2 Samuel 2:1-7

Expanded Bible

David Is Made King of Judah

2 Later, David ·prayed to [consulted; inquired of] the Lord, saying, “Should I ·go up [move back; return] to any of the ·cities [or towns] of Judah?”

The Lord said to David, “·Go [Move back; Return].”

David asked, “·Where [To which town] should I go?”

The Lord answered, “To Hebron [^Cin the heartland of Judah, David’s tribe].”

² So David went up to Hebron with his two wives: Ahinoam from Jezreel [1 Sam. 25:43] and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel [1 Sam. 25:39–42]. ³ David also brought his men and their ·families [households], and they all ·made their homes in the cities of [settled in the villages near] Hebron. ⁴ Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and ·appointed [anointed] David king over [the people/house of] Judah.

They told David that the men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul [1 Sam. 31:11–13]. ⁵ So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead and said to them, “The Lord bless you. You have shown ·loyalty [kindness; faithful love] to your master Saul by burying him. ⁶ May the Lord now ·be loyal [show kindness/faithful love] and ·true [faithfulness] to you. I will also ·treat you well [show this goodness to you; reward you] because you have done this. ⁷ Now ·be [^Llet your hands be] strong and ·brave [valiant]. Saul your ·master [lord] is dead, and the ·people [^Lhouse] of Judah have appointed me their king.”