2 Samuel, 2

26. Abner called out to Joab, 'Is the sword to go on devouring for ever? Surely you see that this can only end in bitterness? How long will it be before you order those people to stop pursuing their brothers?'

Verses related to 2 Samuel, 2:

2 Samuel 2 narrates David's rise to the throne of Judah after the death of Saul. The chapter begins with David seeking God's approval to go to Hebrom, where he is anointed king over the tribe of Judah. Then Abner, commander of Saul's army, declares Isboste, son of Saul, as king over Israel, thus starting a civil war between the tribes of Judah and Israel. Below are five verses related to the topics covered in 2 Samuel 2:

2 Samuel 2:4: "Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah." This verse marks the beginning of David's rise to the throne, when he is anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebrom.

2 Samuel 2:10: "Isboste, son of Saul, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years; but only the house of Judah followed David." This verse shows the division of the kingdom of Israel, with Isboste reigning on the other tribes, while the tribe of Judah followed David.

2 Samuel 2:17: "And there was a strong war on that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were won by the servants of David." This verse describes the first battle of the civil war between the tribes of Judah and Israel, which results in the victory of David and his men.

2 Samuel 2:26: "Then Abner called David, saying, The sword will not cease to devour? Do you not know that it will bring in the bitterness? How long will you not tell the people to withdraw from the persecution of their brothers?" In this verse, Abner tries to persuade David to end the civil war, warning of the bitter consequences of fratricidal struggle.

2 Samuel 2:32: "And they raised Asael, Joab's brother, among those who were killed in Gate." This verse describes the death of Asael, Joab's brother, in the battle against Abner's army. This event is important to understand the tensions between David and Joab in the future.