2 Samuel 2:1-10 ▼

1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD: “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah? ” The LORD answered him, “Go.” Then David asked, “Where should I go? ” “To Hebron,” the LORD replied.

2 So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.

3 In addition, David brought the men who were with him, each one with his family, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

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

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 valiant, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

8 Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and moved him to Mahanaim.

9 He made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin—over all Israel.

10 Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he became king over Israel; he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.