The beginning of civil war

David seemed to desire to become the king of a unified kingdom as soon as possible, but things did not unfold so easily. Saul had one remaining son, and General Abner took action to establish him as king. (1) The name of Saul’s son was Ish-bosheth. His original name was Eshbaal, which means “Fire of Baal.” However, “Baal” was the name of a Phoenician idol, and the Israelites often replaced the “Baal” portion of names with “Bosheth,” which means “shame.” Thus, Ish-bosheth means “man of shame.” (2) General Abner proclaimed Ish-bosheth as king in Mahanaim, near Jabesh-gilead, establishing the kingdom of Israel, excluding Judah. Mahanaim was chosen because it was on the east bank of the Jordan River, beyond the reach of Philistine control. (3) From this point on, a long civil war would continue between the house of David and the house of Saul.

David’s patience

David reigned as king over the house of Judah in Hebron for seven and a half years. In other words, it took him an additional seven and a half years to become the king of a unified kingdom. David was required to exercise patience. This was part of God’s plan to shape him into a capable king and to further refine him as a vessel for the Lord. (1) David is a type of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus was anointed by the Father as the Messiah, yet the people of Israel did not acknowledge Him. Likewise, David was anointed as the king of a unified kingdom, but the people of Israel refused to recognize him. (2) The Letter to the Hebrews states: “In the days of His humanity, He offered up both prayers and pleas with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His devout behavior” (5:7). David experienced the same. His trials produced perseverance, and perseverance led to godliness. What can you learn from David’s seven and a half years of patience? Let us learn to trust in the Lord.