2 Samuel 2:4
New International Version
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah. When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul,

New Living Translation
Then the men of Judah came to David and anointed him king over the people of Judah. When David heard that the men of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul,

English Standard Version
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,”

Berean Standard Bible
Then 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.”

King James Bible
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

New King James Version
Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

NASB 1995
Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

NASB 1977
Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

Amplified Bible
Then the men of Judah came and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. Then they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David: “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

American Standard Version
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, The men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

Contemporary English Version
The people of Judah met with David at Hebron and poured olive oil on his head to show that he was their new king. Then they told David, "The people from Jabesh in Gilead buried Saul."

English Revised Version
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, The men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the people of Judah came to Hebron and anointed David to be king over the tribe of Judah. They told David, "The people of Jabesh Gilead were the ones who buried Saul."

Good News Translation
Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and anointed David as king of Judah. When David heard that the people of Jabesh in Gilead had buried Saul,

International Standard Version
After this, the army of Judah arrived, and they anointed David king over the house of Judah. There they informed David, "The men of Jabesh-gilead buried Saul."

Majority Standard Bible
Then 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.?

NET Bible
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."

New Heart English Bible
Then the men of Judah came, and they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When David was told that the men of Jabesh Gilead buried Saul,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

World English Bible
The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the men of Judah come, and anoint David there for king over the house of Judah; and they declare to David, saying, “The men of Jabesh-Gilead [are] they who buried Saul.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the men of Judah come, and anoint there David for king over the house of Judah; and they declare to David, saying, 'The men of Jabesh-Gilead are they who buried Saul.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the men of Judah will come and will anoint there David for king over the house of Judah. And they will announce to David, saying, The men of Jabesh-Gilead that buried Saul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the men of Juda came, and anointed David there, to be king over the house of Juda. And it was told David, that the men of Jabes Galaad had buried Saul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the men of Judah went and anointed David there, so that he would reign over the house of Judah. And it was reported to David that the men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul.

New American Bible
Then the men of Judah came there and anointed David king over the house of Judah. A report reached David that the people of Jabesh-gilead had buried Saul.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the people of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. When they told David, “It was the people of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the men of Yehuda came to anoint David there to reign over the house of Yehuda, and they told David and they said to him: “The men of Yabish of Gelad have buried Shaul!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the men of Judah came, and they there anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying: 'The men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the men of Judea come, and anoint David there to reign over the house of Juda; and they reported to David, saying, The men of Jabis of the country of Galaad have buried Saul.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Anointed King of Judah
3David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron. 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.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 16:1-13
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 15:28
So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you.

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 24:20
Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.

1 Samuel 25:30
When the LORD has done for my lord all the good He promised, and when He has appointed you ruler over Israel,

1 Samuel 28:17
He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.

1 Samuel 9:16
“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”

1 Kings 2:11
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

1 Chronicles 12:23
Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD:

1 Chronicles 29:22
That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

Psalm 89:20
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.

Matthew 1:1
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,


Treasury of Scripture

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

the men of Judah

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 19:11,42
And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house…

Genesis 49:8-10
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee…

anointed

2 Samuel 2:7
Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

2 Samuel 5:3,5,17
So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel…

1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

the men of Jabesh-gilead

1 Samuel 31:11-13
And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul; …

Jump to Previous
Anoint Anointed Body Buried David Declare Gilead Hebron Holy House Jabesh Jabeshgilead Jabesh-Gilead Ja'besh-Gil'ead Judah Oil Resting-Place Saul Saul's Word
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Anoint Anointed Body Buried David Declare Gilead Hebron Holy House Jabesh Jabeshgilead Jabesh-Gilead Ja'besh-Gil'ead Judah Oil Resting-Place Saul Saul's Word
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














Then the men of Judah
The phrase "the men of Judah" refers to the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, Judah was a prominent tribe, known for its leadership and strength. The Hebrew root for Judah is "Yehudah," which means "praise." This is significant as Judah often led the Israelites in worship and battle. The men of Judah recognizing David as their leader is a fulfillment of God's promise and a testament to David's growing influence and the divine favor upon him.

