TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
KJV (with Strong's)
And it came to pass after this H310, that David H1732 enquired H7592 of the LORD H3068, saying H559, Shall I go up H5927 into any H259 of the cities H5892 of Judah H3063? And the LORD H3068 said H559 unto him, Go up H5927. And David H1732 said H559, Whither shall I go up H5927? And he said H559, Unto Hebron H2275.
Complete Jewish Bible
After this, David consulted ADONAI; he asked, "Should I go up into any of the cities of Y'hudah?"ADONAI said to him, "Go up." David asked, "Where should I go up?" He said, "To Hevron."
Berean Standard Bible
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.
American Standard Version
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And Jehovah said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
World English Bible Messianic
Ofter this, David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
After this, Dauid asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go vp into any of the cities of Iudah? And the Lord sayd vnto him, Goe vp. And Dauid sayd Whither shall I goe? Hee then answered, Vnto Hebron.
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass afterwards, that David asketh at Jehovah, saying, `Do I go up into one of the cities of Judah?' and Jehovah saith unto him, `Go up.' And David saith, `Whither do I go up?' and He saith, `To Hebron.'
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 2 verses 1–7
1 ¶ And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.
2 So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.
3 And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.
4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.
5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.
6 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
7 Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.
When Saul and Jonathan were dead, though David knew himself anointed to be king, and now saw his way very clear, yet he did not immediately send messengers through all the coasts of Israel to summon all people to come in and swear allegiance to him, upon pain of death, but proceeded leisurely; for he that believeth doth not make haste, but waits God's time for the accomplishment of God's promises. Many had come in to his assistance from several tribes while he continued at Ziklag, as we find (1 Chr. 12:1-22), and with such a force he might have come in by conquest. But he that will rule with meekness will not rise with violence. Observe here,
I. The direction he sought and had from God in this critical juncture, Sa2 2:1. He doubted not of success, yet he used proper means, both divine and human. Assurance of hope in God's promise will be so far from slackening that it will quicken pious endeavours. If I be elected to the crown of life, it does not follow, Then I will do nothing; but, Then I will do all that he directs me, and follow the guidance of him who chose me. This good use David made of his election, and so will all whom God has chosen. 1. David, according to the precept, acknowledged God in his way. He enquired of the Lord by the breast-plate of judgment, which Abiathar brought to him. We must apply to God not only when we are in distress, but even when the world smiles upon us and second causes work in favour of us. His enquiry was, Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah? Shall I stir hence? Though Ziklag be in ruins, he will not quit it without direction from God. "If I stir hence, Shall I go to one of the cities of Judah?" not limiting God to them (if God should so direct him, he would go to any of the cities of Israel), but thus expressing his prudence (in the cities of Judah he would find most friends), and his modesty - he would look no further at present than his own tribe. In all our motions and removals it is comfortable to see God going before us; and we may, if by faith and prayer we set him before us. 2. God, according to the promise, directed his path, bade him go up, told him whither, unto Hebron, a priest's city, one of the cities of refuge, so it was to David, and an intimation that God himself would be to him a little sanctuary. The sepulchres of the patriarchs, adjoining to Hebron, would remind him of the ancient promise, on which God had caused him to hope. God sent him not to Bethlehem, his own city, because that was little among the thousands of Judah (Mic 5:2), but to Hebron, a more considerable place, and which perhaps was then as the county-town of that tribe.
II. The care he took of his family and friends in his removal to Hebron. 1. He took his wives with him (Sa2 2:2), that, as they had been companions with him in tribulation, they might be so in the kingdom. It does not appear that as yet he had any children; his first was born in Hebron, Sa2 3:2. 2. He took his friends and followers with him, Sa2 2:3. They had accompanied him in his wanderings, and therefore, when he gained a settlement, they settled with him. Thus, if we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him, Ti2 2:12. Nay, Christ does more for his good soldiers than David could do for his; David found lodging for them - They dwelt in the cities of Hebron, and adjacent towns; but to those who continue with Christ in his temptations he appoints a kingdom, and will feast them at his own table, Luk 22:29, Luk 22:30.
