The Battle of Gibeon
January 1, 2022
Commentary
With Israel divided, there was constant tension between the north and the south. From the beginning of David’s reign, his rival in the north was Abner. To settle the question of royal succession, Abner, the general in the north, and Joab, David’s military leader, agreed to a limited contest at the pool of Gibeon, about five miles NE of Jerusalem (2:12–17). 12 men from each side were chosen to fight. The side with the most survivors would be declared the winner. The goal was to avoid a full-scale war. David’s men won the contest, but they were not satisfied to stop there. They pursued Abner and his men.
During the battle at Gibeon, a tragic incident occurred that would have lasting consequences. Asahel was killed (vv. 18–23). He was fast and determined, and he set his sights on Abner, hoping to kill the older general. As they ran through the rough hills of Benjamin, Abner noticed Asahel closing in. Twice, Abner warned him to turn aside so he would not be killed. Asahel refused to stop. When Asahel came close, Abner suddenly turned and struck backward with the butt of his spear. The blow was fatal, and Asahel died on the spot. His death shocked both sides and deepened the bitterness of the conflict.
Abishai, Asahel’s brother, wanted revenge and continued the pursuit (v. 24). But when he faced overwhelming odds, he gave up the chase (vv. 25–28). By the end of the battle, David had lost 20 men, while Abner had lost 360 (vv. 29–32). Realizing that further fighting would be costly, Joab called for the attack to stop. Under cover of darkness, Abner and his men retreated through the Jordan Valley, crossed the river, and returned safely to Mahanaim. The battle ended, but the war between the two sides was far from over.
Application
What happens when small conflicts grow into bigger battles? When pride or revenge pushes me forward, do I stop and listen for wisdom? Today I ask God to help me control anger, avoid unnecessary fights, and choose peace when possible. Like Joab, will I know when to stop? Or like Asahel, will I ignore the warnings?
2 Samuel 2:12–32 (NET)
12 Then Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish Bosheth son of Saul went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13 Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David also went out and confronted them at the pool of Gibeon. One group stationed themselves on one side of the pool, and the other group on the other side of the pool. 14 Abner said to Joab, “Let the soldiers get up and fight before us.” Joab said, “So be it!”
15 So they got up and crossed over by number: twelve belonging to Benjamin and to Ish Bosheth son of Saul, and twelve from the servants of David. 16 As they grappled with one another, each one stabbed his opponent with his sword and they fell dead together. So that place is called the Field of Flints; it is in Gibeon.
17 Now the battle was very severe that day; Abner and the men of Israel were overcome by David’s soldiers. 18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there—Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. (Now Asahel was as quick on his feet as one of the gazelles in the field.) 19 Asahel chased Abner, without turning to the right or to the left as he followed Abner.
20 Then Abner turned and asked, “Is that you, Asahel?” He replied, “Yes it is!” 21 Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right or to your left. Capture one of the soldiers and take his equipment for yourself!” But Asahel was not willing to turn aside from following him. 22 So Abner spoke again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me! I do not want to strike you to the ground. How then could I show my face in the presence of Joab your brother?” 23 But Asahel refused to turn aside. So Abner struck him in the abdomen with the back end of his spear. The spear came out his back; Asahel collapsed on the spot and died there right before Abner. Everyone who came to the place where Asahel fell dead paused in respect.
24 So Joab and Abishai chased Abner. At sunset they came to the hill of Ammah near Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 The Benjaminites formed their ranks behind Abner and were like a single army, standing at the top of a certain hill.
26 Then Abner called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour forever? Don’t you realize that this will turn bitter in the end? When will you tell the people to turn aside from pursuing their brothers?” 27 Joab replied, “As surely as God lives, if you had not said this, it would have been morning before the people would have abandoned pursuit of their brothers.” 28 Then Joab blew the ram’s horn and all the people stopped in their tracks. They stopped chasing Israel and ceased fighting. 29 Abner and his men went through the rift valley all that night. They crossed the Jordan River and went through the whole region of Bitron and came to Mahanaim.
30 Now Joab returned from chasing Abner and assembled all the people. Nineteen of David’s soldiers were missing, in addition to Asahel. 31 But David’s soldiers had slaughtered the Benjaminites and Abner’s men—in all, 360 men had died! 32 They took Asahel’s body and buried him in his father’s tomb at Bethlehem. Joab and his men then traveled all that night and reached Hebron by dawn.
Calvin Coolidge – Persistence is Omnipotent
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful individuals with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated de … Continue