2 Samuel 2:1–11

David, King of Judah

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

The Lord answered him, “Go.”

Then David asked, “Where should I go?”

“To Hebron,” ^ythe Lord replied.

²So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite. ^z3In addition, David brought the men who were with him, each one with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron. ^a4Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. ^bThey told David: “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” ^c

⁵David 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. ⁶Now, 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. ⁷Therefore, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

⁸Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, ^dtook Saul’s son Ish-bosheth ^efand moved him to Mahanaim. ⁹He made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin—over all Israel. ¹⁰Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was 40 years old when he began his reign over Israel; he ruled for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. ¹¹The length of time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. ^g