2 Samuel 2:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore now let your hands {H3027} be strengthened {H2388}, and be ye valiant {H1121}{H2428}: for your master {H113} Saul {H7586} is dead {H4191}, and also the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} have anointed {H4886} me king {H4428} over them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be strong, and be brave. Sha'ul your lord is dead, but the house of Y'hudah have anointed me king over them."

Berean Standard Bible

Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be ye valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 2:7 records a pivotal diplomatic overture from David to the men of Jabesh-Gilead, acknowledging their courageous loyalty to the recently fallen King Saul and subtly inviting their allegiance to his newly established kingship over the house of Judah. This verse marks a critical juncture in Israel's history, signaling the definitive end of Saul's reign and the strategic beginning of David's ascent to the throne, demonstrating David's wisdom in navigating a complex political landscape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's reception of the news of Saul's death and his subsequent lament recorded in [2 Samuel 1](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel 1 - David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan"). Having already been anointed by Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")), and now by the tribe of Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")), David is consolidating his initial position. The preceding verses ([2 Samuel 2:5-6](/2_samuel/2-5 "2 Samuel 2:5-6 - David Commends Jabesh-Gilead")) show David sending messengers to Jabesh-Gilead, commending them for their brave and loyal act of retrieving and burying Saul's body after the disastrous battle on Mount Gilboa, as detailed in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul"). Verse 7 serves as the direct continuation of David's message, transitioning from commendation to a subtle call for allegiance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the death of a king, especially one who died in battle and without a clear successor, was a time of immense political instability and potential civil war in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms. Saul's death left a power vacuum, with his son Ish-Bosheth later attempting to claim the throne (though not yet in this immediate context). Jabesh-Gilead held a special historical bond with Saul, as he had famously delivered them from Nahash the Ammonite early in his reign ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")). Their act of retrieving Saul's body was not merely an act of bravery but a profound expression of loyalty and gratitude, culturally significant in honoring the deceased and their memory. David, understanding these deep-seated loyalties, strategically approaches them not with demands but with commendation and an implicit invitation, leveraging their existing valor and sense of duty.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evident in [2 Samuel 2:7](/2_samuel/2-7 "2 Samuel 2:7 - David's Message to Jabesh-Gilead") include the **transition of power** from the Saulide dynasty to the Davidic, marked by the explicit declaration "your master Saul is dead." It highlights **wise and diplomatic leadership**, as David chooses a path of commendation and invitation rather than forceful assertion, demonstrating his political acumen in a fragmented kingdom. The verse also underscores the theme of **loyalty**, both the admirable loyalty of Jabesh-Gilead to Saul and David's subtle call for a transfer of that loyalty to himself. Furthermore, it subtly points to **divine appointment**, as David's anointing by Judah ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")) is presented as a legitimate basis for his claim, even if it is not yet over all Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This verb (חזק) means to be strong, firm, courageous, or to grasp firmly. In this context, it is a call to inner resolve and fortitude. David is not merely asking them to be physically strong, but to be resolute in their spirit and purpose, especially in the face of the uncertainty following Saul's death. It implies a moral and spiritual strengthening, enabling them to face the new political reality with courage.
* **Valiant (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** This noun (חיל) refers to strength, valor, military prowess, or even wealth. When used as an adjective or in an exhortation like this, it speaks to courageous action and noble character. David is acknowledging their proven bravery in retrieving Saul's body and encouraging them to maintain that same spirit of valor, subtly directing it towards a new allegiance.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashach'_):** This verb (משח) means to smear or rub with oil, specifically in the context of consecrating someone or something for a sacred office or purpose. The act of anointing signified divine selection and authorization for kingship. David's declaration that "the house of Judah have anointed me king" underscores the legitimacy of his claim, presenting it as a divinely sanctioned act, even if initially limited to one tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore now let your hands be strengthened,":** This opening clause is an imperative, an exhortation for the men of Jabesh-Gilead to find inner resolve and courage. It serves as a direct follow-up to David's commendation in the preceding verses, encouraging them to maintain the spirit that led them to their brave act. The "hands" symbolize their capacity for action and resolve.
* **"and be ye valiant:":** This continues the exhortation, reinforcing the call to courage and demonstrating a recognition of their established reputation for valor. David is validating their past actions and implicitly calling for a continuation of that brave spirit in the new political landscape.
* **"for your master Saul is dead,":** This statement serves as the primary justification for David's call to new allegiance. It acknowledges the end of the previous regime and the vacuum it created. David respects their past loyalty by referring to Saul as "your master," but simultaneously points out that the object of that loyalty is no longer present.
* **"and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.":** This final clause provides the alternative and legitimate claim to their allegiance. David presents his anointing by Judah not as a hostile takeover but as a divinely sanctioned and tribal endorsement. It is a subtle but clear invitation for Jabesh-Gilead to consider transferring their loyalty to the new, legitimate king, whose authority is now established, at least among his own tribe.

