2 Samuel 2:9 and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin--over all Israel.

◄ 2 Samuel 2:9 ►

New International Version
He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel.

New Living Translation
There he proclaimed Ishbosheth king over Gilead, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, the land of the Ashurites, and all the rest of Israel.

English Standard Version
and he made him king over Gilead and the Ashurites and Jezreel and Ephraim and Benjamin and all Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.

King James Bible
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

New King James Version
and he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

New American Standard Bible
And he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.

NASB 1995
He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.

NASB 1977
And he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, even over all Israel.

Amplified Bible
He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, even over all Israel [except Judah].

Christian Standard Bible
He made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin—over all Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin—over all Israel.

American Standard Version
and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Contemporary English Version
and made him king of Israel, including the areas of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin.

English Revised Version
and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel.

Good News Translation
There Abner made Ishbosheth king of the territories of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, and indeed over all Israel.

International Standard Version
He installed him as king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all of the rest of Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.

NET Bible
He appointed him king over Gilead, the Geshurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel.

New Heart English Bible
and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Geshurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

World English Bible
He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and causes him to reign over Gilead, and over the Ashurite, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over Israel—all of it.

Young's Literal Translation
and causeth him to reign over Gilead, and over the Ashurite, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over Israel -- all of it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will make him king to Gilead, and to the Ashurite and to Jezreel, and over Ephraim and over Benjamin and over all Israel.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And made him king over Galaad, and, over Gessuri, and over Jezrahel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he appointed him as king over Gilead, and over Geshuri, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all of Israel.

New American Bible
where he made him king over Gilead, the Asherites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and the rest of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
He made him king over Gilead, the Ashurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And made him king over Gilead and over Geshur and over Jezreel and over Ephraim and over Benjamin and over all Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And crowned him King over Gelad and over Geshur and over Yizrael and over Aphrim and over Benyamin and over all Israel

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
and he made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and made him king over the land of Galaad, and over Thasiri, and over Jezrael, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel
8Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, 9and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin— over all Israel. 10Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 15:28
So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 31:1-6
Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ...

1 Kings 11:31-32
and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes. / But one tribe will remain for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.

1 Kings 12:20
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

1 Chronicles 12:23-40
Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: / From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears. / From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle. ...

1 Chronicles 29:23
So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.

Psalm 89:19-20
You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people. / I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.

Isaiah 11:1-5
Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. / The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. / And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, ...

Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

Ezekiel 37:22
I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms.

Hosea 3:4-5
For the Israelites must live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, and without ephod or idol. / Afterward, the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to His goodness in the last days.

Treasury of Scripture

And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

Gilead

Numbers 32:1
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;

Joshua 13:8-11
With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them; …

Psalm 108:8
Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver;

Ashurites The LXX.

Genesis 30:13
And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

Numbers 1:40
Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

over Jezreel

Joshua 19:18
And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

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Asherites Ashurites Asshurites Benjamin Causeth Ephraim E'phraim Gilead Israel Jezreel Jizreel Reign

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Asherites Ashurites Asshurites Benjamin Causeth Ephraim E'phraim Gilead Israel Jezreel Jizreel Reign

2 Samuel 2

1. David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron
4. where he is made king of Judah
5. He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel
8. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel
12. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men.
18. Asahel is slain
25. At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat
32. Asahel's burial

Berean Study Bible

He made him king
This phrase refers to Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who took the initiative to make Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, king over Israel. The Hebrew root for "made" is "מָלַךְ" (malak), which means to reign or to install as king. This action by Abner signifies a political maneuver to maintain the house of Saul in power, reflecting the ongoing struggle for leadership in Israel after Saul's death. It highlights the human tendency to cling to familiar power structures rather than seeking God's will.

over Gilead
Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. The Hebrew root "גִּלְעָד" (Gil'ad) suggests a rocky or hilly area. Historically, Gilead was a place of refuge and strategic importance. By making Ish-bosheth king over Gilead, Abner secured a stronghold that was both defensible and economically valuable, indicating the strategic nature of his political decisions.

Asher
Asher was one of the tribes of Israel, located in the northern part of the land. The name "אָשֵׁר" (Asher) means "happy" or "blessed." This inclusion signifies the attempt to unify the northern tribes under Ish-bosheth's rule. Asher's territory was fertile and prosperous, symbolizing the potential for blessing and abundance under a united monarchy, albeit one that was not divinely appointed.

Jezreel
Jezreel was a fertile valley and city in the northern kingdom. The Hebrew "יִזְרְעֶאל" (Yizre'el) means "God sows," reflecting the agricultural richness of the area. Jezreel's mention underscores the importance of controlling key agricultural and military sites. It also foreshadows future conflicts, as Jezreel becomes a significant location in Israel's history, representing both divine provision and judgment.

