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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 16 August 2025:
2 Samuel 2:1 — After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.”
David’s first recorded act after mourning Saul and Jonathan was to seek the Lord’s will. This marks a return to the pattern that brought David strength and stability in earlier years (1 Samuel 23:2, 30:8). The fact that he not only asked if he should go to Judah but also specifically where shows a humility that refuses to move without clear direction. Hebron, the city God chose, would become the first seat of David’s reign, a place of both promise and patience as he ruled over Judah for seven years before all Israel united under him. This reminds us that seeking God’s will is not just about whether we should do something, but also about the timing and location God ordains. In Christ, we are called to walk not only in God’s ways but also in His timing (John 7:6; Galatians 5:25).
David’s response after Saul’s death shows the delicate balance between living to please God alone and yet still being mindful of how one’s actions are perceived by others. When David asked, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” (2 Samuel 2:1), he demonstrated that he did not want to appear (or be) opportunistic, as though he only returned to Israel because Saul was gone. He was not enslaved to public opinion, but neither was he indifferent to it. Scripture makes clear that while character comes before reputation, God intends that the way we live should cause others to glorify Him. Jesus Himself “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52), showing that spiritual maturity includes a visible testimony. Likewise, He taught, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16), reminding us that light is not meant to be hidden.
This tension is seen throughout the New Testament. Paul urged believers not to eat meat sacrificed to idols, not because the food was inherently defiling, but because it could harm the conscience of weaker brothers and sisters (1 Corinthians 8:9–13). At the same time, Paul refused to compromise the truth of the Gospel when Peter caved to the opinions of Jewish Christians who demanded circumcision, confronting him for fearing man rather than standing firm in the truth of Christ (Galatians 2:11–14). Yet in another setting, Paul circumcised Timothy, not to appease critics, but to remove needless barriers that might hinder Jews from receiving the message of Christ (Acts 16:1–3). The principle is that we are called to be image-bearers (Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 4:24), shining light with integrity, not driven by the shifting approval of men (Galatians 1:10), but living in such a way that our conduct commends the truth of God to others. The aim is never self-promotion or people-pleasing, but faithfully representing the Lord, so that others may see Christ in us and give glory to God (Philippians 2:14–15).
David’s question, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” (2 Samuel 2:1), reveals a heart posture we too must cultivate. He did not rush ahead presumptuously, nor act out of ambition or fear of appearances. Instead, he sought the Lord’s will first. For us, this means continually asking God to search our hearts and expose the truth of our character, because motives matter as much as actions. Three questions, asked prayerfully before the Lord, can help us live with integrity: Why do I really want to do what I intend to do? What will be the impact on those around me? And will this decision or action draw me and those around me closer to God?
“Thinking before you act” in this way may feel awkward and unnatural at first, but it is the very process by which God reshapes our desires and renews our minds. Each time we pause to align our thoughts with God’s will rather than our own, we reinforce the pattern of “thy will be done” instead of “my will be done.” This is what Paul meant when he urged believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). It is a daily, deliberate practice of reorienting our thinking and actions toward God’s purposes, even in the smallest details of life, so that our character shines more brightly than our reputation, and our lives point others to Christ.
- Romans 12:2 — Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 — We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
- Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Ephesians 4:22–24 — Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and … be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and … put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
- Matthew 6:10 – Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
- Galatians 1:10 — For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
2 Samuel 2:2-3 — So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron.
David’s obedience, in this case, was not partial — he uprooted his entire life in response to God’s direction. Bringing both his family and his men with their households shows that David’s leadership was inclusive and shepherd-like. He wasn’t just securing his own safety or advancement; he ensured that those who had shared in his trials shared in his new season of blessing. Similarly, our obedience should create blessing and stability for those under our care (Philippians 2:4). Again, how is the quality of your life impacting the lives of others around you?
- 1 Corinthians 10:23–24 — “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”
- Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
2 Samuel 2:4 — And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul….”
The private anointing from Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) now became a public coronation, though only over Judah, not all Israel. God’s promises often unfold in stages, testing our faith and patience. David’s reaction to the news about Jabesh-gilead reflects his ability to honor others even while stepping into leadership.