#### Literary Devices
David's message in this verse is a masterful example of **Diplomacy** and **Rhetoric**. He employs a strategic blend of commendation, empathetic acknowledgment of their past loyalty ("your master Saul is dead"), and a clear, yet non-coercive, statement of his own legitimate claim to authority ("the house of Judah have anointed me king"). This approach avoids direct confrontation or demands, instead appealing to their existing virtues of courage and loyalty. The use of **Imperative** verbs ("let your hands be strengthened," "be ye valiant") serves as a direct, yet encouraging, call to action. The verse also functions as a **Transition Marker**, explicitly stating the end of one era (Saul's reign) and the beginning of another (David's kingship), framing the political shift in terms that invite, rather than compel, allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly a straightforward political maneuver, is deeply embedded in the larger theological narrative of God's sovereign plan for Israel's kingship. David's careful approach to the men of Jabesh-Gilead demonstrates a leadership style that blends human wisdom with an underlying trust in divine providence. It highlights the transition from a king chosen by the people's demand (Saul) to a king chosen by God's heart (David), even as David navigates the practicalities of gaining widespread acceptance. The call to be "strengthened" and "valiant" in a new season resonates with the biblical theme of divine empowerment for new tasks and challenges, even when the path is uncertain. David's legitimacy, rooted in his anointing by Judah, foreshadows his eventual anointing over all Israel, fulfilling God's promise.

* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")
* [1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - Jabesh-Gilead Rescues Saul's Body")
* [2 Samuel 5:1-3](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's message in 2 Samuel 2:7 offers profound lessons for navigating transitions, demonstrating wisdom in leadership, and understanding the nature of loyalty. In our own lives, we often face "Saul is dead" moments—the end of an era, a job, a relationship, or a familiar phase. Like David, we are called to acknowledge the past with respect and grace, even as we step into new, God-ordained seasons. David's diplomacy teaches us the importance of building bridges, honoring people's past allegiances, and inviting rather than coercing. For believers, this means recognizing that God often works through strategic, patient, and respectful means, even when He is establishing His sovereign will. We are called to be "strengthened" and "valiant" not just in defending what was, but in courageously embracing what God is doing now and in the future, trusting that His anointing brings true legitimacy and purpose. Our loyalty is ultimately to God's unfolding plan, expressed through the leadership He raises up.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Saul is dead" moments are you currently navigating in your life, and how can you approach them with David's wisdom and grace?**
* **How does David's diplomatic approach challenge or affirm your own understanding of effective leadership, especially during times of change?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to "let your hands be strengthened and be valiant" for a new purpose or allegiance?**

### FAQ
**Why did David send this specific message to the men of Jabesh-Gilead?**

Answer: David sent this message for several strategic and compassionate reasons. First, he genuinely wanted to commend them for their courageous and loyal act of retrieving and burying Saul's body, an act of great respect and piety in ancient culture, especially given Saul's past deliverance of their city ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")). Second, by acknowledging their loyalty to Saul, David demonstrated respect for their past allegiances, which was crucial for gaining trust in a politically fractured kingdom. Third, and most importantly, it was a subtle yet clear invitation for them to transfer their loyalty to him. David, having been anointed king over Judah ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")), was strategically building his base of support and recognized the valor and loyalty of Jabesh-Gilead as valuable assets for his nascent kingdom.

**What was the significance of Jabesh-Gilead's loyalty to Saul?**

Answer: The loyalty of Jabesh-Gilead to Saul stemmed from a pivotal moment early in Saul's reign. When Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-Gilead and threatened to gouge out the right eye of every man, Saul, empowered by the Spirit of God, rallied Israel and delivered them decisively ([1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Delivers Jabesh-Gilead")). This act cemented a deep bond of gratitude and allegiance. Their subsequent bravery in retrieving Saul's body after his defeat and death ([1 Samuel 31:11-13](/1_samuel/31-11 "1 Samuel 31:11-13 - Jabesh-Gilead Rescues Saul's Body")) was a powerful testament to this enduring loyalty, even when it was dangerous and seemingly futile. This history made them a strategically important group for David to win over.

**Why was David only king over Judah initially, and not all of Israel?**

Answer: Although Samuel had anointed David as king over Israel years earlier ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")), Saul remained king until his death. After Saul's demise, the transition of power was not immediate or seamless across all twelve tribes. Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth, was subsequently made king over the remaining tribes of Israel by Abner, Saul's army commander ([2 Samuel 2:8-10](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8-10 - Ish-Bosheth Made King Over Israel")). David, therefore, was initially only recognized and anointed by his own tribe, Judah, in Hebron. This period of dual kingship, with David ruling Judah and Ish-Bosheth ruling the rest of Israel, lasted for seven and a half years before David was finally anointed king over all Israel ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")). This gradual process reflects the political complexities and tribal loyalties of the time, even in the face of God's clear anointing of David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's strategic and compassionate approach in 2 Samuel 2:7, inviting allegiance rather than demanding it, prefigures the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as David, the anointed of God, began his reign by acknowledging past loyalties while calling for new allegiance, so too does Christ establish His kingdom. The death of "master Saul" can be seen as a shadow of the passing of the old covenant and the Law, which, while serving a divine purpose, ultimately could not bring life or true kingship ([Galatians 3:24-25](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24-25 - The Law as a Guardian")). Christ, the true "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), ushers in a new covenant, a new reign. His call to "be strengthened" and "be valiant" is not for military prowess, but for spiritual fortitude and unwavering faith in Him ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")). Our loyalty is now to the one who has been "anointed" not by human hands or tribal decree, but by God Himself, as the Christ, the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ"); [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). In Christ, we find the ultimate and eternal King to whom all true strength, valor, and allegiance are eternally due, for He alone brings everlasting peace and perfect governance ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

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

1 Samuel 31:7

And when the men of Israel that [were] on the other side of the valley, and [they] that [were] on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

Genesis 15:1

¶ After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

1 Samuel 31:12

All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

1 Samuel 4:9

Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

1 Corinthians 16:13

¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.