2 Samuel 2:9
2 Samuel 2:9 in Multiple Translations
and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
And made him king over Gilead and the Asherites and over Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin, that is, over all Israel.
There he set up Ishbosheth as king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, in fact over all Israel.
And made him King ouer Gilead, and ouer the Ashurites, and ouer Izreel, and ouer Ephraim, and ouer Beniamin, and ouer al Israel.
and causeth him to reign over Gilead, and over the Ashurite, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over Israel — all of it.
He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
And he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
And made him king over Galaad, and, over Gessuri, and over Jezrahel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
There Abner proclaimed that Ishbosheth was now the king of the Gilead region and of the tribe of Asher and the region of Jezreel and the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin. That meant that he was the king of all of the people of Israel.
and made him boss of all the other tribes of the Israel nation. So he was boss for the Gilead mob, and for the Asher mob, and for the Jezreel mob, and for the Ephraim mob, and for the Benjamin mob.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:9
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 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּמְלִכֵ֨/הוּ֙
אֶל
הַ/גִּלְעָ֔ד
וְ/אֶל
הָ/אֲשׁוּרִ֖י
וְ/אֶֽל
יִזְרְעֶ֑אל
וְ/עַל
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
וְ/עַל
בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
וְ/עַל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
כֻּלֹּֽ/ה
וַ/יַּמְלִכֵ֨/הוּ֙
mâlak
H4427
to reign
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/גִּלְעָ֔ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
Art | N-proper
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הָ/אֲשׁוּרִ֖י
ʼĂshûwrîy
H805
Asshurim
Art | Ngmsa
וְ/אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
יִזְרְעֶ֑אל
Yizrᵉʻêʼl
H3157
Jezreel
N-proper
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
כֻּלֹּֽ/ה
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:9
וַ/יַּמְלִכֵ֨/הוּ֙
mâlak
H4427
"to reign"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | 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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/גִּלְעָ֔ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
Art | N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אֲשׁוּרִ֖י
ʼĂshûwrîy
H805
"Asshurim"
Art | Ngmsa
An Ashurite refers to someone from the tribe of Asher, which was one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The Ashurites were first mentioned in Genesis 30:13 as descendants of Asher, a son of Jacob.
Definition: Someone descended from Asshur(?) of the Patriarchs, only mentioned at Gen.25.3; descended from Dedan (H1719C); along with Letushim (H3912) and Leummim (H3817) § Ashurites = "guided: blessed" a tribe descended from Abraham and Keturah
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Asshurim, Ashurites. See also: Genesis 25:3; 2 Samuel 2:9.
וְ/אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יִזְרְעֶ֑אל
Yizrᵉʻêʼl
H3157
"Jezreel"
N-proper
Jezreel means God sows, the name of a city in Issachar and a place in Palestine where God sows or nurtures growth.
Definition: Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010M) § Jezreel = "God sows" a city in Issachar on the northwest spur of Mount Gilboa
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Jezreel. See also: Joshua 15:56; 2 Kings 9:15; Hosea 2:24.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
בִּנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
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.
כֻּלֹּֽ/ה
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 2:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:9
Context — Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel
7Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 19:18 | Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, |
| 2 | Joshua 13:8–11 | The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah— |
| 3 | Numbers 1:40 | From the sons of Asher, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, |
| 4 | Numbers 32:1–42 | Now the Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, surveyed the lands of Jazer and Gilead, and they saw that the region was suitable for livestock. So the Gadites and Reubenites came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, and said, “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.” “If we have found favor in your sight,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.” But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land. For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. So the anger of the LORD was kindled that day, and He swore an oath, saying, ‘Because they did not follow Me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years of age or older who came out of Egypt will see the land that I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob— not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun—because they did follow the LORD wholeheartedly.’ The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil in His sight was gone. Now behold, you, a brood of sinners, have risen up in place of your fathers to further stoke the burning anger of the LORD against Israel. For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.” Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones. But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance. Yet we will not have an inheritance with them across the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan.” Moses replied, “If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD, until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of obligation to the LORD and to Israel. And this land will belong to you as a possession before the LORD. But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your little ones and folds for your flocks, but do what you have promised.” The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “Your servants will do just as our lord commands. Our children, our wives, our livestock, and all our animals will remain here in the cities of Gilead. But your servants are equipped for war, and every man will cross over to the battle before the LORD, just as our lord says.” So Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua son of Nun, and to the family leaders of the tribes of Israel. And Moses said to them, “If the Gadites and Reubenites cross the Jordan with you, with every man armed for battle before the LORD, and the land is subdued before you, then you are to give them the land of Gilead as a possession. But if they do not arm themselves and go across with you, then they must accept their possession among you in the land of Canaan.” The Gadites and Reubenites replied, “As the LORD has spoken to your servants, so we will do. We will cross over into the land of Canaan armed before the LORD, that we may have our inheritance on this side of the Jordan.” So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land including its cities and the territory surrounding them. And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran as fortified cities, and they built folds for their flocks. The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, Kiriathaim, as well as Nebo and Baal-meon (whose names were changed), and Sibmah. And they renamed the cities they rebuilt. The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there. Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvoth-jair. And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name. |
| 5 | Psalms 108:8 | Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter. |
| 6 | Genesis 30:13 | Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher. |
| 7 | Judges 1:32 | So the Asherites lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, because they did not drive them out. |
2 Samuel 2:9 Summary
In 2 Samuel 2:9, Abner makes Ish-bosheth king over many of the tribes of Israel, but this is not God's plan. According to 1 Samuel 16:13, David is the rightful king, and he will eventually unite the nation under his rule (2 Samuel 5:1-5). This event shows us that even when human leaders make decisions that seem to go against God's plans, He is still in control. As we see in Proverbs 21:1, 'the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Abner to make Ish-bosheth king over all Israel in 2 Samuel 2:9?
