2 Samuel 2:1
New International Version
In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered.

New Living Translation
After this, David asked the LORD, “Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?” “Yes,” the LORD replied. Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered.

English Standard Version
After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.”

Berean Standard Bible
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.

King James Bible
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

New King James Version
It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”

New American Standard Bible
Then it came about afterward that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”

NASB 1995
Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”

NASB 1977
Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened afterwards that David asked of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And Yahweh said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”

Amplified Bible
So it happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up into one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” And He said, “To Hebron.”

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And Jehovah said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

Contemporary English Version
Later, David asked the LORD, "Should I go back to one of the towns of Judah?" The LORD answered, "Yes." David asked, "Which town should I go to?" "Go to Hebron," the LORD replied.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After this, David asked the LORD, "Should I go to one of the cities of Judah?" "Go," the LORD answered him. "Where should I go?" David asked. "To Hebron," the LORD replied.

Good News Translation
After this, David asked the LORD, "Shall I go and take control of one of the towns of Judah?" "Yes," the LORD answered. "Which one?" David asked. "Hebron," the LORD said.

International Standard Version
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD to ask, "Am I to move to any one of the cities of Judah?" The LORD told him, "Go." So David asked, "To which one?" He replied, "To Hebron."

Majority Standard Bible
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
It happened after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" The LORD said to him, "Go up." David said, "Where shall I go up?" He said, "To Hebron."

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said to him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, To Hebron.

World English Bible
After this, David inquired of Yahweh, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” Yahweh said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass afterward, that David inquires of YHWH, saying, “Do I go up into one of the cities of Judah?” And YHWH says to him, “Go up.” And David says, “To where do I go up?” And He says, “To Hebron.”

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass afterwards, that David asketh at Jehovah, saying, 'Do I go up into one of the cities of Judah?' and Jehovah saith unto him, 'Go up.' And David saith, 'Whither do I go up?' and He saith, 'To Hebron.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be after this, and David will ask in Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up into one of the cities of Judah? and Jehovah will say to him, Go up. And David will say, Whither shall I go up? and he will say, To Hebron.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And after these things David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go up into one of the cities of Juda? And the Lord said to him: Go up. And David said: Whither shall I go up? And he answered him: Into Hebron.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, after these things, David consulted the Lord, saying, “Shall I ascend to one of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Ascend.” And David said, “To where shall I ascend?” And he responded to him, “To Hebron.”

New American Bible
After this, David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into one of the cities of Judah?” The LORD replied to him: Go up. Then David asked, “Where shall I go?” He replied: To Hebron.

New Revised Standard Version
After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said to him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, To Hebron.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it happened after this and David asked of LORD JEHOVAH and said: “Shall I ascend to one of the towns of Yehuda?” And LORD JEHOVAH said to him: “Go up.” And David said: “To which shall I ascend?” And he said to him: “To Khebron”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying: 'Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?' And the LORD said unto him: 'Go up.' And David said: 'Whither shall I go up?' And He said: 'Unto Hebron.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass after this that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into one of the cities of Juda? and the Lord said to him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? and he said, To Chebron.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Anointed King of Judah
1 Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. 2So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 23:2
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”

1 Samuel 30:8
and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

1 Samuel 22:3-5
From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab, where he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother stay with you until I learn what God will do for me.” / So he left them in the care of the king of Moab, and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold. / Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart and go into the land of Judah.” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.

1 Samuel 16:1-3
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” / “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ / Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.”

1 Samuel 10:22
So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.”

Judges 20:18
The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

Judges 1:1
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?”

Genesis 46:2-4
And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob. / “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. / I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”

Numbers 27:21
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”

Joshua 9:14
Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Jeremiah 42:2-3
Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. / Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said to him, Go up. And David said, Where shall I go up? And he said, To Hebron.

enquired

2 Samuel 5:19,23
And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand…

Numbers 27:21
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Judges 1:1
Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

Hebron

2 Samuel 2:11
And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh…

2 Samuel 15:7
And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

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Afterwards Cities Course David Hebron Inquired Judah Time Towns Whither
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Afterwards Cities Course David Hebron Inquired Judah Time Towns Whither
2 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














Some time later
This phrase indicates a period of transition and waiting. In the Hebrew context, time is often seen as a divine tool for preparation and growth. David's patience reflects his trust in God's timing, a crucial aspect of faith. Historically, this period follows the death of Saul, marking a significant shift in Israel's leadership. David's waiting period is reminiscent of other biblical figures who waited on God's timing, such as Abraham and Joseph, emphasizing the virtue of patience and trust in divine providence.

David inquired of the LORD
The act of inquiring of the LORD underscores David's dependence on divine guidance. The Hebrew root for "inquired" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies seeking with earnestness and humility. This reflects David's heart as a man after God's own heart, prioritizing God's will over his own ambitions. In the historical context, consulting God was a common practice for Israelite leaders, often done through prophets or the Urim and Thummim, highlighting the importance of divine direction in leadership.

'Should I go up to one of the cities of Judah?'
David's question reveals his strategic and spiritual mindset. The phrase "go up" (עָלָה, alah) in Hebrew often signifies ascending to a place of significance or destiny. Judah, being David's tribe, represents both a political and spiritual stronghold. This inquiry shows David's desire to align his actions with God's plan, acknowledging Judah's role in his divine appointment as king.

'Go up,' the LORD answered
The LORD's response is direct and affirmative, indicating divine approval and support. This assurance from God provides David with the confidence to proceed. The simplicity of God's answer reflects His sovereignty and the clarity with which He guides those who seek Him earnestly. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, a recurring theme in David's life.

David asked, 'Where should I go?'
David's follow-up question demonstrates his desire for specific guidance. It highlights his humility and recognition that even though he has been given a general direction, he still needs God's precise instruction. This reflects a heart that is fully surrendered to God's will, seeking not just general guidance but detailed direction for each step.

'To Hebron,' replied the LORD
Hebron holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It is a city with deep patriarchal roots, being associated with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The choice of Hebron as David's initial capital signifies a return to the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. This decision underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and sets the stage for David's reign, which will be marked by a return to covenantal faithfulness and divine blessing. Hebron, therefore, becomes a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people and His chosen leader.

(1) Enquired of the Lord.--At this important juncture of affairs, David's first care is to know the Divine will. His inquiry was, doubtless, made through the high priest Abiathar, as in 1Samuel 23:9-10 (comp. 2Samuel 22:20; 2Samuel 23:1; 2Samuel 23:4). The answer definitely directed him to go up to Hebron.

Hebron is one of the most ancient cities of the world (built "seven years before Zoan in Egypt," Numbers 13:22), long the residence of Abraham (Genesis 13:18), and the place where he and Sarah, Isaac and Jacob, were buried. Its original name was Kirjath-arba (Genesis 23:2; Joshua 14:15, &c). It is situated in a valley among the hills of Southern Judea, at a height of nearly 3,000 feet above the Mediterranean. It is about twenty miles S.S.W. from Jerusalem, somewhat more than this N.E. of Beersheba, and about fifteen miles E.S.E. of the Philistine town of Gath. From Ziklag, where David had been living, it was distant about thirty-eight miles. It has always been famous for its vineyards, and its grapes are still considered the finest in Southern Palestine. The valley in which it is situated is probably the "valley of Eshcol," from which the spies brought the great "cluster of grapes" to Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 13:23). It was a priestly city (Joshua 21:10-11), and the most southerly of the cities of refuge (Joshua 20:7). Here was the home and the throne of David for the next seven and a half years (2Samuel 2:11; 2Samuel 5:5). The larger part of the land, since the recent defeat, was in the power of the Philistines; and Hebron, on account of its situation at the far south, and its strategical strength, as well as its sacred associations, was a peculiarly fitting place for the beginning of David's reign. . . .

Verse 1. - Unto Hebron. As soon as David had assuaged his grief, his thoughts would naturally turn towards his country. Fuller news would reach him every day respecting the movements of the Philistines, who, after so decisive a victory, would quickly overrun all the central districts of Palestine, where the battle had been fought. And very bitter must David's feelings have been. Had he continued in Israel, he and his six hundred men would now have hastened to the rescue, and all the braver warriors of the land would have gathered round them. As it was, he was too entangled with the Philistines, and too much distrusted by the northern tribes, to be of much use. Still, we learn from 1 Chronicles 12, that brave men did continually swell the number of his followers. Detachments of the tribes of Gad and Manasseh, instead of joining Saul at Gilboa, went to David as he withdrew to Ziklag. And while he remained there a considerable body of men from Benjamin and Judah came to him under the command of Amasa, David's nephew. So numerous were they as to alarm David, who went out to meet them, fearing lest they had come to betray him; and glad was he to hear their answer, "Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse." Thus even as it was, his forces daily grew more numerous; for "from day today there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God" (1 Chronicles 12:22). But there was no national acknowledgment. With his numbers thus continually increasing, David was encouraged to make some attempt for the deliverance of Israel; but his position was one of serious danger. Great was the risk, but he knew where to go for guidance, and determines, therefore, to put the matter into God's hand. He summons Abiathar with the ephod, and, in the presence of his captains, asks for permission to go up to some city of his own tribe. The answer is favourable, and Hebron is the city selected. It was a place of ancient sanctity, was well situated in the mountains of Judah for defence, and as the Philistines bad not yet invaded that region, but probably would soon try to ravage it, the people would be sure to welcome the presence of one who brought with him a powerful body of trained men.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Some time later,
אַֽחֲרֵי־ (’a·ḥă·rê-)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

David
דָּוִ֨ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

inquired
וַיִּשְׁאַל֩ (way·yiš·’al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of the LORD,
בַּֽיהוָ֤ה ׀ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“Should I go up
הַאֶעֱלֶ֗ה (ha·’e·‘ĕ·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to one
בְּאַחַת֙ (bə·’a·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-b | Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of the towns
עָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Judah?”
יְהוּדָ֔ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

“Go up,”
עֲלֵ֑ה (‘ă·lêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

the LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

answered.
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Then David
דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

asked,
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Where
אָ֥נָה (’ā·nāh)
Interrogative
Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither

should I go?”
אֶעֱלֶ֖ה (’e·‘ĕ·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

“To Hebron,”
חֶבְרֹֽנָה׃ (ḥeḇ·rō·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2275: Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah

replied the LORD.
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 1:27
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