David, King of Judah

2 Some time later, David inquired of the Lord:^(A) “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?”

The Lord answered him, “Go.”

Then David asked, “Where should I go?”

“To Hebron,”^(B) the Lord replied.

² So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.^{(C) 3} In addition, David brought the men who were with him, each one with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.^{(D) 4} Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.^(E) They told David: “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”^(F)

⁵ David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “The Lord bless you, because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. ⁶ Now, may the Lord show kindness and faithfulness to you, and I will also show the same goodness to you because you have done this deed. ⁷ Therefore, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”