Hebrew Insights into 2 Samuel 2-10


2 Samuel 2: David moved from Ziklag, a town on the Philistine border, to Hebron in Judah. Hebron is about nineteen miles almost directly south of Jerusalem. Ziklag [Place of Distress] is about nineteen miles southwest of Hebron. David commended the valiant men of Jabesh-gilead [Dry-Place of Testimony] who had taken down the bodies of Saul and his three sons from the walls of Beth-Shan. They were loyal to Saul. Abner [Father of Light] was a cousin to King Saul in addition to being the Captain of the Armies of Israel. He took Saul’s remaining 40 year old son Ish-bosheth [Man-of Shame] and made him king over all Israel in Mahanaim [Double Army Camp] located near the border of Ammon, 50 miles northeast of Jerusalem. After two years Ish-bosheth moved his capital to Gibeon just five miles northwest of Jerusalem. David was a king in Hebron over Judah and Simeon for seven years and six month. Joab, the Captain of David’s armies and Abner, the Captain of Ish-bosheth’s armies met by a pool near Gibeon called Helkath-hazzurim [Smooth Rocks]. The word “Play” means to fight! There was a battle in which Abner lost 360 men and David’s army lost twenty men including the brother of Joab named Asahel [God has made]. 2 Samuel 3: There was a long war between Israel and Judah in which David grew stronger while Abner grew weaker. David’s sons born in Hebron: Amnon [Faithful] of his wife Ahinoam, Chileab [Restrained] of his wife Abigail, Absalom [Father of Peace] of his wife Maacah [Depression], daughter of Talmai [Ridged] king of Geshur [Bridge], Adonijah [Jehovah is my Lord] of his wife Haggith [Festive], Shephatiah [Jehovah has Judged] of his wife Abital [Fresh Dew], Ithream [Excellent People] of his wife Eglah [Trail along]. David had seven wives counting Michal [Streamlet] Saul’s daughter.

                Saul had a concubine [legally married woman who did not have a dowry] whose name was Rizpah [Shoot] daughter of Aiah [Hawk]. Ish-bosheth accused Abner of having an affair with his father’s widow. Abner was so angry that he switched sides and went to David. However Joab killed Abner for killing his brother and also to eliminate him as a rival. David mourned the death of Abner to show the people of Benjamin that he was not responsible for Abner’s death. 2 Samuel 4: Two of Saul’s captains kill Ish-Bosheth, one was Baanah [In Affliction] and the other was Recheb [To Ride] both sons of Rimmon [Mount Up] from Beeroth [Wells] and they fled to Gittaim [Place of Two Wine Presses]. They thought to gain David’s favor but he had them killed. Jonathan’s son who was lame was named Mephibosheth [Dispeller of Shame] 2 Samuel 5: All the Elders of the Tribes of Israel came to Hebron to anoint David the king of United Israel. David conquered the Jebusites and made Jerusalem his capital for the next 33 years. He defeats the Philistines in two major battles. 2 Samuel 6: David took the Ark of the Covenant part way to Jerusalem. A “Cherub” is a Guardian Angel whereas a seraph angel can serve in a choir, a messenger from God or an announcing angel as in “Hark the Herald.” There were two cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. Uzzah [Strength] and Ahio [Brotherly] drove the cart carrying the Ark. When Uzzah tried to steady the Ark he was struck dead. David came back three months later and danced in front of the Ark as it was carried into Jerusalem. Michal criticized David for his behavior and died childless. 2 Samuel 7: David offered to build a Temple to the Lord. The Prophet Nathan [Given] promises David a kingdom forever. David’s prayer to the Lord. 2 Samuel 8: David conquered the Philistines and Metheg-ammah [Metropolitan area] = Gath, David subdues Moab. In verse 2 “two lines he put to death and with one full line to keep alive” means 2/3rds of the Moabites were killed and the remaining 1/3 paid him tribute. Hadaezer [Magnificent] king of Zobah [Region] in Syria. Joram [Jehovah Raised] son of the Syrian King Toi [vacillate]. Zeruiah [Balm] Jehoshaphat [Jehovah Saved], Zadok [Righteous], Seraiah [Snow Covered]. Benaiah [Jehovah Built] son of Jehoiada [God Knew], Cherethites [Executioners] and Pelethites [Messengers]. 2 Sam 9: Ziba [Station], David looked for Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth in the house of Machir [Salesman], son of Ammiel [People of God] in the place of Lodebar [Pastureless]. David restored all that was personally Saul’s and adopts Mephibosheth as a son to sit forever at the king’s table. Mephibosheth’s son was Micha [Who is Like Jehovah?]. 2 Samuel 10: Hanun [Favored], king of Ammon foolishly disgraces David’s representatives. David wars with Syria and Ammon. Helam [Fortress]. Shobach [Thicket].