2 Samuel 2:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} of Judah {H3063} came {H935}, and there they anointed {H4886} David {H1732} king {H4428} over the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}. And they told {H5046} David {H1732}, saying {H559}, That the men {H582} of Jabeshgilead {H3003}{H1568} were they that buried {H6912} Saul {H7586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the men of Y'hudah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Y'hudah. They informed David that the men of Yavesh-Gil'ad were the ones who had buried Sha'ul.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

American Standard Version

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, The men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the devastating deaths of King Saul and his sons, 2 Samuel 2:4 marks a pivotal moment in David's ascendancy to the throne. It records the formal anointing of David as king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, a crucial first step in the fulfillment of God's promise. Simultaneously, the verse conveys vital intelligence to David: that the men of Jabesh-Gilead were responsible for burying Saul, an act of loyalty that would strategically inform David's immediate actions and demonstrate his magnanimous leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's profound lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan in [2 Samuel 1](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan"). Having mourned deeply, David then seeks divine guidance from the Lord, asking, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" to which the Lord directs him to Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:1](/2_samuel/2-1 "2 Samuel 2:1 - David Inquires of the Lord")). Thus, David's arrival in Hebron and his anointing by Judah are direct responses to divine instruction and the immediate aftermath of the previous king's demise. The information about Jabesh-Gilead's loyalty to Saul sets the stage for David's wise and unifying response in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 2:5-7](/2_samuel/2-5 "2 Samuel 2:5-7 - David Blesses Jabesh-Gilead")), which contrasts sharply with the emerging division and civil war with Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, that soon follows.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately after a king's death, especially a king who died tragically and without a clear successor, was a time of immense political instability and potential chaos in ancient Israel. Tribal loyalties were strong, and the concept of a unified monarchy was still relatively new and fragile. Hebron, located in the heart of Judah, was a historically significant city, a patriarchal burial site, and an ideal strategic location for David to establish his initial base of power within his own tribe. The act of anointing with oil was a deeply symbolic and culturally significant ritual, signifying divine appointment and formal consecration for a sacred office, in this case, kingship. The news about Jabesh-Gilead highlights the importance of proper burial rites and the honor accorded to a deceased king, even by those who might be considered peripheral or potentially aligned with the previous regime.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to the book of 2 Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Appointment and Gradual Fulfillment** of God's promise to David, first revealed in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David"). While David had been privately anointed by Samuel, this public anointing by Judah marks the beginning of his public reign, albeit a partial one, foreshadowing the eventual unification of all Israel under his rule in [2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel"). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Transition of Power**, illustrating the complex and often fragmented process by which the kingship shifted from Saul's dynasty to David's. This transition was not immediate or universally accepted, leading to a period of civil strife. Lastly, the mention of Jabesh-Gilead highlights David's **Strategic Compassion and Unifying Leadership**. By acknowledging and blessing those who honored Saul, David demonstrates a magnanimous spirit that seeks to build bridges and foster unity rather than exact vengeance or solidify power through force, setting a precedent for his reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashach'_):** This verb (מָשַׁח) means "to smear, rub, anoint." In the context of kingship, it carries profound theological significance, indicating a consecration or setting apart for a sacred office by divine appointment. David's anointing here by the men of Judah is a public, tribal affirmation of the divine choice previously made by God through Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")). It signifies the formal investiture of authority and legitimacy in the eyes of the people.
* **King (Hebrew, _melekh'_):** The noun (מֶלֶךְ) denotes a sovereign ruler, a monarch. The phrase "anointed David king" emphasizes the specific office and authority being conferred upon him. Importantly, the text specifies "king over the house of Judah," highlighting the limited scope of this initial anointing, which would later expand to encompass all of Israel.
* **House of Judah (Hebrew, _beit Yehudah'_):** This phrase (בֵּית יְהוּדָה) refers to the tribe of Judah, David's own tribe. It signifies the specific political and familial entity that first recognized David's claim to the throne. This initial, tribal-specific kingship underscores the fragmented nature of Israel's political landscape at this time and the gradual process by which David would consolidate power over the entire nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah."**: This clause describes the formal, public recognition of David's kingship by his own tribe. "There" refers to Hebron, where David had settled at the Lord's command ([2 Samuel 2:1](/2_samuel/2-1 "2 Samuel 2:1 - David Inquires of the Lord")). This act was not merely political but carried spiritual weight, acknowledging David as God's chosen leader for Judah. It marks the first tangible step in David's reign, confirming his divine election in the eyes of a significant portion of Israel.
* **"And they told David, saying, [That] the men of Jabeshgilead [were they] that buried Saul."**: This second clause introduces a seemingly unrelated piece of information, yet it is strategically crucial. The news is delivered to David, indicating its importance and relevance to his new position. The men of Jabesh-Gilead had previously been rescued by Saul from Nahash the Ammonite ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Rescues Jabesh-Gilead")), and their act of burying Saul was a demonstration of profound loyalty and gratitude towards their former king, even after his tragic death. This information presents David with an immediate test of his leadership: how would he respond to those who honored his predecessor, especially one who had become his adversary?

