David Anointed King Over Judah

2 In the course of time, David inquired^(A) of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.

The Lord said, “Go up.”

David asked, “Where shall I go?”

“To Hebron,”^(B) the Lord answered.

⁴ Then the men of Judah came to Hebron,^(A) and there they anointed^(B) David king over the tribe of Judah.

When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead^(C) who had buried Saul, ⁵ he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The Lord bless^(D) you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. ⁶ May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness,^(E) and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. ⁷ Now then, be strong^(F) and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

War Between the Houses of David and Saul^(G)

⁸ Meanwhile, Abner^(H) son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth^(I) son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.^(J)