Reading for April 26th

 Read 2 Samuel 2.12-32. In verse 12: According to 2 Sam 21.1-9, the people if Gibeon held a grudge against Saul and may have helped David. In verse 13: Zeruiah was David's sister and Joab his cousin, according to 1 Chr 2.16. Joab was also the commander of David's army. The pool of Gibeon may refer to an enormous pit that has been discovered at the site of the ancient city. The pit descended to the city's water supply. In verses 14-16: The contest here is a representative combat: a tournament between a small group from each side, rather than a full battle involving everyone. It provides an etiology for the name in v. 16- Helkath-hazzurim means "field of the flint swords," or field of sword edges. Since the contest is indecisive, a full battle breaks out (v. 17). In verses 18-23: The death of Asahel gives his brother, Joab, a personal incentive for killing Abner (3.26-30). In verse 26: People often means the army. In verse 29: The Arabah the geological depression from the Sea of Galilee to the Gulf of Aqabah. Here it refers to the Jordan Valley north of the Dead Sea. Comments or Question..