NOTES for Sa2 2:1-32

David is anointed king for a second time, but now openly before all the people. Yet he became king only over part of the Promised Land, over the territories of the house of Judah. Over Israel, however, Abner made Ish-bosheth king. Thus the differences between the parts of the people become a schism which will deepen over time.

For the moment the schism has not become final, but the confrontation between two kings, two parts of a single land, has already led to civil strife, and we see that the war has become fratricidal. The tragic account of the confrontation between the veteran warrior Abner, weary of bloodshed, and the young Asahel, eager for feats of valor, reveals the senselessness of the mutual slaughter that has begun. Abner does not want to kill Asahel but is forced to strike him down in self-defense.

It is significant that Joab, his opponent, immediately responded to Abner's call for peace after this killing. In both camps the warriors see the senselessness of the bloodshed and are glad to stop the fratricide at the first opportunity.