2 Samuel 2:5

5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead *, and said to them, "1May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him.

2 Samuel 2:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 2:5

And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead
To return them thanks for their courage and boldness in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons out of the hands of the Philistines, and for their civility in the burial of them:

and said unto them, blessed [be] ye of the Lord;
which may be considered either as a wish, the Lord bless you for it, or as a prediction, the Lord will bless you:

that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, [even] unto Saul,
and have buried him.
To bury the dead, with the Jews, was always reckoned an instance of humanity and kindness, and indeed of piety; an act done in imitation of God F26, who buried Moses, and so it might be expected the divine blessing would attend it.


FOOTNOTES:

F26 T. Bab. Bava Metzia, fol. 32. 2. and Sotah, fol. 14. 1.

2 Samuel 2:5 In-Context

3 And David 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 anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, "It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul."
5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead , and said to them, "May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord , and have buried him.
6 "Now may 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."

Cross References 1

  • 1. 1 Samuel 23:21; Psalms 115:15

Footnotes 1

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