2 Samuel 2:4

2 Samuel 2:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

King James Version 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 Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

American Standard Version ASV

And 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 they that buried Saul.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the men of Judah came there, and with the holy oil made David king over the people of Judah. And word came to David that it was the men of Jabesh-gilead who put Saul's body in its last resting-place.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king of the people of Judah. When David found out that it was the men from Jabesh-gilead who had buried Saul,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the men of Iudah came, and there they anoynted Dauid King ouer the house of Iudah. And they tolde Dauid, saying, that the men of Iabesh Gilead buried Saul.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the men of Judah come, and anoint there David for king over the house of Judah; and they declare to David, saying, 'The men of Jabesh-Gilead [are] they who buried Saul.'

World English Bible WEB

The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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 Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the men of Juda came, and anointed David there, to be king over the house of Juda. And it was told David, that the men of Jabes Galaad had buried Saul.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and one of them poured olive oil on David’s head to show they were appointing him to be [MTY] the king of the tribe [MTY] of Judah. When David found out that the people of Jabesh town in the Gilead region had buried Saul’s body,

Plain English Version PEV

Then the Judah tribe came together at Hebron to make David their boss. They poured olive oil on his head. That was their way of showing everybody that he was their boss.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ אַנְשֵׁ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וַ/יִּמְשְׁחוּ שָׁ֧ם אֶת דָּוִ֛ד לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ עַל בֵּ֣ית יְהוּדָ֑ה וַ/יַּגִּ֤דוּ לְ/דָוִד֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר אַנְשֵׁי֙ יָבֵ֣ישׁ גִּלְעָ֔ד אֲשֶׁ֥ר קָבְר֖וּ אֶת שָׁאֽוּל

וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

וַ/יִּמְשְׁחוּ mâshach H4886 to anoint Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

שָׁ֧ם shâm H8033 there Adv

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

יְהוּדָ֑ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

וַ/יַּגִּ֤דוּ nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

לְ/דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אַנְשֵׁי֙ ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

יָבֵ֣ישׁ Yâbêsh H3003 Jabesh N-proper

גִּלְעָ֔ד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

קָבְר֖וּ qâbar H6912 to bury V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שָׁאֽוּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:4

וַ/יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אַנְשֵׁ֣י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וַ/יִּמְשְׁחוּ mâshach H4886 "to anoint" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To anoint means to rub oil on someone or something, often to set them apart for a special purpose, like when Samuel anointed David as king in 1 Samuel 16:13. It's a way of showing respect and consecrating someone or something.

Definition: 1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smear 1a2) to anoint (as consecration) 1a3) to anoint, consecrate 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: anoint, paint. See also: Genesis 31:13; 1 Samuel 16:3; Psalms 45:8.

שָׁ֧ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

יְהוּדָ֑ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

וַ/יַּגִּ֤דוּ nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

לְ/דָוִד֙ Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אַנְשֵׁי֙ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

יָבֵ֣ישׁ Yâbêsh H3003 "Jabesh" N-proper

Refers to a town in the Bible called Jabesh, which is also the name of an Israelite. The town is located in the territory of Gilead, and its name means dry. It is mentioned in 1 Samuel 11.

Definition: Jabesh = "dry" a town in the territory of Gilead; according to Eusebius, it is beyond the Jordan, 6 miles (10 km) from Pella, on the mountain road to Gerasa may be modern 'Wadi Yabes' Another name of ya.vesh (יָבֵשׁ "Jabesh" H3003GI)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Jobesh (-Gilead). See also: Judges 21:8; 1 Samuel 31:11; 1 Chronicles 10:12.

גִּלְעָ֔ד Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" N-proper

Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.

Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

קָבְר֖וּ qâbar H6912 "to bury" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To bury means to inter or lay someone to rest, often in a grave or tomb. This word is used throughout the Bible to describe the act of burying the dead, and is translated as bury in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to bury 1a) (Qal) to bury 1b) (Niphal) to be buried 1c) (Piel) to bury, bury (in masses) 1d) (Pual) to be buried

Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 14:31; Psalms 79:3.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שָׁאֽוּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:4

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Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 2:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
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Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:4
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:4
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Context — David Anointed King of Judah

2So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

4Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

5So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. 6Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 5:5	In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
2	1 Samuel 31:11–13	When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.
3	2 Samuel 5:3	So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.
4	1 Chronicles 11:3	So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.
5	1 Samuel 16:13	So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
6	2 Samuel 19:11	Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters?
7	Genesis 49:8–10	Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
8	2 Samuel 5:17	When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold.
9	2 Samuel 2:11	And the length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.
10	2 Samuel 2:7	Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”

2 Samuel 2:4 Summary

This verse tells us that the men of Judah made David their king, which was a big step towards him becoming king of all Israel, as promised in 1 Samuel 16:13. The men of Judah anointed David as their king because they recognized God's hand on his life, and they wanted to follow him. This verse also shows us the importance of showing kindness and respect to others, as the men of Jabesh-gilead did when they buried Saul, and how God blesses those who do good, as seen in Psalm 37:3. By trusting in God's plan and showing kindness to others, we can experience His blessings in our lives, just like David and the men of Jabesh-gilead did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the men of Judah anoint David as their king?

The men of Judah anointed David as their king because God had already appointed him as the future king of Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, and they recognized his leadership and faithfulness to God.

What is the significance of the men of Jabesh-gilead burying Saul?

The men of Jabesh-gilead showed kindness to Saul by burying him, which was an act of loyalty and respect, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:4-6, and David praised them for their actions, acknowledging God's blessing on them.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of David's life?

This verse marks the beginning of David's reign as king over the house of Judah, which was a significant step towards his eventual reign as king over all of Israel, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 16:1 and fulfilled in 2 Samuel 5:1-5.

What can we learn from the men of Judah's actions in this verse?

We can learn the importance of recognizing and submitting to God-ordained leadership, as the men of Judah did with David, and also the value of showing kindness and respect to others, as the men of Jabesh-gilead did with Saul, as seen in Proverbs 21:21.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse reveal about God's sovereign plan for David's life, and how can I apply that to my own life?
How can I demonstrate loyalty and respect to those in authority over me, just as the men of Jabesh-gilead did with Saul?
What are some ways I can show kindness to others, just as the men of Jabesh-gilead did, and how can I trust God to bless me for my actions?
How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's timing and plan for my life, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of recognizing and submitting to God-ordained leadership in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:4

And the men of Judah came,.... The inhabitants of the tribe of Judah came from the several parts of it to Hebron, that is, the principal of them, the elders of each city: and there they anointed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:4

So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4

They anointed David king over the house of Judah: this they did upon just grounds, because not only the kingdom was promised to that tribe, , but David was designed and anointed by God, whose will both they and all Israel were obliged to observe and obey. And they piously resolved not to neglect their duty, though they saw the other tribes would. Yet their prudent caution and modesty is observable, that they make him king of Judah only, and not of all Israel. And therefore there was need of a third anointing to the kingdom over all Israel, which he had . But as for that first anointing, , it was only a designation of the person who should be king, but not an actual inauguration of him to the kingdom.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4

