2 Samuel 2:10
2 Samuel 2:10 in Multiple Translations
Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
Ish-bosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
(Saul's son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he was ruler for two years.) But Judah was on the side of David.
Ishbosheth, son of Saul, was forty when he became king over Israel, and he reigned for two years. However, the people of Judah were on David's side.
Ish-bosheth Sauls sonne was fourtie yeere olde when he began to reigne ouer Israel, and reigned two yeere: but the house of Iudah followed Dauid.
A son of forty years, [is] Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, in his reigning over Israel, and two years he hath reigned, only the house of Judah have been after David.
Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.
Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years: but the house of Judah followed David.
Isboseth the son of Saul was forty years old when he began to reign over, Israel, and he reigned two years: and only the house of Juda followed David.
Ishbosheth was 40 years old when he started to rule over the people of Israel. He ruled them for two years. But the tribe of Judah ◄was loyal to David/wanted David to be their king►,
Ishbosheth was 40 years old at the time he became boss over those Israel tribes, and he was their boss for 2 years. But the Judah tribe made David their boss.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 2:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אַרְבָּעִ֨ים
שָׁנָ֜ה
אִֽישׁ
בֹּ֣שֶׁת
בֶּן
שָׁא֗וּל
בְּ/מָלְכ/וֹ֙
עַל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וּ/שְׁתַּ֥יִם
שָׁנִ֖ים
מָלָ֑ךְ
אַ֚ךְ
בֵּ֣ית
יְהוּדָ֔ה
הָי֖וּ
אַחֲרֵ֥י
דָוִֽד
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אַרְבָּעִ֨ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Adj
שָׁנָ֜ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
אִֽישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֹּ֣שֶׁת
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
Ish-bosheth
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בְּ/מָלְכ/וֹ֙
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/שְׁתַּ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
מָלָ֑ךְ
mâlak
H4427
to reign
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אַ֚ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
הָי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:10
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַרְבָּעִ֨ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
שָׁנָ֜ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
אִֽישׁ
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֹּ֣שֶׁת
ʼÎysh-Bôsheth
H378
"Ish-bosheth"
N-proper
Ish-bosheth was King Saul's son, who ruled Israel for 7 years, as told in 2 Samuel 2:8-17. He was also known as Eshbaal and was the brother of Jonathan. His story is found in 2 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.2.8; son of: Saul (H7586G); brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324), Armoni (H0764), Mephibosheth (H4648H) Also named: esh.ba.al (אֶשְׁבַּעַל "Eshbaal" H0792) § Ishbosheth = "man of shame" surviving son of Saul, king of Israel for 7 years while David was king over Judah; succeeded by David who united the kingdom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ish-bosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 2:8; 2 Samuel 3:14; 2 Samuel 4:12.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
שָׁא֗וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
בְּ/מָלְכ/וֹ֙
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/שְׁתַּ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
שָׁנִ֖ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
מָלָ֑ךְ
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
אַ֚ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוּדָ֔ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
הָי֖וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
דָוִֽד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Samuel 2:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:10
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
Context — Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel
8Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim,
9and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.
10Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.
11And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. 12One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.2 Samuel 2:10 Summary
This verse tells us that Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul, became king of Israel when he was 40 years old, but he only reigned for two years. Meanwhile, the tribe of Judah remained loyal to David, who would eventually become the king of all Israel, as promised in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This shows us that God is always working out His plan, even when things seem divided or uncertain, and that loyalty and faithfulness are important qualities for us to demonstrate in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 28:20. By following David, the house of Judah was ultimately following God's plan, and we can learn from their example to trust in God's sovereignty and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ish-bosheth reign over Israel for only two years?
Ish-bosheth's short reign may have been due to his lack of strong leadership and the division in the nation, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:10 where it is stated that the house of Judah followed David, indicating a split in loyalty among the Israelites, similar to what is described in 1 Samuel 31:1-7 where the Philistines defeated the Israelites and King Saul died.
Who was Ish-bosheth and why was he made king?
Ish-bosheth was the son of King Saul, and he was made king by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:8-9, in an attempt to continue Saul's dynasty, but his reign was not recognized by the house of Judah, who instead followed David, as stated in 2 Samuel 2:10.
What does it mean that the house of Judah followed David?
The house of Judah following David means that the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, remained loyal to David and recognized him as their leader, rather than following Ish-bosheth, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:10, which is consistent with God's promise to David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 that he would be king over Israel.
