2 Samuel 2:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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."

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.

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.

Commentary

2 Samuel 2:1 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, initiating the reign of David as king, first over Judah, and later over all Israel. Following the tragic deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan, David, who had previously been anointed by Samuel, now finds himself at a critical juncture.

Context

The phrase "after this" directly refers to the events described in 1 Samuel 31 and 2 Samuel 1, detailing the defeat of Israel by the Philistines and the deaths of Saul and his sons. David, residing in Ziklag at the time, had just finished mourning. With the throne vacant and the nation in disarray, David’s first action is not to seize power or strategize politically, but to seek divine counsel. This highlights his consistent reliance on the LORD throughout his life, contrasting sharply with Saul's later failures to inquire of God.

Key Themes

  • Seeking Divine Guidance: David's immediate "enquir[y] of the LORD" demonstrates a profound commitment to God's will above personal ambition or human wisdom. He doesn't just ask "if," but also "whither," seeking specific direction for his next steps as a leader.
  • Obedience and Trust: The simple, direct answers from the LORD ("Go up," "Unto Hebron") are met with immediate obedience from David. This trust in God's leading, even when the path might seem uncertain, is a hallmark of David's character and a model for faithful leadership.
  • God's Sovereignty in Leadership: This verse illustrates God's active involvement in establishing and directing His chosen leaders. He guides David precisely to Hebron, a significant city in Judah, which would serve as his first capital and where he would be anointed king by the tribe of Judah.
  • Transition of Power: This marks the legitimate, divinely ordained beginning of David’s reign, moving from a period of exile and waiting to actively assuming his kingly responsibilities as foretold.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "enquired of the LORD" (sha'al Yahweh) signifies a formal consultation, typically through a prophet or priest using the ephod (like Abiathar, who was with David). It was not a casual thought but a deliberate act of seeking a clear revelation of God's will. This contrasts with Saul's later desperation, where he sought guidance from forbidden sources after God had ceased to answer him (1 Samuel 28:6).

Practical Application

David's example in 2 Samuel 2:1 provides a powerful lesson for believers today. In times of significant life changes, uncertainty, or when facing major decisions, our first step should always be to "enquire of the LORD." Like David, we are called to:

  • Prioritize God's Will: Don't rely solely on personal logic or worldly advice. Seek God's direction through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel aligned with biblical principles.
  • Expect Specific Guidance: God is not vague; He can provide clear direction, though His methods may vary.
  • Act in Obedience: Once God's will is discerned, respond with faith and obedience, trusting that His path is the best path, even if it requires patience or stepping into the unknown. As Proverbs 3:5-6 admonishes, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 23:2 (4 votes)

    Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

  • 1 Samuel 30:31 (4 votes)

    And to [them] which [were] in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were wont to haunt.

  • Genesis 32:2 (3 votes)

    And when Jacob saw them, he said, This [is] God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

  • 1 Samuel 23:4 (3 votes)

    Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

  • 1 Samuel 23:9 (3 votes)

    And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

  • 1 Samuel 23:12 (3 votes)

    Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.

  • Psalms 25:4 (2 votes)

    Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.