2 Samuel 2:12,13 - The Biblical Illustrator

Bible Comments

The servants of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, went out . .. the servants of David went out.

Taking sides

Guizot, in his life of St. Louis of France, says that the latter had many vassals who were also vassals of the King of England, and that many subtle and difficult questions arose as to the extent of the service which they owed to these kings. At length the French King commanded all those nobles who held lands in English territory to appear before him, and then he said to them, “As it is impossible for any man living in my kingdom and having possession in England rightly to serve two masters, you must either attach yourselves altogether to me, or inseparably to the King of England.” After saying this, he gave them a certain day by which to make their choice.

2 Samuel 2:12-13

12 And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met togetherc by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.