2 Samuel 2:1-9 ▼

1 Afterward David inquired of the LORD, |Should I go up to one of the cities of Judah?| The LORD told him, |Go up.| David asked, |Where should I go?| The LORD replied, |To Hebron.|

2 So David went up, along with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, formerly the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

3 David also brought along the men who were with him, each with his family. They settled in the cities of Hebron.

4 The men of Judah came and there they anointed David as king over the people of Judah. David was told, |The people of Jabesh Gilead are the ones who buried Saul.|

5 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.

6 Now may the LORD show you true kindness! I also will reward you, because you have done this deed.

7 Now be courageous and prove to be valiant warriors, for your lord Saul is dead. The people of Judah have anointed me as king over them.|

8 Now Abner son of Ner, the general in command of Saul's army, had taken Saul's son Ish-bosheth and had brought him to Mahanaim.

9 He appointed him king over Gilead, the Geshurites, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel.