⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read
When Brothers Clash – 2 Samuel 2:12–32 (June 30, 2025)
Today’s reading takes us into the tragic civil war between Joab’s and Abner’s forces—a conflict that tore Israel apart after Saul’s death. Even among God’s people, division and rivalry can flourish when pride and ambition take root. But God’s purposes were never thwarted, and His grace points us forward to the true King who reconciles what sin has divided.
- ✅ A full reading of 2 Samuel 2:12–32 (ESV)
- ✅ Reflections on the tragedy of division among God’s people
- ✅ Christ-centered application—how Jesus unites what sin has torn apart
- ✅ Personal and church takeaways for peacemaking and humility
Memory Verse:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9
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Devotional Reflection
Conflict among God’s people is nothing new, but it never leaves us unchanged. In 2 Samuel 2, we see how pride, ambition, and rivalry can divide even those who should stand together. Yet this passage also reminds us of our need for the greater King—Jesus—who makes peace by the blood of His cross.
As you consider Joab and Abner’s story, reflect on your own life:
- Where do you see the seeds of rivalry, pride, or division creeping into your relationships?
- How can you pursue peace and humility this week?
- What does it look like to trust God’s sovereign purposes even in times of conflict?
Pray today for a heart that seeks reconciliation, unity, and the glory of Christ above all.
Memory Verse:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” — Matthew 5:9
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Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