came to Hebron
Hebron is a city with deep historical and spiritual significance. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and was a major center in the life of the patriarchs, including Abraham, who is buried there. The choice of Hebron as the place for David's anointing is symbolic, as it connects David to the patriarchal promises and roots his kingship in the covenantal history of Israel. Hebron, meaning "association" or "league," signifies unity and the coming together of the people under God's chosen leader.

and anointed David
The act of anointing is rich in biblical symbolism. In Hebrew, the word for anoint is "mashach," from which we get "Messiah," meaning "the anointed one." Anointing with oil was a sacred act, signifying God's selection and empowerment of an individual for a specific role or task. David's anointing by the men of Judah marks the divine approval and the beginning of his reign as king, setting him apart for leadership and service to God and His people.

king over the house of Judah
This phrase marks the official recognition of David's kingship, albeit initially over only one tribe, Judah. The "house of Judah" signifies not just a political entity but a familial and covenantal community. David's kingship over Judah is the first step in the fulfillment of God's promise to establish his throne, which will eventually lead to the unification of all Israel under his rule. This moment is a pivotal point in biblical history, as it foreshadows the coming of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, from the line of David, who will reign over all nations.

(4) They anointed David.--The first private anointing of David (1 Samuel 16) had been in token of his Divine commission; this was a sign of his recognition as king by the tribe of Judah; and there was still a third subsequent anointing (2Samuel 5:4), when he was accepted by all Israel. Comp. Saul's anointing by Samuel privately (1Samuel 10:1), and his subsequent double recognition as king by the people (1Samuel 10:24; 1Samuel 11:15). The "men of Judah" were not only of David's tribe, but were doubtless aware of his having been divinely selected for their future king, and, for the most part, had been on friendly terms with him during his long outlawry; they had also lately received presents from him in recognition of their kindness (1Samuel 30:26-31).

The men of Jabesh-gilead.--This town had been destroyed in the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:9-12), and its 400 virgins given in marriage to the surviving Benjamites. There was therefore a special connection between Saul, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, and this city. It is altogether probable also that the remnants of Saul's defeated army had sought refuge in Gilead. . . .

Verse 4. - They anointed David. Samuel's anointing (1 Samuel 16:13) had been private, and, if we may judge by the manner in which Eliab treated David (1 Samuel 17:28), even his own family had not attached much importance to it. It was nevertheless the indication of Jehovah's purpose, and now the anointing of David by the elders of Judah was the first step towards its accomplishment. And this was an independent act, though the knowledge of Samuel's anointing had prepared the way for it; and David thus acquired a legal right and authority by the nation's will, which Samuel could not have given him. So Saul's anointing by Samuel, and his election to be king at Gilgal, were independent acts; and while the former gave the king his sacredness, the latter conferred upon him jurisdiction and power. King over the house of Judah. How came the Philistines to allow this? When subsequently he was again anointed, and became King of all Israel, the Philistines gathered their hosts at once; not because he captured Jerusalem, which was then a mere hill fort belonging to the Jebusites, but evidently because they thought him dangerous. But why did they not crush him now? One reason, probably, was that Judaea was a difficult country for military operations. The tribe, too, had stood aloof from Saul, and its strength was unbroken. But the chief reason apparently was that David maintained friendly relations with Achish, and paid him tribute. This explains the curious fact that Ziklag continued to be the private property of the house of David (1 Samuel 27:6). The doings of a vassal of the King of Gath were regarded as of little importance. Had he not even marched with them to Aphek, as one of the servants of Achish? But when he endeavoured to restore the kingdom of Saul, they first made a hasty rush upon him, and, when repelled, they gathered their forces for as formidable an invasion as that which had ended in their victory at Gilboa.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the men
אַנְשֵׁ֣י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

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

came [to Hebron],
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and there
שָׁ֧ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

they anointed
וַיִּמְשְׁחוּ־ (way·yim·šə·ḥū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4886: To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paint

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

king
לְמֶ֖לֶךְ (lə·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the house
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

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

And they told
וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ (way·yag·gi·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

David,
לְדָוִד֙ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“It was the men
אַנְשֵׁי֙ (’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

who buried
קָבְר֖וּ (qā·ḇə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6912: To inter

Saul.”
שָׁאֽוּל׃ (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites


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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:4 The men of Judah came and there (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 2:3
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