2 Samuel 2:4

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

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."

Context of 2 Samuel 2:4

Following the tragic deaths of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, detailed in 1 Samuel 31, David mourned deeply for Saul and Jonathan, as recorded in 2 Samuel 1. This verse marks a pivotal moment: David, having inquired of the Lord, moved to Hebron. Here, the tribe of Judah, his own tribe, officially recognized him as their king. This was a significant step in David's ascendancy, fulfilling God's promise, yet it also highlights the initial division of the kingdom, as the other tribes of Israel had not yet acknowledged him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Partial Anointing and Divine Will: While David had been privately anointed by Samuel years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13), this public anointing by the men of Judah in Hebron marked the beginning of his public reign. It signifies God's chosen king taking his rightful place, though the full kingdom would not unite under him until later (2 Samuel 5:1-5).
  • David's Strategic Compassion: The second part of the verse, where David is informed about the men of Jabesh-Gilead burying Saul, is crucial. This act of loyalty by Jabesh-Gilead to Saul, who had previously rescued them (1 Samuel 11:1-11), could have been seen as defiance to David. However, David's response (in the following verses) is to bless them, demonstrating his wisdom, magnanimity, and desire to unite Israel even those who honored his predecessor.
  • Transition of Power: This verse encapsulates the complex and often fragmented transition of power from Saul's dynasty to David's. It was not a smooth, immediate shift for all of Israel, but a gradual process initiated by tribal recognition.

Linguistic Insights

The word "anointed" (Hebrew: mashach - ΧžΦΈΧ©Φ·ΧΧ—) is highly significant. It means to smear or rub with oil, and in a religious context, it signifies consecration or setting apart for a sacred office or purpose. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed, symbolizing their divine appointment and empowerment by God for their specific roles. David's anointing here by the men of Judah formally acknowledges his God-given authority within that tribe.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into leadership, respect, and divine timing. David's anointing, while partial, was a step in God's plan, reminding us that God's purposes unfold in stages. His immediate concern for the men of Jabesh-Gilead, despite their loyalty to Saul, teaches valuable lessons about showing honor and respect, even to those who may have been loyal to a "rival" or predecessor. This approach fosters unity and demonstrates a heart aligned with God's desire for reconciliation rather than vengeance. It highlights the importance of leadership that seeks to build bridges and honor past contributions, paving the way for a more unified future.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 5:5 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 31:13 (5 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 5:3 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.