2 Samuel 2:6

KJV

And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now the LORD {H3068} shew {H6213} kindness {H2617} and truth {H571} unto you: and I also will requite {H6213} you this kindness {H2896}, because ye have done {H6213} this thing {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now may ADONAI show kindness and truth to you; and I too will show you favor because you have done this.

Berean Standard Bible

Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.

American Standard Version

And now Jehovah show lovingkindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 2:6 captures King David's profound gratitude and strategic wisdom as he commends the men of Jabesh-Gilead for their courageous act of recovering and burying the bodies of King Saul and his sons. In this pivotal moment, David invokes God's divine "kindness and truth" (Hebrew: *chesed* and *emet*) upon them, immediately followed by his personal promise to reciprocate their loyal deed. This verse not only highlights the importance of honoring heroic acts but also serves as an early demonstration of David's character as a just, compassionate, and discerning leader, setting a tone of grace and magnanimity for his nascent reign over Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of 2 Samuel, immediately following the tragic death of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, detailed in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul"). David, who has just been anointed king over the house of Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King of Judah")), sends messengers to Jabesh-Gilead. This is one of David's first official acts as king, demonstrating his immediate concern for national unity and honor. The men of Jabesh-Gilead had previously been delivered by Saul early in his reign ([1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")), fostering a deep loyalty to him, which they now honor by risking their lives to retrieve and bury the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan ([1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - The Men of Jabesh-Gilead Bury Saul")). David's message here acknowledges their bravery and loyalty, bridging the gap between the old regime and the new.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the death of a king, especially one who died in battle against a formidable enemy like the Philistines, was often marked by political instability and power vacuums. Saul's death left Israel vulnerable and leaderless. Proper burial was of immense cultural and religious significance in ancient Israel, seen as an act of honor and respect for the deceased, ensuring their peace in the afterlife and preventing further disgrace. The Philistines' public display of Saul's body was intended to humiliate Israel. The men of Jabesh-Gilead's act was thus not merely a personal kindness but a courageous national service, restoring dignity to the fallen king and, by extension, to Israel. David's response, therefore, is not just a personal commendation but a shrewd political move, signaling his respect for the previous leadership and his intention to rule with honor and justice, thereby inviting the loyalty of all Israel, including those who had been loyal to Saul.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Loyalty and Honor**, exemplified by the men of Jabesh-Gilead's unwavering devotion to Saul, even in death, and David's recognition of that honor. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine and Human Kindness (Chesed)**, as David first invokes the LORD's `chesed` upon them, then promises his own, reflecting a core attribute of God. This sets a precedent for David's reign, where justice and mercy are intertwined. Thirdly, it reveals **David's Character as King**, showcasing his magnanimity, wisdom, and ability to unite disparate factions. Unlike a typical usurper, David honors the memory of his predecessor and those loyal to him, demonstrating a leadership style rooted in grace and strategic foresight, which would be crucial for his future unification of Israel ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kindness (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This is a profound theological term in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," "covenant loyalty," or "unfailing kindness." It describes a loyal, benevolent love that is active, enduring, and faithful to a relationship or covenant. When applied to God, it speaks of His unwavering commitment to His people. When applied to humans, it denotes a loyal and compassionate action that goes beyond mere obligation. Here, David invokes God's *ḥesed* upon the men of Jabesh-Gilead, acknowledging that their act was an expression of deep loyalty and kindness, worthy of divine reciprocation.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼĕmet'_):** Meaning "truth," "faithfulness," "firmness," or "reliability." When paired with *ḥesed*, as it frequently is (e.g., [Psalm 89:14](/psalms/89-14 "Psalm 89:14 - Righteousness and Justice Are the Foundation of Your Throne")), it emphasizes the dependable and unwavering nature of God's loyal love. It signifies integrity, reliability, and consistency. David's prayer for the LORD to show "kindness and truth" to these men suggests a desire for God to deal with them in a way that is both mercifully loving and utterly dependable, reflecting their own faithful act.
* **requite (Hebrew, _shālam'_):** This verb means "to repay," "to make whole," "to restore," "to complete," or "to reward." It carries the connotation of bringing something to completion or making amends. In this context, David promises to "requite" their kindness, meaning he will repay or reward their good deed. This is not merely a transactional repayment but an act of completing the circle of kindness, demonstrating his commitment to justice and reciprocity in his new role as king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you:"** David begins with a blessing and prayer, invoking divine favor. He desires that God Himself would extend His covenant faithfulness (*ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet*) to the men of Jabesh-Gilead. This highlights David's recognition that all true blessing ultimately flows from God, and it places the men's courageous act within the framework of divine providence and justice. It also subtly aligns David's reign with God's character.
* **"and I also will requite you this kindness,"** Following his invocation of God's blessing, David immediately pledges his personal commitment. The phrase "I also" emphasizes his intention to mirror God's character and participate in the act of rewarding loyal service. This is a promise of human reciprocation, demonstrating David's resolve to act justly and benevolently as king, ensuring that their valiant deed does not go unrewarded by the earthly authority.
* **"because ye have done this thing."** This final clause clearly states the reason for David's commendation and promise. "This thing" refers specifically to their courageous and loyal act of rescuing and burying the bodies of Saul and his sons. It underscores David's appreciation for their integrity and bravery, regardless of their prior allegiance to Saul, and acknowledges the profound cultural and spiritual significance of their deed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective **Literary Devices**. There is a clear **Parallelism** between the divine and human spheres: David first invokes God's "kindness and truth," then promises to "requite this kindness" himself. This structure emphasizes that David's human action is intended to mirror or reflect divine attributes, positioning his reign as one aligned with God's character. The narrative also contains an element of **Irony**, as David, who was persecuted by Saul and is now his successor, chooses to honor those who demonstrated deep loyalty to his deceased adversary. This unexpected act of grace subverts typical political maneuvering and highlights David's unique character. Furthermore, this early act serves as **Foreshadowing** of David's future reign, suggesting that he will be a king who values loyalty, acts with justice and compassion, and seeks to unite the nation through magnanimity rather than force or retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's character and its call for human emulation. The pairing of "kindness and truth" (*ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet*) is a hallmark of God's covenant faithfulness throughout the Old Testament, signifying His unwavering, loyal love and His absolute reliability. David's invocation of this divine blessing upon the men of Jabesh-Gilead, followed by his own promise to "requite" their kindness, illustrates the biblical principle that human actions of grace and faithfulness should mirror God's own attributes. It teaches that true leadership, whether in a kingdom or in everyday life, is marked by a recognition and affirmation of good deeds, flowing from a heart that reflects divine *ḥesed*. This act of David's sets a moral precedent for his reign, emphasizing that his kingdom would be built not just on military might, but on justice, loyalty, and compassionate reciprocity.