2 Samuel 2:5-7 — David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
David extended kindness and encouragement to those who had honored Saul, his former enemy. This shows remarkable spiritual maturity — he didn’t demand loyalty based on position but sought to earn it through blessing and goodwill. In Christ, we are called to love our enemies and show grace even when it is not reciprocated (Luke 6:27-28).
2 Samuel 2:8-11 — But Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim, and he made him king over Gilead and the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel. Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
When God calls you to a task, He does not necessarily remove all the obstacles or opposition. While God had anointed David as king, not everyone accepted him. Abner’s installation of Ish-bosheth was a political move to retain control, revealing that human ambition often resists God’s choice. David’s reign over Judah alone for more than seven years is a testimony to waiting faithfully under God’s timing and resisting the temptation to seize power prematurely. The same principle applies to us when God’s promises seem delayed — we trust His process, knowing His plans cannot fail (Habakkuk 2:3). How much we truly trust God is revealed most evidently by how we treat those around us and the way we respond to difficult situations. Bitterness and grumbling are always personal indictments against the goodness of God.
2 Samuel 2:12-17 — Abner the son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. And they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool and the other on the other side of the pool. And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men arise and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.” Then they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. And each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side, so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is at Gibeon. And the battle was very fierce that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
The tragic outcome of the “contest” shows the folly of settling disputes through human pride and power struggles rather than seeking peace. What began as a display of skill escalated into deadly conflict, leading to unnecessary loss of life. This mirrors how unresolved tensions, when fed by pride, often spiral out of control (James 4:1-2).
2 Samuel 2:18-23 — And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle. And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner. Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is it you, Asahel?” And he answered, “It is I.” Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.
Meaningless quarrels can quickly get out of hand and cause irreversible pain, suffering, and enmity. “Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?” (2 Samuel 2:22 ) Pride and anger cause dangerous divisions between people who know each other very well, and they work against God’s mission of reconciliation. If only Abner and Asahel had been obedient to God’s command of forgiveness and reconciliation, healing and peace would have spread to many.
Asahel’s courage was admirable, but his relentless pursuit without caution cost him his life. Zeal without wisdom can be dangerous (Proverbs 19:2). Even our God-given gifts, like Asahel’s speed, must be submitted to God’s wisdom and tempered by humility.
2 Samuel 2:24-32 — But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and as the sun was going down they came to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon. And the people of Benjamin gathered themselves together behind Abner and became one group and took their stand on the top of a hill. Then Abner called to Joab, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?” And Joab said, “As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely the men would not have given up the pursuit of their brothers until the morning.” So Joab blew the trumpet, and all the men stopped and pursued Israel no more, nor did they fight anymore. And Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, and marching the whole morning, they came to Mahanaim. Joab returned from the pursuit of Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there were missing from David’s servants nineteen men besides Asahel. But the servants of David had struck down of Benjamin 360 of Abner’s men. And they took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was at Bethlehem. And Joab and his men marched all night, and the day broke upon them at Hebron.
The eventual ceasefire came not from victory but from recognition of the futility of continued bloodshed. Even in warfare, mercy can prevail when leaders choose to stop the cycle of vengeance. The New Testament calls believers to be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation rather than retaliation (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18).
“Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that the end will be bitter? How long will it be before you tell your people to turn from the pursuit of their brothers?” Abner wanted peace. The Bible says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) No matter what has happened in the past. If there is an opportunity for peace, take it.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 16 August 2025: Seek God’s will before taking action, and when He gives direction, obey fully, even if the fulfillment of His promise comes in stages. Resist the temptation to seize what God has not yet given, and pursue peace wherever possible.
Pray: “Lord, teach me to seek You first in every decision, not just for permission but for direction and timing. Give me patience to trust Your process and humility to honor others, even those who oppose me. Guard me from pride that fuels unnecessary conflict, and make me a peacemaker who reflects Your grace. Strengthen me to walk in Your will today, fully obedient to what You reveal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 