How does this verse relate to the bigger story of David's kingdom?
This verse sets the stage for the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:1-12, where all the tribes of Israel come together to recognize David as their king, fulfilling God's promise to him in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of leadership and loyalty in the kingdom of Israel?
- How does the division between the house of Judah and the rest of Israel reflect the spiritual state of the nation at this time?
- What can we learn from David's example of waiting on God's timing and plan, rather than trying to take matters into our own hands, as seen in 1 Samuel 24:1-22 and 1 Samuel 26:1-25?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of loyalty and faithfulness, as demonstrated by the house of Judah towards David, to our own relationships and walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:10
Ishbosheth, Saul's son, [was] forty years old when he began to reign over Israel,.... Being born the same year his father began to reign.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:10
Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. Ish-bosheth ... reigned two years.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
Reigned two years, to wit, before the following war broke forth; compare ; for that he reigned longer, may appear both from the following verse and from , and from the following history; though some think he reigned only two years, and that the rest of David’ s seven years the Israelites by Abner’ s instigation stuck to the house of Saul, but were in suspense whether they should confer the crown upon Mephibosheth the right heir, but a child; or upon Ish-bosheth, a grown man, whom with some difficulty, and after long debates amongst themselves, they preferred.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
2 Samuel 2:10 Ishbosheth Saul’ s son [was] forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.Ver. 10. And reigned two years,] sc., Peaceably and quietly, before war fell out betwixt him and David. So Saul is said to have reigned two years, that is, free from foreign enemies, and unmolested by the Philistines. After this, there was five years’ war betwixt the house of Saul and the house of David, till Ishbosheth’ s death. But the house of Judah followed David.] Yet were they not guilty of the sin of schism: no more are the Reformed Churches, for forsaking of Antichrist, to follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth, to set the crown upon the Lord Christ’ s head.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
Verse 10. Ish-bosheth - reigned two years.] It is well observed that Ish-bosheth reigned all the time that David reigned in Hebron, which was seven years and six months. Perhaps the meaning of the writer is this: Ish-bosheth reigned two years before any but the tribe of Judah had attached themselves to the interest of David. Some think that Abner in effect reigned the last five years of Ish-bosheth, who had only the name of king after the first two years. Or the text may be understood thus: When Ish-bosheth had reigned two years over Israel, he was forty years of age. Houbigant, dissatisfied with all the common modes of solution, proposes to read ששית שנה shishshith shanah, six years, for the שתים שנים shetayim shanim, two years, of the text, which he contends is a solecism; for in pure Hebrew the words would be שתים שנה as they are everywhere read in the first book; and שנה is the reading of eleven of Kennicott's MSS., and nine of De Rossi's; but the number two is acknowledged by all the ancient versions, and by all the MSS. yet collated. The critical reader may examine Houbigant on the place. After all, probably the expedition mentioned in the succeeding verses is that to which the writer refers, and from which he dates. Ish-bosheth had reigned two years without any rupture with David or his men, till under the direction of Abner, captain of his host, the Israelites passed over Jordan, from Mahanaim to Gibeon, and being opposed by Joab, captain of David's host, that battle took place which is described in the following verses.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:10
10. forty years old] This statement is surprising, even if we reduce Ish-bosheth’s age at Saul’s death to 34½, by supposing that his accession is dated 5½ years after that event; and it is possible that the numeral has been corrupted in transcription. As it stands, it involves a double difficulty. (a) About 32 years is the most that can be assigned to Saul’s reign (see note on 1 Samuel 13:1, and Introd. to 1 Sam. p. 23, so that it represents his youngest son as born before his accession, which is improbable. (b) Ish-bosheth’s eldest brother Jonathan seems to have been about the same age as David, and therefore not much more than thirty at the time of his death. two years] The duration of Ish-bosheth’s reign is probably reckoned from the time when Abner succeeded in establishing his authority over all Israel. Five years and a half were occupied with the reconquest of the land from the Philistines, and these two years synchronize with the last two of David’s reign at Hebron. No great interval seems to have elapsed between the deaths of Abner and Ish-bosheth, and David’s recognition as king of Israel.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:10
Forty ... two - The numerals are somewhat strange. First, as regards the 40 years.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:10
10. Ishbosheth… reigned two years — The next verse informs us that David reigned in Hebron ever Judah seven years and six months, and therefore we must naturally conclude that for five years and six