Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. New Living Translation he sent them this message: “May the LORD bless you for being so loyal to your master Saul and giving him a decent burial. English Standard Version David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Berean Standard Bible So 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. Berean Literal Bible And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “You⁺ are blessed of YHWH, for you⁺ have shown this kindness to your⁺ lord, to Saul, and have buried him. King James Bible And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. New King James Version So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “You are blessed of the LORD, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him. New American Standard Bible So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him. NASB 1995 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him. NASB 1977 And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him. Legacy Standard Bible And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed of Yahweh because you have shown this lovingkindness with your lord, with Saul, and have buried him. Amplified Bible So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD because you showed this graciousness and loyalty to Saul your lord (king), and buried him. Berean Annotated Bible So David (beloved) sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead (dry) (rocky region) to tell them, “The LORD {YHWH} bless you⁺, because you⁺ showed this kindness to Saul (desired) your⁺ lord when you⁺ buried him. Christian Standard Bible 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of Jehovah, that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. Contemporary English Version David sent messengers to tell them: The LORD bless you! You were kind enough to bury Saul your ruler, English Revised Version And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. GOD'S WORD® Translation So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead. He said to them, "May the LORD bless you because you showed kindness to your master Saul by burying him. Good News Translation he sent some men there with the message: "May the LORD bless you for showing your loyalty to your king by burying him. International Standard Version So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh-gilead and told them, "May the LORD bless you, because you showed gracious love like this to your lord Saul by burying him. NET Bible So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh Gilead and told them, "May you be blessed by the LORD because you have shown this kindness to your lord Saul by burying him. New Heart English Bible then he sent messengers to the lords of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, "May you be blessed by the LORD, since you showed loyalty towards your lord, Saul, and have buried him. Webster's Bible Translation And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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. World English Bible David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David sends messengers to the men of Jabesh-Gilead and says to them, “Blessed [are] you of YHWH, in that you have done this kindness with your lord, with Saul, that you bury him. Berean Literal Bible And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “You⁺ are blessed of YHWH, for you⁺ have shown this kindness to your⁺ lord, to Saul, and have buried him. Young's Literal Translation And David sendeth messengers unto the men of Jabesh-Gilead, and saith unto them, 'Blessed are ye of Jehovah, in that ye have done this kindness with your lord, with Saul, that ye bury him. Smith's Literal Translation And David will send messengers to the men of Jabesh-Gilead, and he will say to them, Blessed ye to Jehovah, who did this mercy with your lord, with Saul, and ye will bury him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDavid therefore sent messengers to the men of Jabes Galaad, and said to them: Blessed be you to the Lord, who have shewn this mercy to your master Saul, and have buried him. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and he said to them: “Blessed are you to the Lord, who has accomplished this mercy with your lord Saul, so that you would bury him. New American Bible So David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh-gilead and said to them: “May you be blessed by the LORD for having done this kindness to your lord Saul in burying him. New Revised Standard Version David sent messengers to the people of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord, and buried him! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, Blessed be you of the LORD, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David sent Messengers to the men of Yabish of Gelad and said to them: “Blessed are you to LORD JEHOVAH, for you have done this kindness with your Lord, with Shaul, for you have buried him OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them: 'Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shown this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David sent messengers to the rulers of Jabis of the country of Galaad, and David said to them, Blessed be ye of the Lord, because ye have wrought this mercy toward your lord, even toward Saul the anointed of the Lord, and ye have buried him and Jonathan his son. