2 Samuel 2:10 Meaning and Explanation
“Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ishbosheth was forty when he began his two-year reign over Israel, while Judah followed David.
What Does 2 Samuel 2:10 Mean?
The narrator gives the customary regnal notice for Ishbosheth, forty years old at his accession and reigning two years. The brevity of that reign, set against the long years to come, already hints at how little will come of Abner's project. The verse ends with the decisive contrast, the house of Judah followed David.
Two years of a propped-up reign against the rising house of David is the measure of the difference between a kingdom of man's making and one of God's choosing. To 'follow' David is the heart of the matter; Judah has cast its allegiance where God has placed His favor. The faithful are always those who follow the king God has anointed.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 2:10
What does 2 Samuel 2:10 mean?
Ishbosheth was forty when he began his two-year reign over Israel, while Judah followed David.