David was occupied at Ziklak dividing the spoil he had captured, and in sending presents out to friends.

It appears he sent no-one to spy on the outcome of the battle between the Philistines and Saul's army. Could this be because in his heart he did not desire a terrible day for Saul, nor impatiently wished Saul off the throne so that he may fill it instead? His confidence was in God's promotion in God's time.

"The Amalekite's story is at variance with the record of 1 Samuel 31:3-6, and is clearly a fabrication. He apparently sought recognition or reward for claiming to have killed Saul (who, in reality had committed suicide). As a mercenary or looter he came across Saul's body and took the king's crown and bracelet to support his fabrication." Ryrie

David was not overjoyed at the news of Saul's and his sons deaths as the Amalekite expected. Neither did he want a vacant throne at the hand of an assassin of the Lord's anointed. Taking the man's testimony as true, swift justice was administered to the self-confessed murderer. It is evil to desire the death of one who stands in the way of high office - for promotion - or advancement.

With the royal insignia taken from Saul's body, by lying he hoped to gain more than he would by keeping them as loot. Instead it cost him his life.

David recorded his lamentation over Saul and Jonathan - his mourning actions of tearing his clothes (2 Samuel 1:11 ), weeping and fasting was not enough. His eulogy was not out of sentiment, but respect for Israel's first anointed king, and tender affection for Jonathan.

	He expressed sorrow over the fall of the mighty (2 Samuel 1:19 ).
	Called for no exaltations of the enemies of God (2 Samuel 1:20 ).
	Celebrated Saul as warrior king (2 Samuel 1:21-22 ).
	Pointed to Jonathan's loyalty to his father (2 Samuel 1:23 ).
	Called for Israel's daughters to weep for their fallen leader (2 Samuel 1:24 ).
	Ended with a moving description of the unforgettable true love of Jonathan for himself (2 Samuel 1:26 ).
	And a last reminder that Saul and Jonathan's mighty weapons of war had perished (2 Samuel 1:27 ).

David did not rush to seize the empty throne. He sought directions from the Lord (2 Samuel 2:1 ).

Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

We never lose anything waiting for God (Psalm 59:9 ). Judah was where he had built friends among his own people. That was the general direction, then the sacred city Hebron was confirmed. Relationships nurtured in God prepare the place for kingdom service. From Ziklak he had previously sent presents (1 Samuel 30:26 ). Meeting the needs of others strengthens relationships that lead to the fulfilment of God's purpose for our ministry.

2 Samuel 2:4 "And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah ..."

Now, publicly anointed, his first act was to reach out to the brave people who rescued the body of Saul and buried him (2 Samuel 2:4-7 ). In this he showed regard for the late king, and assurance of assistance against the Philistines, so making more friends for his kingship.

Abner, to secure his own position as general in Saul's house made Ishbosheth king over the northern tribes and transjordan. His name means 'man of shame'. He was unfit to go to battle with his father, but to suit Abner's ambition, fit to be king of Israel.

The fierce struggles stirred by the evil passions of the main characters make sad reading. During this whole civil strife David's house grew stronger and Saul's weaker. In the fateful conflict between Abner and Joab - Joab lost 20 men and Abner 360 men. Strife always brings loss.

Abner is accused by Ishbosheth of treachery in taking Saul's concubine. To do so was an action of making a claim for the throne. In the custom of the times, Abner's anger makes him swear to transfer the kingdom to David. David's insistence on bringing Michal had political reasons - showing to Israel a link with Saul's house. Having made an agreement, David sent Abner away in peace (2 Samuel 3:21 ). A house can be fatally shaken by angry disagreement and desertion.

Joab returns from a raid learning of David's friendly reception of Abner - expresses disapproval and accusation - then he arranged and carried out Abner's murder.

Romans 12:19 "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord."

Read Romans 12:19 in The Living Bible.

When David hears of the crime, he publicly disowns all responsibility, and calls down judgment on the house of Joab for the revengeful murder. Proclaimed a state of mourning - attends the funeral - and composes a lament, and confesses his weakness to deal with Joab (2 Samuel 3:39 ).

Leadership must never be seen to give approval to wrong done to another.

The account of the murder of Ishbosheth is given in concise details in 2 Samuel 4:6,7. David punishes them with death (2 Samuel 4:10-12 ). The insert regarding Jonathan's son is given to spell out this murder does not mean the extinction of Saul's house. The murdered man was "righteous", that is, not at fault in his relation to the assassins.

Genesis 9:6 ""Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man."

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Is it right to wish someone out of the way so that you may have their position?
2. How do you reconcile the record of the death in 1 Samuel 31:3-6 with the Amalekites' account? (2 Samuel 1:6-10 ).
3. What motivated the Amalekite to self-confessed murder for which he received swift justice? (2 Samuel 1:13-16 )
4. David praised the loyalty and love of Jonathan. Are such relationships of covenant friendship rare? (2 Samuel 1:25-26 ).
5. Do relationships nurtured in God prepare the place God intends for us in kingdom service? (2 Samuel 2:1-7 ).
6. What are the evils of self-interested ambition? (2 Samuel 2:8-11 ).
7. Can you give a reasoned argument why Ishbosheth was unfit to rule?
8. Are evil passions the cause of warring and strife? (2 Samuel 2 - 3:6 ).
9. Did David act with integrity, and was this the reason for his house growing stronger? (2 Samuel 3:1 ).
10. What caused the destructive disagreement in the house of Ishbosheth? (2 Samuel 3:7-11 ).
11. Why did David insist on the return of Michal? (2 Samuel 3:12-21 ).
12. Are there lessons for a local fellowship in these instances recorded in 2 Samuel 3:7-21.
13. Was Joab rightly motivated in his disapproval of David's treatment of Abner? (2 Samuel 3:22-26 ).
14. Is it ever right to avenge ourselves? (2 Samuel 3:26-27; Romans 12:19 ).
15. Was David correct in the public way he dealt with Joab's treachery and revenge? (2 Samuel 28-29 ).
16. Are there times when leadership must denounce wrong even when they are not able to deal with the wrongdoer? (2 Samuel 3:39 ).
17. Do you believe that murdering innocent people deserves the death penalty? (2 Samuel 4:1-12 ).