[These fighting men] came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. (1 Chronicles 12:38)Most casual readers of the Bible think David became king of Israel immediately upon the tragic deaths of Saul and Jonathan (as first-born, Jonathan was in line for the throne). What they fail to realize is that Saul had another son named Ish-Bosheth, who received the kingdom upon his father's death.
While Ish-Bosheth did not enjoy the confidence of the people, he did have the support of Abner, Saul's highest ranking general. This was a relationship of convenience. Ish-Bosheth needed Abner's strength to secure for him the kingdom, and politically Abner needed Ish-Bosheth in place until he could seize the kingdom for himself.
Remember, Saul exiled David because he considered him a threat to his throne. And while no one could have been more loyal to Saul than was David, the king was thinking of his sons and future generations. Even while he was running for his life, a growing band of skilled fighters rallied around David.
In the mean time, upon hearing of Saul's death, the men of Judah proclaimed David king and he reigned in Hebron, Judah's tribal capital. David had a charisma that Ish-Bosheth lacked, and today's reading illustrates the transfer of power as a steady stream of supporters gathered around him in Hebron.
David knew the first step toward being a good leader is to be a good follower.
This week, how can you be a good follower?
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