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing the anointing of David, symbolizing a new beginning and the rise of a new dynasty, immediately alongside the news of Saul's burial, which marks the definitive end of the old era. This creates a powerful sense of transition and the shifting of power. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the partial anointing of David over Judah hints at the eventual full unification of Israel under his reign, but also subtly suggests the initial division and conflict that will characterize the early years of his rule. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Information Disclosure** as a plot device: the seemingly simple report about Jabesh-Gilead is not incidental but serves to set up David's subsequent actions, allowing the narrator to highlight David's wisdom and magnanimity in a way that contrasts with the typical power struggles of the time.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 2:4 is a profound testament to God's sovereign plan unfolding in human history. David's anointing by Judah, though partial, is a concrete step in the fulfillment of the divine promise made years earlier. It demonstrates that God's purposes are realized not always in immediate, grand gestures, but often through incremental, divinely guided steps, even amidst political complexities and human loyalties. The news about Jabesh-Gilead also highlights the importance of honoring the dead and the wisdom of a leader who can acknowledge and even commend loyalty shown to a predecessor, rather than viewing it as a threat. This sets a tone of reconciliation and unity for David's nascent reign, reflecting God's desire for His people to be united.

* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")
* [2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel")
* [1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Rescues Jabesh-Gilead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound lessons for believers today regarding divine timing, leadership, and reconciliation. God's plans often unfold in stages, requiring patience and faithfulness even when the full scope of His promise is not immediately realized. David's anointing over Judah was a significant step, but not the final one; similarly, our spiritual journeys and the fulfillment of God's callings in our lives may involve partial beginnings and gradual progress. Furthermore, David's response to the news about Jabesh-Gilead, as seen in the subsequent verses, exemplifies a leadership principle rooted in grace and wisdom. Instead of punishing or ignoring those who showed loyalty to his predecessor, David honors them, demonstrating a heart that seeks to build bridges and foster unity. This challenges us to consider how we respond to those with different allegiances or past loyalties, encouraging us to seek reconciliation and honor, even when it might seem counterintuitive to our own advancement. It reminds us that true spiritual leadership prioritizes unity and grace over personal gain or the settling of old scores.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when God's promises or my personal callings unfold in gradual, partial stages rather than immediate, full realization?**
* **In what ways can I, like David, demonstrate wisdom and magnanimity towards those who have shown loyalty to a "previous regime" or hold different allegiances, rather than viewing them as rivals?**
* **How can I actively work to build bridges and foster unity in my community or sphere of influence, even when there are historical divisions or differing loyalties?**

### FAQ
**Why was David only anointed king over Judah at first, and not all of Israel?**

Answer: David's initial anointing over Judah was a pragmatic and divinely guided step in a complex political landscape. Following Saul's death, Israel was not a unified entity but a collection of tribes with varying loyalties. Judah, being David's own tribe, was naturally the first to recognize him. The other tribes, particularly those in the north, still held allegiance to Saul's house and would eventually crown Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, as their king ([2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-10 - Ish-Bosheth Made King Over Israel")). God's plan for David's kingship unfolded gradually, respecting the existing tribal structures and allowing for a period of transition and even civil conflict before the full unification of the kingdom under David in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel"). This gradual process highlights God's sovereignty working through human realities.

**What is the significance of the men of Jabesh-Gilead being mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of the men of Jabesh-Gilead is highly significant because it immediately presents David with a strategic opportunity to demonstrate his character and vision for leadership. These men had shown remarkable loyalty and courage in retrieving and burying Saul's body after his defeat by the Philistines ([1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - Men of Jabesh-Gilead Bury Saul")). This act was a profound expression of gratitude, as Saul had previously rescued them from the Ammonites ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Rescues Jabesh-Gilead")). By immediately blessing and commending them, as recorded in [2 Samuel 2:5-7](/2_samuel/2-5 "2 Samuel 2:5-7 - David Blesses Jabesh-Gilead"), David signals his intention to be a king who honors loyalty, even to his predecessor, and seeks to unite all of Israel rather than punish those with past allegiances. It was a wise political move that showcased his magnanimity and desire for reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of David as king over Judah in 2 Samuel 2:4 serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as David was God's chosen king, anointed by divine decree and human affirmation, so too is Jesus the Messiah, the "Anointed One," set apart by God for an eternal kingdom. While David's initial reign was limited to Judah, a type of the house of Israel, Christ's kingship, though initially rejected by many in Israel, extends universally over all who believe, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. The news about Jabesh-Gilead's loyalty to Saul, and David's subsequent gracious response, reflects Christ's own compassionate and unifying leadership. Jesus, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), came not to condemn but to save, to reconcile those who were once alienated from God and from each other ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). His kingdom is not established through force or vengeance against those who resist, but through sacrificial love and the offer of grace, drawing people from every tribe and nation into His reign ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")). Ultimately, David's partial anointing in Hebron points to the full and eternal reign of Christ, who is sovereign over all creation and whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Reign")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 5:5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

1 Samuel 31:11

And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;

1 Samuel 31:13

And they took their bones, and buried [them] under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

2 Samuel 5:3

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:3

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

2 Samuel 19:11

And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, [even] to his house.