This means Abner is attempting to establish Ish-bosheth as the ruler of the entire nation of Israel, despite the fact that David has already been anointed king over Judah, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:4 and 1 Samuel 16:13.
Why did Abner choose to make Ish-bosheth king over these specific tribes?
Abner likely chose these tribes because they were in the northern and eastern parts of Israel, and may have been more loyal to the house of Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 29:11 and 1 Samuel 28:1-2.
Is this a legitimate claim to the throne by Ish-bosheth?
No, according to the Bible, David is the rightful king of Israel, having been anointed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:13, and it is David who will ultimately unite the nation under his rule, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:1-5.
How does this event relate to the larger story of 2 Samuel?
This event sets the stage for the conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul, which will be a major theme throughout the book of 2 Samuel, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:1 and 2 Samuel 4:5-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are the implications of Abner's actions for the unity of the nation of Israel?
- How does this event reveal the character of Abner and his motivations?
- What does this verse teach us about the nature of leadership and authority?
- In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in this event, even as human leaders make decisions that seem to contradict His plans?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:9
And he made him king over Gilead,.... Which lay beyond Jordan, and included the tribes of Gad and Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh; these he prevailed upon to acknowledge Ishbosheth, their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:9
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. Over Gilead - used in a loose sense for the land beyond Jordan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
Gilead; largely so taken for all the land of Israel beyond Jordan, as it is . The Ashurites, i.e. the tribe of Asher, as the Chaldee Paraphrast and others understand it. Jezreel; a large and rich valley situate in the borders of the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali, and so put synecedochically for them all. All Israel; except Judah, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
2 Samuel 2:9 And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.Ver. 9. And over all Israel.] Except the tribe of Judah, and some few others. This was an ill precedent, and as it were a preparative to that great schism in Rehoboam’ s days, that could never be made up again.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
(9) The Ashurites, and over Jezreel.—This verse apparently expresses the gradual extension of Ishbosheth’s dominion as the country became freed from the Philistines. At first, his authority was established over Gilead—i.e., the country on the east of the Jordan; then “over the Ashurites.” No satisfactory explanation of this name as it stands has been found, but it is probably meant for Asherites, or the tribe of Asher, the reading of some MSS. and of the Chaldee Version; the name of this tribe standing for the whole region west of the Jordan, and north of the plain of Esdraelon; then southwards, “over Jezreel,”the wide plain between the mountains of Gilboa and the little Hermon; then “over Ephraim,” including the half-tribe of Manasseh; and, still southwards, “over Benjamin;” and finally, “over all Israel,” excepting, of course, Judah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
Verse 9. Made him king over Gilead] These were places beyond Jordan; for as the Philistines had lately routed the Israelites, they were no doubt in possession of some of the principal towns, and were now enjoying the fruits of their victory. Abner was therefore afraid to bring the new king to any place where he was likely to meet with much resistance, till he had got his army well recruited. Who the Ashurites were is not generally agreed; probably men of the tribe of Ashur.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:9
9. Gilead] Here apparently, as in Joshua 22:9, Gilead includes the whole district occupied by the Israelites to the E. of the Jordan, and not merely the central portion of it, between the S. end of the Lake of Gennesaret and the N. end of the Dead Sea. the Ashurites] Probably an alternative form or a corrupt reading for Asherites (Judges 1:32), i.e. the tribe of Asher, named as the principal inhabitants of Western Palestine north of the plain of Esdraelon. The Targum gives “house of Asher.” The Vulgate and Syriac versions however read Geshurites. If this reading is adopted, by Geshurites must be understood the tribe which maintained itself among the Israelites in the district S. of Mount Hermon (Joshua 13:13), to be distinguished from the independent kingdom of Geshur in Syria (ch. 2 Samuel 3:3), and from the Geshurites on the borders of Philistia (1 Samuel 27:8). Jezreel] The great plain of Esdraelon is thus named from its principal city. See note on 1 Samuel 29:1. all Israel] Ish-bosheth’s dominions were gradually extended until they included all the country which afterwards formed the kingdom of Israel as distinguished from that of Judah.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:9
The Ashurites - If the tribe of Asher, the verse indicates the order in which Abner recovered the different districts from the Philistines, and added them to the dominions of Ish-bosheth, beginning
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:9
9. Gilead — The mountainous region east of the Jordan. See map, page 234. The Ashurites — Who these were it is impossible to determine. They could not have been the people of Asshur, (Assyria,) nor the Asshurim of Gen 25:3.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:9
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Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |