2 Samuel 2:4 kjv

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

2 Samuel 2:4 nkjv

Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, "The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul."

2 Samuel 2:4 niv

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah. When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul,

2 Samuel 2:4 esv

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When they told David, "It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,"

2 Samuel 2:4 nlt

Then the men of Judah came to David and anointed him king over the people of Judah. When David heard that the men of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul,

2 Samuel 2 verses

2 Samuel 2 4 Meaning

Second Samuel 2:4 details a pivotal moment in David's ascendancy, where the men of Judah, his tribal brethren, convened at Hebron and formally anointed him as king specifically over the house of Judah. This act marks the commencement of David's reign, albeit initially restricted to his own tribe, in contrast to the rest of Israel. The verse also records a critical piece of information conveyed to David: that the men of Jabesh Gilead had performed the courageous and honorable act of burying King Saul and his sons after their death in battle. This second detail underscores David's awareness of significant events impacting the preceding monarchy and sets the stage for his subsequent actions concerning Saul's loyal followers.

2 Samuel 2 4 Context

The context of 2 Samuel 2:4 immediately follows the death of King Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, as narrated in 1 Samuel 31 and confirmed to David in 2 Samuel 1. David, having lamented Saul and Jonathan, seeks divine counsel regarding his next steps (2 Sam 2:1). Directed by God, he moves with his household and supporters from Ziklag to Hebron, a significant city in the territory of Judah and an ancient cultic center. The verse captures the immediate consequence of this move: the recognition and anointing of David as king, specifically by the tribe of Judah, marking a decisive shift from the Sauline monarchy. This limited scope of his anointing signals the beginning of a transitional period, as the rest of Israel would remain under Saul's lineage for a period. David's inquiry about the burial of Saul shows his immediate concern for reconciliation and honorable statecraft rather than vengeful retaliation.

2 Samuel 2 4 Word analysis

• Then the men of Judah came:
  • Then (וַיָּבֹאוּ - va-ya'vo'u, conjunction wa- + verb "to come"): Signifies a direct consequence or next action following David's arrival in Hebron. It indicates a rapid, divinely guided progression.
  • Men of Judah (אִישׁ יְהוּדָה - ish Yehudah): Refers specifically to the male inhabitants or leaders of the tribe of Judah. Judah was David's home tribe, prophesied to hold a scepter (Gen 49:10). Their support was crucial and foundational for David's initial ascent. This also highlights the regional, rather than national, nature of this first anointing.
• and there they anointed David king:
  • there (שָׁם - sham): Refers to Hebron, which David had just established as his base (2 Sam 2:3). Hebron was strategically located and held ancient significance.
  • anointed (מָשַׁח - mashach): To pour oil over someone, designating them for a special office. This act carried immense religious and political significance, confirming divine selection and human approval. David had been previously anointed by Samuel (1 Sam 16:13), but this was the first public, tribal anointing for kingship.
  • David king (דָּוִד לְמֶלֶךְ - David l'melekh): "David into king" or "as king." The office of king was a divinely sanctioned one in Israel. This establishes his political legitimacy in the eyes of his tribe.
• over the house of Judah:
  • house of Judah (עַל בֵּית יְהוּדָה - al beit Yehudah): Literally "over the house/dynasty of Judah," signifying authority over the tribe and its lineage. This emphasizes the limited scope of his reign at this point, contrasted with his later rule over all Israel (2 Sam 5:3). This highlights the initial fractured state of Israel after Saul's death.
• And they told David, saying:
  • told David (וַיַּגִּידוּ לְדָוִד לֵאמֹר - va-ya'gi'du l'David le'mor): The promptness of this communication indicates the urgency and significance of the news. It demonstrates the direct line of communication between David and the people regarding matters of state and honor.
• “The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.”:
  • men of Jabesh Gilead (אֲנְשֵׁי יָבֵשׁ גִּלְעָד - anshei Yavesh Gil'ad): Inhabitants of a city east of the Jordan River. Their actions held particular weight given Saul's previous rescue of them (1 Sam 11) and their profound loyalty, even in his defeat.
  • buried Saul (אֲשֶׁר קָבְרוּ אֶת־שָׁאוּל - asher qav'ru et-Shaul): A final act of respect for the deceased king. In the ancient Near East, proper burial was extremely important. The Philistines had desecrated Saul's body, so this act by Jabesh Gilead was an exceptional display of loyalty and courage, going against the victorious Philistines to honor their fallen king. David's immediate awareness of this demonstrates his shrewd political intelligence and his genuine heart of respect for even a deceased rival king.

2 Samuel 2 4 Bonus section

The location of Hebron is significant as it was an ancient city associated with Abraham's burial of Sarah and later a major cultic center. It provided a secure base for David in Judah, distant from the main Israelite power centers that might still cling to Saul's lineage. David's choice of Hebron was thus a divinely guided tactical move, placing him strategically among his primary supporters. The act of "anointing" here is distinct from a mere acclamation; it's a religious ceremony signifying divine authorization and public acceptance, reflecting God's sovereignty over the appointment of kings. Furthermore, David's keen awareness of the events concerning Saul's burial suggests an active intelligence network or deep communal respect within Israel, valuing the dignity of the dead and acts of profound loyalty. This immediately distinguishes David's character from that of ambitious, ruthless rulers common in the ancient world, establishing a tone for his reign rooted in wisdom and respect, even towards his predecessors.

2 Samuel 2 4 Commentary

2 Samuel 2:4 is a pivotal transition point, marking David's initial assumption of the kingship after Saul's demise. The anointing by the men of Judah at Hebron legitimizes his rule from within his own tribe, validating the prophetic word of Samuel and the Lord's prior choice. This partial kingship highlights the political reality of a fractured Israel post-Saul, foreshadowing the subsequent conflict between the "house of David" and the "house of Saul." David's immediate inquiry about, and awareness of, Jabesh Gilead's actions in burying Saul speaks volumes about his character and strategic acumen. Instead of reveling in a rival's downfall, David recognized and honored an act of deep loyalty, signaling his intent to rule justly and reconcile the divided kingdom rather than antagonize former supporters of Saul. This also connected to an old favor David did for Jabesh Gilead, indicating that loyalty begets loyalty, a cornerstone for building national unity under his leadership. This verse therefore introduces David as not just a divinely appointed king, but a politically astute and honorable leader.