2 Samuel 2:12-17
Verse 13 Joab son of Zeruiah and David’s men went out and met them at the pool of Gibeon. One group sat down on one side of the pool and one group on the other side.
Now that David was settling in as king there were things that were bound to happen, war being one of them. David’s first choice may not have been to send his men up against the tribes of Israel but Abner, leader of Ish-Bosheth’s army met up with Joab, the general of David’s army at the pool of Gibeon. Gibeon was around 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem. This large source of water provided a good meeting place to discuss the reason that there were two separate nations among God’s people. David’s men sat on the opposite side of the pool from the men of Israel.
Both sides agreed that there should only be one nation of God. And they both insisted that they were the right one. They decided to have some of their men fight as they watched. This seems more like a gang initiation than a battle but Abner and Joab agree to put 12 of their men against the other side’s 12.
While the kings of the two nations were not involved with the event, their respective reigns were hanging in the balance of these 24 men. The men of both armies were told to stand up and the leaders went through and picked out 12 of their men for this hand to hand battle. The men chosen would have been selected not to die but with the hopes of a win. These generals were not playing a boys game, they would have chosen those they thought would beat the other side, they were being looked at for their level of barbaric nature.
The men quickly go at it and the 24 are soon dead. After seeing this battle the men on both sides are charged up and take up the battle themselves. The battle was hard fought and lasted all day. In the end, David’s men won. Even winning the battle didn’t settle the matter between the divided nation. Neither side was willing to give up their portion of power.
It may not have seemed settled between the two armies but God was putting His mark on David’s army by giving them the win. It doesn’t matter if we think the outcome of our situation is good or not, what matters is what God has declared about the situation. We need to make sure we are on God’s winning side.
Making It Personal
Have you ever been a part of a situation where both sides are sure they belong in charge? How comfortable is that type of a situation? How can you be sure you on God’s side during a situation?
Making It Personal Kids
Why is it important to be on Jesus’ side during an argument? How can you know you are on Jesus’ side? Do you make sure you are on His side?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for always fighting for us. Help us to know where You stand so we can always stand with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.