. David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king, was initially recognized as king over the tribe of Judah, ruling from Hebron. Meanwhile, Abner, seeking to maintain the house of Saul, installed Ish-Bosheth as king over the remaining tribes of Israel. This division set the stage for a prolonged conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul.

The Conflict

The war between the house of David and the house of Saul was marked by a series of skirmishes and battles. The Bible records that "the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long and drawn out, with David growing stronger and the house of Saul becoming weaker" (2 Samuel 3:1). David's forces, led by his commander Joab, engaged in numerous confrontations with the forces of Ish-Bosheth, led by Abner.

A notable incident during this period was the battle at the pool of Gibeon, where a fierce contest took place between the two factions. The conflict escalated into a full-scale battle, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Despite the ongoing hostilities, David's position continued to strengthen, largely due to his strategic acumen and the loyalty of his followers.

Abner's Defection

The turning point in the conflict came when Abner, disillusioned with Ish-Bosheth, decided to defect to David's side. This decision was precipitated by a personal dispute between Abner and Ish-Bosheth over a concubine of Saul. Abner, recognizing David's growing power and the futility of continuing the conflict, sought to negotiate a transfer of allegiance. He approached David with an offer to bring all Israel under his rule, saying, "Make your covenant with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel over to you" (2 Samuel 3:12).

David accepted Abner's proposal, and the two leaders met to formalize the agreement. However, the peace was short-lived, as Joab, seeking revenge for the death of his brother Asahel at the hands of Abner, murdered Abner. This act of treachery threatened to derail the reconciliation process, but David publicly mourned Abner's death and distanced himself from Joab's actions, thereby maintaining his integrity and the support of the people.

The Assassination of Ish-Bosheth

With Abner's death, Ish-Bosheth's position became increasingly precarious. His reign was further undermined by the loss of his most capable supporter. Eventually, two of Ish-Bosheth's own captains, Rechab and Baanah, assassinated him while he was resting in his house. They brought his head to David, expecting a reward for eliminating his rival. However, David, adhering to his principles and respect for the anointed king, condemned their actions and ordered their execution, stating, "As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, when someone told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag" (2 Samuel 4:9-10).

Aftermath

The death of Ish-Bosheth effectively ended the civil war and paved the way for David to be recognized as king over all Israel. The elders of Israel came to David at Hebron and anointed him king, fulfilling the divine promise made through Samuel. David's consolidation of power marked the beginning of a united monarchy and a period of prosperity and expansion for the nation of Israel.

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2 Samuel 2:13-32
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
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