2 Samuel 2:1-9

David Anointed King Over Judah

1 In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered.
2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel.
3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns.
4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah. When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul,
5 he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him.
6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.
7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

War Between the Houses of David and Saul

8 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.
9 He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel.

2 Samuel 2:1-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 2

This chapter relates that David, upon inquiring of the Lord, was directed to go up to Hebron, and did, where he was anointed king of Judah, 2Sa 2:1-4. And that being told of the kindness of the men of Jabeshgilead in burying Saul, he sent them thanks, and promised to remember it, and took the opportunity to let them know he was anointed king over Judah, 2Sa 2:5-7. It also relates that Abner set up Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, to be king over Israel, 2Sa 2:8-11; and that there was an encounter between twelve of Abner's men and twelve of David's, which brought on a sore battle between them, in which Abner was beaten, 2Sa 2:12-17; and Asahel, who was of David's party, was slain in the pursuit by Abner, 2Sa 2:18-25; when a retreat was sounded by Joab, at the influence of Abner, who, with his wen, betook themselves to Mahanaim, where he had left Ishbosheth, 2Sa 2:26-29. And the chapter closes with an account of the slain on both sides, the burial of Asahel, and the return of Joab with David's men to Hebron, 2Sa 2:30-32.

Cross References 18

  • 1. S 1Sa 23:2,11-12
  • 2. S Genesis 13:18; S Genesis 23:19; 1 Samuel 30:31
  • 3. S 1 Samuel 25:43; 1 Samuel 30:5
  • 4. S 1 Samuel 25:42
  • 5. S 1 Samuel 27:2; 1 Samuel 30:9; 1 Chronicles 12:22
  • 6. S Genesis 13:18; Genesis 23:2; Genesis 37:14
  • 7. S 1 Samuel 30:31
  • 8. S 1 Samuel 2:35; 2 Samuel 5:3-5; 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
  • 9. S Judges 21:8; S 1 Samuel 11:1; 1 Samuel 31:11-13
  • 10. S Judges 17:2; S 1 Samuel 23:21; 2 Timothy 1:16
  • 11. Exodus 34:6; 1 Timothy 1:16
  • 12. S Joshua 1:6; S Judges 5:21
  • 13. S 1 Samuel 14:50; S 2 Samuel 3:27
  • 14. 2 Samuel 4:5; 1 Chronicles 8:33; 1 Chronicles 9:39
  • 15. S Genesis 32:2
  • 16. S Numbers 32:26
  • 17. S Joshua 19:24-31; Judges 1:32
  • 18. 1 Chronicles 12:29
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