Ephraim
Ephraim was a dominant tribe in the central hill country of Israel. The name "אֶפְרַיִם" (Ephraim) means "fruitful," indicating the tribe's strength and influence. Ephraim's inclusion in Ish-bosheth's kingdom highlights the attempt to gain legitimacy and support from one of the most powerful tribes. This reflects the political complexity and tribal dynamics within Israel during this period.

and Benjamin
Benjamin was the tribe of Saul, and its inclusion is significant as it represents loyalty to Saul's house. The Hebrew "בִּנְיָמִין" (Binyamin) means "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength and favor. By securing Benjamin's allegiance, Abner aimed to consolidate power and maintain continuity with Saul's reign, appealing to tribal loyalty and heritage.

over all Israel
This phrase indicates the ambition to rule the entire nation, though in reality, Ish-bosheth's reign was limited and contested. The Hebrew "כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל" (kol-Yisrael) emphasizes the ideal of a united Israel under one king. However, this unity was superficial and politically motivated, contrasting with God's anointing of David as the true king. It serves as a reminder of the difference between human ambition and divine purpose, encouraging believers to seek God's will above political or personal gain.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) The Ashurites, and over Jezreel.--This verse apparently expresses the gradual extension of Ishbosheth's dominion as the country became freed from the Philistines. At first, his authority was established over Gilead--i.e., the country on the east of the Jordan; then "over the Ashurites." No satisfactory explanation of this name as it stands has been found, but it is probably meant for Asherites, or the tribe of Asher, the reading of some MSS. and of the Chaldee Version; the name of this tribe standing for the whole region west of the Jordan, and north of the plain of Esdraelon; then southwards, "over Jezreel,"the wide plain between the mountains of Gilboa and the little Hermon; then "over Ephraim," including the half-tribe of Manasseh; and, still southwards, "over Benjamin;" and finally, "over all Israel," excepting, of course, Judah.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Make him king over. A different preposition is used with the first three names from that employed afterwards, as though Ishbosheth's reign over Gilead and Jezreel was a reality, but that he had only a shadowy claim to dominion over Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel. Gilead. As Mahanaim lay upon the borders of Gad and Manasseh, Abner would easily control these two tribes, and Reuben, which was never an active or enterprising tribe, would follow their lead. Of the Ashurites nothing is known, and the reading is uncertain, as the LXX. has "Thasir," and the Vulgate and Syriac "Geshur." The Chaldee paraphrase boldly gives "the house of Asher;" but this tribe lay close to Phoenicia, on the extreme northwest. There are two places called Geshur (see on 2 Samuel 3:3), but neither of them seems meant, and more probably it was some place the name of which was uncommon, and so was wrongly copied by scribes until the present confusion arose. Jezreel. The name of this place, as specially subject to Ishbosheth, is surprising; for the town, at this time of no importance, lay in the wide plain between the mountains of Gilboa and the little Hermon. But this district was the prize won by the Philistines, and was a region where their cavalry and chariots gave them a great advantage. For Ishbosheth to have had even a nominal dominion over Jezreel, he must either have become a tributary, or Abner must have maintained a not unsuccessful struggle there after the battle of Gilboa. The latter is the more probable. In safe possession of all the country east of the Jordan, Abner was not likely to consent to anything so humiliating as submission to the Philistines; while David's connection with Achish made it neither so galling to him nor so disadvantageous. As the Transjordanic tribes assembled at Hebron to make David king to the number of one hundred and twenty thousand men (1 Chronicles 12:37), Abner plainly had large resources at his command, and, though the people were not very earnest in the cause of Saul's house, yet they would probably assemble in considerable numbers after the battle of Gilboa, to prevent any irruption of the victors into their country. At their head Abner probably gained some advantages over the Philistines, and thus became powerful enough to proclaim Ishbosheth king, and as Ephraim and Benjamin acquiesced, he became nominally ruler over all Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

and made him king
וַיַּמְלִכֵ֙הוּ֙ (way·yam·li·ḵê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

over
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Gilead,
הַגִּלְעָ֔ד (hag·gil·‘āḏ)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites

Asher,
הָאֲשׁוּרִ֖י (hā·’ă·šū·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 805: Asshurim -- descendant of Asshur, also a region of Israel

Jezreel,
יִזְרְעֶ֑אל (yiz·rə·‘el)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3157: Jezreel -- 'God sows', two Israelites, also two cities in Israel, also a valley in Northern Israel

Ephraim,
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

Benjamin—
בִּנְיָמִ֔ן (bin·yā·min)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

over
וְעַל־ (wə·‘al-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כֻּלֹּֽה׃ (kul·lōh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:9 And he made him king over Gilead (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)