The Battle of Gibeon

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 derelicts. Persistence and determin … More

Persistence

With Israel divided there was constant tension between the north and the south. From the beginning of David’s reign his real rival in the north was not Ishbosheth but Abner. In order to settle the question of royal succession Abner, the general in the north and David’s military leader Joab agreed to some part of a “dagger match” at the pool of Gibeon about five miles northeast of Jerusalem (vv. 12-17). Twelve men from each side were chosen to fight each other and the side with the most survivors would be declared the winner. The idea was to avoid an all-out war. The result was a victory for David’s men, but they were not satisfied to end the contest there. Instead they made hot pursuit of Abner and his friends.

An incident occurred in the battle at Gibeon which was to have serious repercussions. Asahel was killed (vv. 18-23). During the course of the battle he set his sights on Abner. He determined to chase down the old general and kill him. As he scampered up and down the rough hills of Benjamin, Abner spotted the young soldier bearing down on him. Twice Abner warned Asahel to turn aside lest he be killed. Asahel, however, refused to be deterred. As he closed in on Abner, the wily old general abruptly stopped and thrust backward with the butt of his spear. Asahel was struck with such force that the butt of the spear ripped through his belly and exited his back. Asahel died on the spot.

Abishai, a surviving brother, vows to take revenge (v. 24) but when faced by unfavorable odds gives up the chase (vv. 25-28). At this point David had lost 20 soldiers, but Abner had lost 360 (vv. 29-32). Observing that an all-out assault on the position of Abner would be extremely costly, Joab signaled his men to halt the attack. Under cover of darkness, Abner and his men marched through the Jordan valley, crossed the river and returned to the safety of Mahanaim. The battle was over but not the war.

Application

Persistence can be a good quality in my life if it is for a worthy cause. But if the goal is only for personal gain, persistence may be no more than stubbornest.  As noted, Asahel’s stubbornest cost him his life. Before I decide to pursue a goal I must make sure it is worthy of my devotion.

II Samuel 2:12-32 (English Standard Version)


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