“The Pool of Gibeon”

 “And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together 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.” (2 Samuel 2:13)

Background

“But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;” (2 Samuel 2:8)

Abner, the military leader of Saul’s army, anointed Ishbosheth as King, then took him far enough away from David’s army to buy time to reequip and prepare the army for war.

David is in Hebron as commanded by God. David is the King of Judah, the captain of his military force is Joab. David’s army waits for guidance from God.

The Meeting at the Pool of Gibeon

Abner had chosen the Pool of Gibeon as the place of battle. Gibeon was controlled by the tribe of Benjamin where Saul had support. This was foretold at Jacob’s deathbed in Egypt, “Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” (Genesis 49:27) Abner had picked the place and invited Joab to meet there.

Joab eagerly agreed. “And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together 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.” (2 Samuel 2:13)

12 Vs 12

Abner suggests that 12 of his men will “play” a game with 12 of David’s men. It is one on one combat, more of a sport than a real battle. “And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.” (2 Samuel 2:14)

What happens is more of a mass suicide.

“15Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David.

16And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.” (2 Samuel 2:15-16)

A very bloody battle that ended in a draw.

Conclusion

This is not the end of conflict within Israel. The battle at the Pond of Gibeon is just the beginning. But, it is certainly a wasteful situation. Ishbosheth’s general Abner had caused the battle through his aggression. David’s general Joab certainly did not withdraw. If we listen to the ancient historian Josephus (Which I will discuss later) it may have resulted in an agreed group destruction.

The battle will continue.

Stay tuned…