* [Psalm 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever")
* [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do Not Withhold Good")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's response to the men of Jabesh-Gilead is a powerful model for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and promptness in acknowledging and affirming the good deeds of others, even when those deeds might have been directed towards someone we consider an adversary or competitor. Like David, we are called to be conduits of God's "kindness and truth" in the world, reflecting His *ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet* in our interactions. This means actively seeking opportunities to show loyal love, faithfulness, and generosity, not just to those who are "on our side," but to all who act with integrity and courage. It reminds us that our leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, should be characterized by compassion, justice, and the willingness to honor integrity wherever it is found, building bridges rather than walls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of honoring those loyal to Saul challenge our own tendencies to only affirm those who are "on our side"?**
* **In what practical ways can we reflect God's "kindness and truth" (*ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet*) in our daily interactions and relationships?**
* **What specific "kindness" or act of loyalty have you witnessed recently that deserves to be acknowledged and perhaps "requited"?**
* **How might a leader's early acts, like David's here, set the tone for their entire tenure or influence their followers?**

### FAQ

**Why did David send a message to Jabesh-Gilead specifically?**

Answer: David sent a message to Jabesh-Gilead because the men of that city had performed a remarkably courageous and loyal act. After King Saul and his sons were killed in battle against the Philistines, their bodies were disgracefully hung on the wall of Beth-shan. The men of Jabesh-Gilead, remembering Saul's earlier deliverance of their city from the Ammonites ([1 Samuel 11](/1_samuel/11 "1 Samuel 11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")), risked their lives to retrieve the bodies and give them a proper burial ([1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - The Men of Jabesh-Gilead Bury Saul")). David, now king over Judah, recognized this heroic deed as a profound act of national honor and loyalty, even though it was directed towards his predecessor. His message was a strategic move to commend their bravery, acknowledge their fidelity, and signal his magnanimous leadership, thereby inviting their allegiance to his nascent reign.

**What is the significance of "kindness and truth" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "kindness and truth" translates from the Hebrew *ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet*, two deeply significant theological terms. *Ḥesed* refers to steadfast love, covenant loyalty, or unfailing kindness, often describing God's enduring commitment to His people. *ʼĔmet* means truth, faithfulness, or reliability. When paired, they describe a loyal love that is utterly dependable and consistent. In 2 Samuel 2:6, David first invokes the LORD to show *ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet* to the men of Jabesh-Gilead, indicating his desire for God's covenant faithfulness to be extended to them. He then promises to "requite" their kindness himself, implying that his human reciprocation will mirror this divine attribute. This phrase underscores the moral and theological foundation of David's blessing and promise, rooting his actions in the very character of God.

**How does this act reflect David's leadership style?**

Answer: This early act by David provides crucial insight into his leadership style. Firstly, it demonstrates his **magnanimity and wisdom**. Instead of punishing or ignoring those loyal to his predecessor, he honors them, effectively bridging the gap between the old regime and the new. Secondly, it highlights his **compassion and justice**. He recognizes a selfless act of honor and ensures it is rewarded, reflecting a king who cares for the dignity of his people and acknowledges their sacrifices. Thirdly, it shows his **strategic foresight**. By commending Jabesh-Gilead, David signals to all Israel that his reign will be one of grace, unity, and respect, not vengeance or division. This approach would be instrumental in eventually uniting all the tribes of Israel under his rule ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 2:6, with its emphasis on "kindness and truth" (*ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet*) and the act of "requiting" loyalty, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as an earthly king, could only offer a human reflection of divine attributes and a temporal reward for a specific act of kindness. However, Jesus embodies the fullness of God's *ḥesed* and *ʼĕmet*. John's Gospel declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of [grace and truth](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Where David promised to "requite" kindness, Christ Himself, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, provides the ultimate "requital" for humanity's greatest need—salvation from sin and death. His act on the cross was the supreme demonstration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, a divine *ḥesed* that goes beyond human merit or loyalty, reaching out to us "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Shows His Love For Us")). In Christ, we see the perfect King whose kingdom is founded not on earthly power or human reciprocity, but on the boundless grace and unwavering truth of God, offering eternal life and reconciliation to all who believe, a kindness that far surpasses any earthly reward ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Love")).

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

Proverbs 14:22

¶ Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth [shall be] to them that devise good.

Exodus 34:6

And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:7

Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

2 Samuel 9:7

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

2 Samuel 10:2

Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

Psalms 57:3

He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.