Study Guide: 2 Samuel 2
*This study guide can be used in conjunction with the message preached on June 29, 2025 during the series Imperfect Heroes.
Pray
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in humility and peace in your interactions with others.
Read
2 Samuel 2
Observe
vv. 1–4a | David, King of Judah
David asked the LORD for guidance: This was a key to David’s success. He didn’t just want God to bless his own plans—he wanted to follow God’s plan.
“Should I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” At this point, David was still living in Ziklag, in Philistine territory. After his time of spiritual discouragement, he wanted to know if it was time to return to his homeland.
David didn’t want it to look like he came back only because Saul was dead. He cared about how things looked, even if he wasn’t consumed by appearances.
The LORD answered him: Even though David had just come out of a spiritually weak time, God didn’t ignore him. God spoke and guided him.
David had been promised the throne 15–20 years earlier (1 Samuel 16:12–13). But even now, with the promise in reach, David didn’t push ahead on his own. He waited for God to act.
The men of Judah anointed David king: David didn’t grab power for himself. The elders of Judah approached him and made him king. David let God lift him up through others.
vv. 4b–7 | David Thanks the Men of Jabesh Gilead
You showed kindness to Saul: David thanked the men for honoring Saul and Jonathan. They had risked their lives to do what was right (1 Samuel 31:11–13).
Be strong and brave: David knew he needed men like them—loyal and courageous—to help support and build his kingdom, especially in this unstable time.
vv. 8–11 | Abner Makes Ishbosheth King Over Israel
Abner, son of Ner: Abner was Saul’s cousin (1 Samuel 14:50) and longtime military leader. He first met David after David defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:55–57). David once rebuked Abner for failing to protect Saul.
Ishbosheth, son of Saul: Saul’s three sons died in battle (1 Samuel 31:6), but Ishbosheth—likely a son by a concubine—was still alive.
Keep in mind, David was also Saul’s son-in-law through his marriage to Michal (1 Samuel 18:17–30).
Abner made him king: Abner likely did this so he could control things behind the scenes, using Ishbosheth like a puppet king.
He reigned two years: David didn’t attack Ishbosheth, even though he could have. Instead, he waited patiently, trusting in God’s timing and showing respect for Saul’s memory.
Many tribes preferred Ishbosheth because they were afraid of the Philistines. Supporting David openly could bring trouble.
Seven years and six months: That’s how long David ruled from Hebron. For the first two years, Ishbosheth ruled most of Israel, while David led only Judah.
David didn’t force people to follow him. Like Jesus, the Son of David, he waited patiently while false leaders tried to hold on to power.
vv. 12–17 | Abner’s and Joab’s Armies Fight a Brutal Battle
Joab, son of Zeruiah: Joab likely joined David early on and became his chief military commander.
He had two brothers: Abishai and Asahel.
All three were David’s nephews through his sister Zeruiah (1 Chronicles 2:16).
Abner and Joab faced off: Both were tough, experienced military leaders, fiercely loyal to their sides.
“Let the young men compete”: What started as a small contest turned violent quickly. All 24 soldiers died, and the place was called the Field of Sharp Swords.
vv. 18–23 | Abner Kills Asahel
The sons of Zeruiah: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were David’s nephews. Though younger in rank, they were around David’s age.
Asahel chased Abner: Asahel was fast and locked in on taking down Abner.
Take armor as a prize: Asahel likely wanted the glory of killing a commander and taking his armor.
“Why should I strike you?” Abner warned him—he didn’t want to kill Asahel and start a blood feud with Joab.
Asahel wouldn’t listen. His determination blinded him to the danger.
Abner killed him: It was self-defense. But Abner knew Joab wouldn’t forget or forgive.
vv. 24–28 | A Cease-Fire
Joab and Abishai kept pursuing: Their motivation now included revenge for their brother’s death.
“Shall the sword devour forever?” Abner, facing defeat, asked for peace. It was to his advantage now.
Joab called for a cease-fire: He likely did this to avoid a long civil war and to give his troops some rest.
vv. 2:29–3:1 | A Victory for David’s Army
David lost 20 men; Abner lost 360: The battle clearly went in David’s favor.
A long war followed: Joab’s choice to accept the cease-fire may have seemed wise, but it only delayed the inevitable. There could be no lasting peace between David and the false king Ishbosheth.
David grew stronger and stronger: His rise began long before Saul’s death, when God chose him and removed His Spirit from Saul (1 Samuel 16:13–14).
Credit: Guzik, David. “2 Samuel 2 - David and the War with Ishbosheth.” Enduring Word, n.d., https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-samuel-2.
Apply
1. Seek God’s Guidance Before Making Major Decisions
David didn’t rush back to take the throne after Saul’s death. Instead, he asked God where to go and waited for specific instructions. This shows us the importance of seeking God’s will through prayer and Scripture before making big moves in life—whether it's a new job, relationship, or life direction. When we trust His timing and plan, we avoid unnecessary mistakes.
2. Let God Promote You, Don’t Promote Yourself
David didn’t fight for power or force others to follow him. He waited patiently while God elevated him through the loyalty of others. In a culture that values self-promotion, we’re reminded here that spiritual leadership and influence grow best when rooted in humility, patience, and God’s timing—not in pushing ourselves forward.
3. Unresolved Conflict Can Lead to Long-Term Division
The conflict between Joab and Abner, sparked by Asahel’s death, shows how personal grudges can fuel larger battles. Even though a cease-fire was called, the tension remained and led to ongoing war. This reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and addressing conflict in a healthy, godly way—before bitterness takes root and causes deeper division in families, friendships, or churches.
Pray (ACTS)
A – Praise God for being sovereign, wise, and just, guiding you with perfect timing and love.
C – Confess a time you acted in haste or pride, not seeking God’s guidance as you should have.
T – Thank God for the example of David’s patience and trust.
S – Ask Him to help you seek His will in all things and to be a peacemaker.
DISCUSS
Questions for personal reflection, spiritual insight, or group interaction.
Share about a time when you had to wait longer than expected for something important? What helped you stay patient?
What are some ways we can practically “inquire of the Lord” when facing decisions today?
Have you ever made a major decision without prayer or seeking guidance? What was the outcome?
How does David's attitude toward Saul's supporters show maturity?
What does this teach us about handling leadership transitions?
Have you ever had to honor someone you disagreed with? How did that go?
What started the conflict between Abner and Joab’s armies? Was it avoidable?
Why do conflicts among people with similar goals (like David’s and Saul’s camps) often become so intense?
What are some practical ways to resolve disputes before they escalate?
Can ambition or pride ever get in the way of wise decision-making? Can you think of a time that happened to you?
How do we know when it's time to step back from a conflict or pursuit?
Who in your life might you need to initiate peace with—even if you're not at fault?
Is there an area of your life where you need to wait on God’s timing or seek His guidance more intentionally?
Resources for Further Study of 2 Samuel