2 Samuel 2:5 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.

◄ 2 Samuel 2:5 ►

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.

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.

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And 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.

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 Bible
David 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 Bible
And 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 1917
And 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Genesis 24:27
saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”

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.”

1 Samuel 23:21
“May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me.

1 Kings 2:7
But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.

2 Kings 5:13
Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?”

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 Shown

Jump 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 Shown

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

Berean Study Bible

he sent messengers
This phrase indicates David's proactive leadership and diplomatic approach. The Hebrew root for "sent" is שָׁלַח (shalach), which often implies a mission or purpose. David's action here is not just a political move but a gesture of goodwill and respect. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sending messengers was a common practice for communication between leaders and tribes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining alliances and expressing gratitude.

to the men of Jabesh-gilead
Jabesh-gilead was a city east of the Jordan River, known for its loyalty to Saul. Historically, this city had a special relationship with Saul, as he had once rescued them from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11). By reaching out to them, David acknowledges their past loyalty and seeks to build a bridge between his new reign and Saul's supporters. This reflects a strategic and compassionate approach to leadership, aiming to unify the kingdom.

and said to them
The act of speaking or sending a message in biblical times was significant, as it conveyed authority and intent. The Hebrew word for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which can also mean to declare or command. David's words are carefully chosen to convey respect and blessing, setting a tone of peace and reconciliation.

'May you be blessed by the LORD
This blessing invokes the name of the LORD, יהוה (YHWH), the covenant God of Israel. By doing so, David aligns his message with divine approval, suggesting that their actions are not only commendable but also in accordance with God's will. The use of a blessing here is both a form of gratitude and a prayer for divine favor upon the men of Jabesh-gilead.

because you showed this kindness
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is חֶסֶד (chesed), which encompasses loyalty, faithfulness, and loving-kindness. This term is often used to describe God's covenantal love for His people. By acknowledging their chesed, David highlights the moral and spiritual significance of their actions, elevating their loyalty to Saul as an act of covenant faithfulness.

to Saul your lord
Referring to Saul as "your lord" acknowledges the legitimate authority Saul held as the anointed king of Israel. Despite Saul's tragic end and his complex relationship with David, this phrase shows respect for Saul's position and the loyalty of his followers. It underscores the importance of honoring God's anointed, even in death.

when you buried him
The act of burial was a significant duty in ancient Israel, reflecting respect and honor for the deceased. By burying Saul, the men of Jabesh-gilead demonstrated their loyalty and respect, ensuring that Saul received a proper and dignified burial. This act of kindness was a testament to their character and their commitment to honoring their king, even in his death.

Pulpit Commentary

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 David
דָּוִד֙ (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

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OT History: 2 Samuel 2:5 David sent messengers to the men (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)