MPV Commentary

Abner the son of Ner, commander of Saul's army, took Ish-bosheth and established him as king over Israel. This rival kingdom would likely have never existed without Abner's efforts.

Ish-bosheth, also known as Esh-baal, was given this name due to his imbecility. The Hebrews often changed names ending with Baal into Bosheth ("shame"), as seen in other instances (compare Jud 9:53 with 2Sa 11:21).

Abner, a first cousin of Saul and respected commander, had mixed motivations for establishing this rival kingdom. He was driven by loyalty to the house of his late master, opposition to David, and personal ambition. Recognizing the importance of securing the eastern tribes, Abner took Ish-bosheth across the Jordan and proclaimed him king at Mahanaim, a town on the north bank of the Jabbok River. This location held significance in patriarchal times due to its connection with divine presence (Ge 32:2). There, Abner rallied the tribes around the standard of the unfortunate son of Saul.

Abner's efforts focused on the land beyond Jordan, including Gilead, Ashurites (the tribe of Asher), and Jezreel. However, David neither could nor would force matters, choosing to wait for God's timing instead. He studiously avoided any conflict with the rival king until hostilities were threatened two years later.

Abner and the servants of Ish-bosheth left Mahanaim to head towards Gibeon, a town near Judah's borders. As Abner's forces seemed to have aggressive intentions, David sent an army under Joab's command to observe their movements.

In response to this development, Abner proposed that the young men from both sides engage in a friendly competition or exhibition match (2Sa 2:14). However, some interpret this as a proposal for twelve picked men on each side to decide the outcome. Regardless of the intention, this confrontation only fueled the passions of both rival parties, leading to a general engagement where Abner's forces were defeated and put to flight.