Topical Encyclopedia The period of strife between Israel and Judah during the time of David is a significant chapter in the history of the united monarchy of Israel. This era is marked by political tension, civil war, and the eventual unification of the tribes under David's leadership. The narrative is primarily found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, which detail the complex relationships and events that led to David's rise as king over all Israel.David's Anointing and Saul's Jealousy David's journey to kingship began with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:13: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." Despite this divine selection, David's path was fraught with challenges, particularly from King Saul, who grew increasingly jealous of David's success and popularity (1 Samuel 18:7-9). Civil War and Division Following Saul's death, the kingdom was divided. David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4), while Saul's son Ish-bosheth was made king over the northern tribes of Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-9). This division led to a prolonged civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David, as described in 2 Samuel 3:1: "The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker." Key Figures and Events Several key figures played pivotal roles during this period of strife. Abner, the commander of Saul's army, initially supported Ish-bosheth but later defected to David's side, recognizing God's hand in David's rise (2 Samuel 3:9-10). Joab, David's military commander, was instrumental in securing David's position but also acted with personal vendettas, as seen in his murder of Abner (2 Samuel 3:27). The conflict reached a turning point with the assassination of Ish-bosheth by his own men, which paved the way for David to be accepted as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 4:5-12). David's response to Ish-bosheth's murder demonstrated his commitment to justice and the rule of law, as he ordered the execution of the assassins (2 Samuel 4:12). Unification and Reign With the death of Ish-bosheth, the elders of Israel came to David at Hebron and anointed him king over the entire nation (2 Samuel 5:3). David's reign marked the unification of the tribes and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. His leadership brought a period of relative peace and prosperity, as he expanded the kingdom and established a centralized government. David's reign, however, was not without further internal strife, including the rebellion of his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18). Despite these challenges, David's legacy as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) and his role in the messianic lineage remain central to the biblical narrative. The strife between Israel and Judah during David's ascent to the throne highlights the complexities of leadership, the consequences of division, and the overarching sovereignty of God in the establishment of His chosen king. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 19:41-43And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan? Nave's Topical Index Library The History of David One Fold and one Shepherd David's Charge to Solomon Samuel The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Deliverance from Assyria Genesis How to Split a Kingdom The First Kings. Purposes of God. Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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