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Anointed King of Judah…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 So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead 1 Samuel 11:1-11 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” / But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” / “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.” … 2 Samuel 9:1-13 Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” / And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. / So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” … to tell them, “The LORD bless you, Numbers 6:24-26 ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; / may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; / may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ Ruth 2:20 Then Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “May he be blessed by the LORD, who has not withdrawn His kindness from the living or the dead.” Naomi continued, “The man is a close relative. He is one of our kinsman-redeemers.” Psalm 115:15 May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord 1 Samuel 24:6-7 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” / With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way. 1 Samuel 24:17-20 and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil. / And you have declared this day how you have treated me well, for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. / When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day. … 1 Samuel 26:9-11 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” when you buried him. 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. 1 Chronicles 10:11-12 When all the people of Jabesh-gilead heard about everything the Philistines had done to Saul, / all their men of valor set out and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons and brought them to Jabesh. And they buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh and fasted seven days. 2 Samuel 21:12-14 he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. / So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, and they also gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. / And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. / Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Romans 12:20-21 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Treasury of Scripture And David sent messengers to the men of Jabeshgilead, and said to them, Blessed be you of the LORD, that you have showed this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. Blessed Ruth 1:8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. Ruth 2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen. Ruth 3:10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. Jump to Previous Act Bless Blessed Blessing Body Buried Bury Burying David Gilead Jabesh Jabeshgilead Jabesh-Gilead Ja'besh-Gil'ead Kind Kindness Loyalty Master Messengers Rest Saul Showed Showing ShownJump to Next Act Bless Blessed Blessing Body Buried Bury Burying David Gilead Jabesh Jabeshgilead Jabesh-Gilead Ja'besh-Gil'ead Kind Kindness Loyalty Master Messengers Rest Saul Showed Showing Shown2 Samuel 2 1. David, by God's direction, with his company goes up to Hebron 4. where he is made king of Judah 5. He commends them of Jabesh Gilead for their king of Israel 8. Abner makes Ishbosheth king of Israel 12. A mortal skirmish between twelve of Abner's and twelve of Joab's men. 18. Asahel is slain 25. At Abner's motion, Joab sounds a retreat 32. Asahel's burial So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead David's action of sending messengers demonstrates his leadership and diplomatic skills. Jabesh-gilead was a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gilead. Historically, this city had a strong connection to Saul, as he had previously rescued them from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11). David's outreach to them shows his respect for Saul and his desire to unify the kingdom, acknowledging the loyalty of Jabesh-gilead to Saul. to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, known for his heart after God. At this point, he is consolidating his rule over Judah and later all of Israel. 2. Men of Jabesh-gilead Residents of a city in Gilead, east of the Jordan River. They showed loyalty and respect by retrieving and burying the bodies of Saul and his sons after their defeat by the Philistines. 3. Saul The first king of Israel, whose death marked a significant transition in Israel's leadership. Despite his troubled relationship with David, he was still recognized as the Lord's anointed. 4. Jabesh-gilead A city with historical ties to Saul, as he had previously rescued them from the Ammonites, creating a bond of loyalty. 5. Messengers Individuals sent by David to convey his gratitude and blessings to the men of Jabesh-gilead, demonstrating diplomatic and spiritual leadership. Teaching Points Respect for AuthorityDavid's blessing of the men of Jabesh-gilead underscores the importance of respecting and honoring those in authority, even after their fall. Gratitude and Recognition David's message highlights the value of expressing gratitude and recognizing the good deeds of others, fostering community and goodwill. Peacemaking and Reconciliation By blessing the men of Jabesh-gilead, David sets an example of peacemaking and reconciliation, crucial for healing and unity. Legacy of Kindness The actions of the men of Jabesh-gilead remind us that acts of kindness and loyalty can leave a lasting legacy and impact. God's Blessing David's invocation of God's blessing reflects the belief that true blessings come from the Lord, encouraging us to seek His favor in our actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:5?2. How does David's blessing in 2 Samuel 2:5 demonstrate godly leadership qualities? 3. What can we learn from David's gratitude towards the men of Jabesh-gilead? 4. How does 2 Samuel 2:5 reflect the importance of honoring the faithful departed? 5. In what ways can we apply David's example of encouragement in our communities? 6. How does David's action in 2 Samuel 2:5 connect to Jesus' teachings on kindness? 7. What is the historical context of 2 Samuel 2:5? 8. How does 2 Samuel 2:5 reflect David's leadership qualities? 9. What theological themes are present in 2 Samuel 2:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2? 11. When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14) 12. Why does King David, described elsewhere as righteous (1 Kings 15:5), resort to deceit and murder in 2 Samuel 11:14-17? 13. How should we address the seeming inconsistency between 2 Samuel 5:13, which mentions David taking more wives and concubines, and other biblical texts condemning polygamy? 14. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? What Does 2 Samuel 2:5 Mean So David sent messengers• David acts promptly; leadership expresses itself through personal initiative (2 Samuel 2:1). • He had done similarly after Ziklag, sending gifts to Judah’s elders (1 Samuel 30:26). • His habit of dispatching trusted envoys models wise, clear communication (Proverbs 15:23; Colossians 4:6). to the men of Jabesh-gilead • Jabesh-gilead lay east of the Jordan, rescued years earlier by Saul’s first military victory (1 Samuel 11:1-11). • Their gratitude to Saul forged a lasting bond; they later risked their lives to retrieve his body (1 Samuel 31:11-13). • Their courage answers earlier tribal failures in that region (Judges 21:8-12), showing God’s work of restoration. to tell them • David’s message is pastoral, not political; words come before requests (Proverbs 25:11). • Speaking honor affirms the image of God in others (Ephesians 4:29). • By initiating conversation, David builds trust for the kingdom transition (2 Samuel 3:36-37). "The LORD bless you" • David invokes Yahweh’s covenant name, echoing the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). • Like Boaz greeting harvesters, he frames life under God’s favor (Ruth 2:4). • The blessing comes without conditions, reflecting grace (Psalm 103:10). because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord • “Kindness” (ḥesed) signals steadfast covenant love, the same quality God displays (Psalm 136:1). • Saul remained “your lord” even in death; honoring authority aligns with Exodus 20:12 and Romans 13:1-2. • David consistently refuses to harm or dishonor the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9), and he praises others who do the same (2 Samuel 4:9). when you buried him • Proper burial in Scripture respects the body’s destiny (Genesis 50:5; John 19:40-42). • Their brave act defied Philistine mockery and fulfilled Deuteronomy 21:22-23 about honoring the dead. • David later commands Solomon to reward similar loyalty (1 Kings 2:7), revealing how memory of righteous deeds guides future justice. summary David’s message in 2 Samuel 2:5 affirms godly leadership: he reaches out first, blesses sincerely, honors past loyalty, and upholds the sanctity of both authority and the human body. By praising the men of Jabesh-gilead, David models how God’s people transition power without bitterness, reward faithfulness, and keep covenant kindness central in every relationship. Verse 5. - David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-Gilead. This was David's first act as king, and it was worthy of him. Some suppose that when David was told of their deed, it was with a view of prejudicing him against them. But this is not credible. By this time all men knew how loyal and affectionate were David's feelings towards his former king; and moreover the men of Jabesh were bound to Saul by no ordinary ties of gratitude (1 Samuel 11.). Nor could David wish that Saul's remains, and those of Jonathan, should be subject to indignity. We may well feel sure that information respecting Saul was eagerly welcomed at Hebron, and the valiant men there would all rejoice at finding that the high spirit of the nation was not quenched. But in sending to thank them, in premising to requite them, and in bidding them persevere in similar conduct, David was acting as the head of the nation; and, to justify his action, he informs them that the men of Judah had made him their king.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Davidדָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out messengers מַלְאָכִ֔ים (mal·’ā·ḵîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the men אַנְשֵׁ֖י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of Jabesh-gilead יָבֵ֣ישׁ (yā·ḇêš) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3003: Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite to tell וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them, אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “The LORD לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel bless בְּרֻכִ֤ים (bə·ru·ḵîm) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse you, אַתֶּם֙ (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you because אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you have shown עֲשִׂיתֶ֜ם (‘ă·śî·ṯem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 6213: To do, make this הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that kindness הַחֶ֣סֶד (ha·ḥe·seḏ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty to עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with Saul שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites your lord אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶם֙ (’ă·ḏō·nê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller when you buried him. וַֽתִּקְבְּר֖וּ (wat·tiq·bə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 6912: To inter Links 2 Samuel 2:5 NIV2 Samuel 2:5 NLT 2 Samuel 2:5 ESV 2 Samuel 2:5 NASB 2 Samuel 2:5 KJV 2 Samuel 2:5 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 2:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 2:5 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 2:5 French Bible 2 Samuel 2:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 2:5 David sent messengers to the men (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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