David Comes to the Throne

As recorded in 2 Samuel 2:4, David became king of over Judah, reigning in Hebron. It had not happened at a time of peace. The Philistines were enjoying a time of dominance and he became king over Judah at a time of national crisis. David also had his own personal grief at the death of his friend, Jonathan, in battle, to cope with.

The nation then descended into civil war, with Abner, a skilled general, having established Ishbosheth, a surviving son of Saul, as a puppet king over the rest of Israel. He was ambitious and wanted to hold on the power he had grown accustomed to. The Lord was with David and he began to gain the ascendancy over Abner, who dropped his support for Ishbosheth, and looked for terms of peace with David.

Ishbosheth was then murdered, and Abner himself was murdered by Joab, the leader of David's forces. It was therefore a very dangerous and tense time when David became king over all Israel.

Main Headings:

1: It has been a long journey
2: A good king brings joy