2 Samuel 2:1–7

DAVID, KING OF JUDAH

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

The Lord answered him, “Go.”

Then David asked, “Where should I go?”

“To Hebron,”c the Lord replied.

2 So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.d 3 In addition, David brought the men who were with him, each one with his family, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.e 4 Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.f They told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”g

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