2 Samuel 2:4

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."

Study Bible

Then the men of Judah came to Hebron
The men of Judah, representing the tribe from which David hailed, recognized his leadership and divine anointing. Hebron, a significant city in Judah, was historically a city of refuge and a Levitical city. It was also where Abraham settled and was buried, adding to its spiritual and ancestral importance. The choice of Hebron as the place for David's anointing underscores its status as a center of power and heritage within Judah.

and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah
This anointing marks the beginning of David's reign, though initially only over Judah, not all Israel. The act of anointing signifies divine selection and empowerment for leadership, echoing Samuel's earlier anointing of David as king. This event fulfills part of God's promise to David, setting the stage for his eventual rule over all Israel. The anointing also prefigures Christ, the Anointed One, who would come from David's line.

And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
The men of Jabesh-gilead had shown loyalty to Saul by retrieving and burying his body after his death in battle. This act of respect and bravery was significant, as Jabesh-gilead had historical ties to Saul, who had once rescued them from the Ammonites. By informing David of their actions, the men of Judah highlight the continued respect for Saul's legacy and the complex political landscape David would navigate. This acknowledgment also sets the stage for David's diplomatic response, which would further solidify his leadership and unify the tribes of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Anointed as king over the house of Judah, marking the beginning of his reign over part of Israel.

2. Men of Judah
The tribe that first recognized David's leadership and anointed him as their king.

3. Jabesh-gilead
A city in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, whose men showed loyalty to Saul by burying him.

4. Saul
The first king of Israel, whose death led to the transition of power to David.

5. Anointing
A significant act of consecration and recognition of God's chosen leader.

Teaching Points

God's Timing and Sovereignty
David's anointing over Judah demonstrates God's perfect timing and sovereignty in establishing leadership. We can trust God's timing in our own lives.

Recognition of God's Chosen
The men of Judah recognized David as God's anointed. We should seek to discern and support God's chosen leaders in our communities.

Loyalty and Honor
The men of Jabesh-gilead honored Saul even in death. We are called to show loyalty and honor to those who have served faithfully, even when their time has passed.

The Role of Anointing
Anointing signifies God's selection and empowerment. As believers, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes.

Unity and Division
David's initial reign over Judah alone highlights the division within Israel. We should strive for unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that division can hinder God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's anointing as king over Judah reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we discern and support God's chosen leaders in our own lives and communities?

3. What lessons can we learn from the loyalty of the men of Jabesh-gilead, and how can we apply them in our relationships?

4. How does the concept of anointing in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament understanding of being anointed by the Holy Spirit?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity within our church or community, especially when faced with division?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16:13
This verse describes the initial anointing of David by Samuel, signifying God's choice of David as king.

1 Samuel 31:11-13
Details the actions of the men of Jabesh-gilead in retrieving and burying Saul's body, demonstrating their loyalty.

2 Samuel 5:3
Describes David's later anointing as king over all Israel, showing the progression of his kingship.

Genesis 49:10
The prophecy of Judah's leadership role, which is fulfilled in David's kingship.