2 Samuel 2:7

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.

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.

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

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

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

2 Samuel 2:7 captures a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's history, marking the transition from King Saul's reign to David's ascent. This verse is part of David's message to the men of Jabesh-Gilead, a town that had shown remarkable loyalty and bravery by recovering and burying the bodies of Saul and his sons after their defeat on Mount Gilboa.

Context of 2 Samuel 2:7

Following the tragic death of King Saul and his three sons in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:6), David, having mourned their passing, received news of the courageous act of the men of Jabesh-Gilead. These men, remembering Saul's past deliverance of their city, risked their lives to retrieve and respectfully bury the fallen king and his sons (2 Samuel 2:4-6). David, now established as king over the tribe of Judah, sends this message, acknowledging their noble deed and subtly inviting their allegiance to his new leadership.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Transition of Power: The verse explicitly states "your master Saul is dead," signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a new one under David. This period was fraught with political uncertainty, making David's diplomatic overture crucial for stability.
  • David's Wisdom and Diplomacy: Rather than immediately asserting his authority, David first commends the men of Jabesh-Gilead for their faithfulness to Saul. This demonstrates David's strategic foresight and understanding of human loyalty, laying groundwork for broader acceptance.
  • Call to Courage and Loyalty: David's exhortation, "let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant," is both an encouragement to maintain their courageous spirit and an implicit call to transfer their loyalty to him, especially now that he has been anointed king by the house of Judah.
  • Divine Appointment: While not explicitly stated in this verse, David's kingship was part of God's divine plan, as revealed through Samuel's anointing (1 Samuel 16:13). David's declaration of his anointing by Judah underscores the legitimacy of his claim, even if it was initially only over one tribe.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "let your hands be strengthened" comes from the root chazaq (Χ—Χ–Χ§), which often implies to be strong, firm, or courageous. It’s a call to resolute action and steadfastness. Similarly, "be ye valiant" derives from chayil (Χ—Χ™Χœ), conveying strength, valor, and often military prowess, acknowledging their brave act and encouraging continued fortitude in the face of new challenges.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into leadership, transition, and personal character. For believers, it highlights the importance of:

  • Honoring the Past while Embracing the Future: David acknowledged their loyalty to Saul, demonstrating respect for past allegiances, even as he invited them into a new future under his leadership. This teaches us to honor what was good in the past while moving forward with God's new directions.
  • Wisdom in Leadership: Effective leadership often involves diplomacy, recognizing the contributions of others, and building bridges rather than burning them. David's approach here is a model for navigating difficult transitions in any sphere of influence.
  • Courage in New Seasons: Just as the men of Jabesh-Gilead were called to be valiant, we too are called to courage and strength when facing new circumstances or challenges, trusting in God's guiding hand as new leaders or phases emerge in our lives or communities.

David's eventual reign over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3) began with such careful, strategic steps, demonstrating God's providence in establishing His chosen king.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ΒΆ 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

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

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13

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