2 Samuel 2:4 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.Ver. 4. And the men of Judah came.] Together with those others that had resorted to him to Ziklag from the other tribes, who were not a few. Even some of Soal’ s brethren of Benjamin: besides the Cherethites and the Pelethites, his bodyguard; ever very firm, and therefore dear to him, though Philistines by nation. And there they anointed David king.] This is now the second time that he is anointed, for his further confirmation, whereof the best have need enough. It is said of our Queen Elizabeth, that as she swam to the crown through a sea of sorrows, so she brought the ship of England from a tempestuous and troublous sea to a safe and quiet harbour. The more happy was her government, because it ensued upon the stormy times of Queen Mary; she came as a fresh spring after a sharp winter; so did David to his contribules the men of Judah, who therefore gladly received him, and crowned him, after seven years’ persecution and banishment. Sic petitur caelum. Neither yet could he get the whole kingdom, till seven years after. Our Henry IV was crowned the very same day that, the year before, he had been banished the realm. Not so David. He "waited patiently for the Lord," and had not the kingdom till his "soul was even as a weaned child." And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead, &c.] For ill-will haply some told him so; to exasperate David against them, as favourers of his greatest enemy: but he sent them no small thanks for so doing; yea, he sendeth a kind message to the men of Jabeshgilead, and giveth them great thank for their kindness to Saul; so far was he from proscribing them, or seeking revenge upon them, as did Sulla, Marius, Anthony, Octavius, all such as had any way favoured their enemies.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4

(4) They anointed David.—The first private anointing of David (1 Samuel 16) had been in token of his Divine commission; this was a sign of his recognition as king by the tribe of Judah; and there was still a third subsequent anointing (2 Samuel 5:4), when he was accepted by all Israel. Comp. Saul’s anointing by Samuel privately (1 Samuel 10:1), and his subsequent double recognition as king by the people (1 Samuel 10:24; 1 Samuel 11:15). The “men of Judah” were not only of David’s tribe, but were doubtless aware of his having been divinely selected for their future king, and, for the most part, had been on friendly terms with him during his long outlawry; they had also lately received presents from him in recognition of their kindness (1 Samuel 30:26-31). The men of Jabesh-gilead.—This town had been destroyed in the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:9-12), and its 400 virgins given in marriage to the surviving Benjamites. There was therefore a special connection between Saul, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, and this city. It is altogether probable also that the remnants of Saul’s defeated army had sought refuge in Gilead.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4

Verse 4. Anointed David king] He was anointed before by Samuel, by which he acquired jus ad regnum, a right TO the kingdom; by the present anointing he had jus in regno, authority OVER the kingdom. The other parts of the kingdom were, as yet, attached to the family of Saul.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:4

4. the men of Judah came] An assembly of David’s own tribe was held in order to elect him king. No doubt he had previously secured the support of the elders. Cp. 1 Samuel 30:26. they anointed David] David had already been anointed privately by Samuel to mark God’s choice of him as the future king, but it was natural that the ceremony should now be repeated publicly as the formal inauguration of his reign, and even a third time, when he was made king over all Israel (ch. 2 Samuel 5:3). Similarly Saul was first privately anointed (1 Samuel 10:1), and afterwards publicly installed in his office, and possibly anointed a second time (1 Samuel 11:14-15, note). On the significance of the rite of anointing see note on 1 Samuel 10:1. And they told David] The connexion is obscure. We should expect a fresh verse and paragraph. Apparently either the announcement was intended to indicate the quarter in which opposition to his authority was most probable, or it was an answer to David’s inquiry whether the body of his predecessor had received fitting burial. In either case the embassy to the men of Jabesh was prompted by policy no less than by gratitude. If David could secure the support of the capital of Gilead (1 Samuel 11:1), he might reckon on speedily extending his power over the whole country. His conciliatory message is virtually an appeal to them to recognise him as Saul’s legitimate successor.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 2:4

David had already been anointed by Samuel 1 Samuel 16:13. His first anointing indicated God’s secret purpose, his second the accomplishment of that purpose.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:4

4. The men of Judah came — The elders of Judah, the official representatives of that tribe.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:4

	Sermon	Description
	Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person
	(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur
	Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
	The Men of Judah Came, and There by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of David's anointing as king by the men of Judah, drawing parallels to the future recognition of Jesus as King by the Jewish people before th
	All the Valiant Men . . . by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the noble act of the men of Jabesh-Gilead who rescued King Saul's remains, honoring his memory after his defeat and death. This act of chivalry serves as a r
	Keys to Mental Health by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the congregation and invites those who are attending for the first time to come forward for individual ministry. He asks them what they want
	The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil,