2 Samuel 3-5: Israel Becomes One Nation Under God…and David

In 2 Samuel 2-3, David listens to God’s plan for his nation but not everyone is on board. Joab and Abner start a civil war over their disagreement. After some bloodshed, Abner wants to switch teams and asks to join team David. David makes peace with him, hoping to reunite Israel as one nation. But, Joab is not on board with David’s plan.

And so, 2 Samuel 3 brings us justice, conspiracy, and a lot of hopeful PR solutions.

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5 All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. ²In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”

³When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.

All of the tribes of Israel and the elders come together at Hebron.
- The family feud is over, and they acknowledge their kinship and David’s role in their history as a nation.
- A covenant between the 2 factions is made and David is once again anointed in a public ceremony, this time over all 12 tribes.
- It was a big moment for David and for Israel.
And it appears that Israel is finally beginning to understand what an ideal leader-king looks like.
- An ideal king is
  - Chosen and anointed by God
  - An Israelite
  - Loves God
  - Leads Israel in battles against their enemies.
  - Shepherds the people.

Scene 1: Joab Wants Bloody Justice

Scene 2: David Forces a Show of Repentance

In Scene 3: David Seeks Peace through Public Relations

Scene 4: More Blood, More Conspiracy

Scene 5: The Two Kingdoms Become One

Verses Mentioned:

The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.