2 Samuel 2:6

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

This verse comes at a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, shortly after the death of King Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines. David, newly established as king over Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4), sends messengers to the men of Jabesh-Gilead. These men had displayed remarkable courage and loyalty by recovering the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung them, and giving them a respectful burial (1 Samuel 31:11-13). David, recognizing their heroic and faithful act, sends this message of commendation and promise.

Key Themes

  • Gratitude and Reciprocity: David expresses profound gratitude for the men of Jabesh-Gilead's courageous deed and promises to "requite" (repay or reward) their kindness. This highlights the biblical principle of acknowledging and responding to good deeds.
  • Divine and Human Kindness: David first invokes the LORD's blessing ("the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you"), emphasizing that God Himself will bless their faithfulness. He then adds his own promise of human reciprocation, demonstrating that human kindness can reflect divine attributes.
  • Loyalty and Honor: The men of Jabesh-Gilead showed loyalty not just to Saul, but to the office of the king and to Israel's honor. David, despite being Saul's successor and rival, recognizes and honors this loyalty, setting a tone for his own reign.
  • David's Character as King: This early act showcases David's heart as a leader – compassionate, just, and quick to appreciate those who act with integrity and courage, even if their loyalty was primarily directed towards his predecessor.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kindness and truth" translates from the Hebrew words chesed (or hesed) and emet. Chesed is a rich theological term often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," "covenant loyalty," or "unfailing kindness." It speaks of a loyal, benevolent love that is active and enduring. Emet means "truth," "faithfulness," or "firmness." When paired, as in "kindness and truth," they convey the idea of dependable, loyal love and faithfulness, a hallmark of God's character (e.g., Psalm 136:1). David is praying for God to extend His covenant love and faithfulness to these men, and promises to do the same.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Acknowledge and Reward Good: Like David, we should be quick to recognize and appreciate acts of kindness, courage, and faithfulness in others. Expressing gratitude and, where appropriate, reciprocating good deeds, builds strong relationships and fosters a positive community (see Proverbs 3:27).
  2. Reflect God's Character: David's desire for the LORD to show "kindness and truth" and his subsequent promise to do the same reminds us that our human kindness should mirror God's divine chesed and emet. We are called to be people of loyal love and faithfulness.
  3. Leadership by Example: David's response to the men of Jabesh-Gilead demonstrates qualities of a good leader: compassion, justice, and the ability to honor integrity regardless of past allegiances. This sets a precedent for how he will rule and garner loyalty.
  4. God's Faithfulness: Ultimately, the verse points to the enduring truth that God Himself is the ultimate source of kindness and truth. He sees and rewards faithfulness, even when human eyes do not.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 14:22 (7 votes)

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

  • Exodus 34:6 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 9:7 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.