2 Samuel 2:1-7

David Made King over Judah

1 Then it came about afterwards * that 1David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?" And the LORD said to him, "Go up." So David said, "Where shall I go up?" And He said, "2To Hebron."
2 So David went up there, and 3his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.
3 And 4David brought up his men who were with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hebron.
4 Then the men of Judah came and there 5 anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, "It was 6 the men of Jabesh-gilead * who buried Saul."
5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead *, and said to them, "7May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him.
6 "Now 8may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you; and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing.
7 "Now therefore, let your hands be strong and be valiant *; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them."

2 Samuel 2:1-7 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 8

  • 1. 1 Sam 23:2, 4, 9-12
  • 2. Joshua 14:13; 1 Samuel 30:31
  • 3. 1 Samuel 25:42, 43
  • 4. 1 Samuel 30:9; 1 Chronicles 12:1
  • 5. 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:3, 5
  • 6. 1 Samuel 31:11-13
  • 7. 1 Samuel 23:21; Psalms 115:15
  • 8. Exodus 34:6; 2 Timothy 1:16

Footnotes 5

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