2 Samuel 2:4-11GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) 4 Then the people of Judah came to Hebron and anointed David to be king over the tribe of Judah. They told David, “The people of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.” 5 So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. He said to them, “May the Lord bless you because you showed kindness to your master Saul by burying him. 6 May the Lord always show you kindness. I, too, will be good to you because you did this. 7 Now, be strong and courageous. Because your master Saul is dead, the tribe of Judah has anointed me to be their king.” Abner Makes Ishbosheth King of Israel 8 Ner’s son Abner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ishbosheth[a] and brought him to Mahanaim. 9 Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher,[b] Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel. 10 Saul’s son Ishbosheth was 40 years old when he became king of Israel. He ruled for two years, but the tribe of Judah followed David. 11 In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.

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to all kinds of turmoil over who would become the next t<ing. Despite David's anointing by
rr 5amuel, others saw a tempting opportunily to seize power.
. Iransitions often bring difficult times. l-eaders who fail to plan for their departure invite trouble. Saul could
have been a hero had he cooperated with God in preparing David to succeed rri*. u. oij.ii.;;;;;;;submissive staff person in his entire palace than David.
Saul suffered from an "l" problem, an oversize ego that blinded him. Saul could've helped himself had he
recognized these truths:
l- Since change makes peopte insecure. readers mu$ see ahead and prepare for them.
2. People can live without certainty, but not without clarity regarding future direction.
3. wise choicestoday put'thange in the pocket" ofa leader regardingfuture choices.
4 Problem'solving skills and effective communication earn the leader trust and credibility.