Day 96 – 2 Samuel 3:1-5

Scripture Review

2 Samuel 3:1-5

"Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker." (2 Samuel 3:1)

The war did not end quickly. Saul was dead, but Saul's house was still resisting the House of David. That phrase, "long war," carries a tired feeling of a drawn out conflict. But God's side is clear. David "waxed stronger and stronger," and Saul's house "waxed weaker and weaker." God's choice may be resisted, but it cannot be overthrown. This long conflict tried David's faith and patience, yet David's side kept gaining ground while Saul's house kept losing strength.

"And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;" (2 Samuel 3:2)

Sons are being born. His house is increasing while Saul's house is weakening. Amnon is named first.

"And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;" (2 Samuel 3:3)

Chileab is born of Abigail, and that name brings back the memory of 1 Samuel 25. Abigail had been wise, restrained, humble, and quick to keep David from acting without God. Absalom is named third. Absalom's mother was Maacah, Absalom's mother came from a royal house.

"And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;" (2 Samuel 3:4)

Adonijah is named fourth. The Bible is not rushing. It is laying the names before us. Amnon. Chileab. Absalom. Adonijah. David's house is growing.

"And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron." (2 Samuel 3:5)

"These were born to David in Hebron." Hebron was not just a waiting room. It was a place where David's house was being built. These sons are born of different wives. I am seeing new names of wives I haven't read before. It seems his priorities have gotten out of order.