III. The honour done him by the men of Judah: They anointed him king over the house of Judah, Sa2 2:4. The tribe of Judah had often stood by itself more than any other of the tribes. In Saul's time it was numbered by itself as a distinct body (Sa1 15:4) and those of this tribe had been accustomed to act separately. They did so now; yet they did it for themselves only; they did not pretend to anoint him king over all Israel (as Jdg 9:22), but only over the house of Judah. The rest of the tribes might do as they pleased, but, as for them and their house, they would be ruled by him whom God had chosen. See how David rose gradually; he was first anointed king in reversion, then in possession of one tribe only, and at last of all the tribes. Thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all by divine designation, but we see not yet all things put under him, Heb 2:8. David's reigning at first over the house of Judah only was a tacit intimation of Providence that his kingdom would in a short time be reduced to that again, as it was when the ten tribes revolted from his grandson; and it would be an encouragement to the godly kings of Judah that David himself at first reigned over Judah only.
IV. The respectful message he sent to the men of Jabesh-Gilead, to return them thanks for their kindness to Saul. Still he studies to honour the memory of his predecessor, and thereby to show that he was far from aiming at the crown from any principle of ambition or enmity to Saul, but purely because he was called of God to it. It was told him that the men of Jabesh-Gilead buried Saul, perhaps by some that thought he would be displeased at them as over-officious. But he was far from that. 1. He commends them for it, Sa2 2:5. According as our obligations were to love and honour any while they lived, we ought to show respect to their remains (that is, their bodies, names, and families) when they are dead. "Saul was your lord," says David, "and therefore you did well to show him this kindness and do him this honour." 2. He prays to God to bless them for it, and to recompense it to them: Blessed are you, and blessed may you be of the Lord, who will deal kindly with those in a particular manner that dealt kindly with the dead, as it is in Rut 1:8. Due respect and affection shown to the bodies, names, and families of those that are dead, in conscience towards God, is a piece of charity which shall in no wise lose its reward: The Lord show kindness and truth to you (Sa2 2:6), that is, kindness according to the promise. What kindness God shows is in truth, what one may trust to. 3. He promises to make them amends for it: I also will requite you. He does not turn them over to God for a recompence that he may excuse himself from rewarding them. Good wishes are good things, and instances of gratitude, but they are too cheap to be rested in where there is an ability to do more. 4. He prudently takes this opportunity to gain them to his interest, Sa2 2:7. They had paid their last respects to Saul, and he would have them to be the last: "The house of Judah have anointed me king, and it will be your wisdom to concur with them and in that to be valiant." We must not so dote on the dead, how much soever we have valued them, as to neglect or despise the blessings we have in those that survive, whom God has raised up to us in their stead.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 2:1 records the pivotal moment following the death of King Saul, where David, demonstrating profound dependence on divine guidance, formally seeks the LORD's direction regarding his next steps. This inquiry, and God's precise instruction to go to Hebron, marks the divinely orchestrated commencement of David's reign as king, initially over the tribe of Judah, establishing the initial phase of his long-awaited kingship in accordance with God's sovereign will and timing.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a crucial narrative pivot, transitioning from the tragic end of King Saul's reign in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel 1 to the divinely sanctioned beginning of David's kingship. The preceding chapters detail Israel's devastating defeat by the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, resulting in the deaths of Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, David's beloved friend. David, who has been divinely anointed by Samuel years prior (1 Samuel 16:13) and has endured a long period as a fugitive, now finds the throne vacant. Instead of seizing power through human ambition or military might, David's immediate action is to "enquire of the LORD," setting a profound spiritual tone for his future reign and contrasting sharply with Saul's later spiritual failures. This deliberate act of seeking God's will immediately establishes David's legitimacy as a leader chosen and guided by God, laying the groundwork for the Davidic dynasty.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period immediately following Saul's death was characterized by significant political instability and a power vacuum in Israel. The Philistines had gained considerable control, and the nation was in disarray. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the death of a king often triggered intense struggles for succession. David, though divinely appointed, understood the need for both divine legitimation and strategic political action. His inquiry of the LORD was not merely a personal spiritual act but also a public declaration of his reliance on God's authority, distinguishing him from typical claimants to power. Hebron, the city God designates, held immense strategic and historical significance. Located in the tribal territory of Judah, David's own tribe, it was an ancient city with deep patriarchal roots, serving as the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 23:2). Its selection as David's initial capital underscored his connection to the foundational promises to Israel and provided a central, secure base within his own people.
Key Themes: 2 Samuel 2:1 introduces and reinforces several foundational themes crucial to understanding David's reign and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, Divine Guidance and Dependence is paramount; David's immediate and repeated action is to "enquire of the LORD," establishing a pattern of seeking God's will as the primary basis for leadership. This stands in sharp contrast to Saul's later spiritual decline, where he could no longer hear from God. Secondly, God's Sovereignty in Leadership is powerfully displayed as God actively directs David's steps, not only affirming his ascent but specifically choosing his initial location. This highlights that David's kingship is a divine appointment, not a human achievement, fulfilling God's promises to him (1 Samuel 16:13). Thirdly, Obedience and Trust are evident in David's willingness to follow God's specific instructions, even asking for more precise direction ("Whither shall I go up?"). Finally, the verse signals a momentous Transition of Power, moving from the failed Saulide dynasty to the divinely ordained Davidic line, which would ultimately serve as the lineage for the Messiah.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Dialogue is central, presenting a direct and concise exchange between David and the LORD, emphasizing the personal and active nature of God's guidance in David's life. This Divine Oracle serves as the primary mode of God's communication, highlighting His sovereignty and control over human affairs, especially in the establishment of leadership. There is a strong implicit Contrast drawn between David's consistent and humble seeking of God's will and Saul's tragic failures to do so (1 Samuel 28:6), thereby affirming David's legitimacy and God's favor upon him. The narrative also uses Foreshadowing, as the divine direction to Hebron, a city of Judah, subtly points towards the future establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the eventual unification of all Israel under David's rule, rooting his kingship in his tribal identity and the promises made to Judah. The brevity and directness of God's responses ("Go up," "Unto Hebron") lend an air of divine authority and certainty to the narrative, underscoring the clarity of God's will for His chosen king.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 2:1 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of godly leadership and divine providence. David's immediate and persistent inquiry of the LORD, even after years of waiting and with a clear claim to the throne, underscores that true leadership begins with absolute dependence on God. It teaches that God is not only willing but eager to provide specific direction to those who sincerely seek His will, especially in moments of significant transition or uncertainty. This passage affirms God's active involvement in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of leaders according to His sovereign plan, and demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises, even through periods of chaos and waiting. David's example challenges believers to prioritize divine counsel above human wisdom or ambition in all major decisions, trusting that God's path is always the best path, leading to His intended purposes and glory.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's immediate recourse to the LORD in 2 Samuel 2:1 offers a timeless and powerful model for all believers, particularly in times of significant life transitions, uncertainty, or when facing major decisions. His example teaches us that our first and most critical step should always be to "enquire of the LORD," prioritizing divine guidance above personal logic, worldly advice, or even perceived opportunities. This isn't a casual thought but a deliberate, humble posture of dependence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom. Like David, we are called to seek not just general affirmation but specific direction, trusting that God is capable of providing clear answers, though His methods may vary (through His Word, prayer, wise counsel, or providential circumstances). Once God's will is discerned, the call is to respond with immediate faith and obedience, knowing that His path, even if it leads to an unfamiliar "Hebron," is the one that aligns with His perfect plan and ultimately brings about His purposes. This verse encourages us to cultivate a consistent habit of seeking God's face, not just in crisis, but as the foundational principle of our daily walk and decision-making, recognizing that true success and peace flow from alignment with His divine will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did David "enquire of the LORD" in this context, and why did he ask twice?
Answer: David most likely "enquired of the LORD" through the priestly ephod, which contained the Urim and Thummim, instruments used for discerning God's will (1 Samuel 23:9-12, where David asks Abiathar to bring the ephod). This was a formal, established method for seeking divine counsel in ancient Israel. David asked twice not out of doubt in God's initial "Go up," but out of a desire for specific, precise direction. His first question, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?", sought general permission and affirmation for a move into his tribal territory. Once that general permission was granted, he then sought the exact destination, "Whither shall I go up?", demonstrating his commitment to complete and accurate obedience to God's detailed plan. This two-part inquiry highlights David's prudence, his thoroughness in seeking divine will, and his absolute trust that God would provide explicit guidance for his next steps as a leader, ensuring that his actions were fully aligned with the divine will.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 2:1, with David's humble inquiry and God's precise direction, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as David, the anointed one, waited for God's perfect timing and sought His specific instruction to assume his kingship, so too did Jesus, the true Anointed One (Messiah), perfectly align His entire life and ministry with the Father's will. David's immediate act of seeking God's guidance before taking the throne reflects Christ's own perfect obedience and absolute dependence on the Father, as seen in His constant prayer life and His declaration, "I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me." The divine command for David to "Go up... Unto Hebron" points to God's sovereign orchestration of His eternal kingdom, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's ascension and enthronement at the right hand of God, from where He reigns over His spiritual "Judah"—the church (Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:20-23). David's reign, initiated by divine instruction and rooted in the promised tribe, serves as a profound type of Christ's eternal, universal kingship, which began with His resurrection and will culminate in His glorious return, when "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" to the glory of God the Father, establishing a kingdom that knows no end.