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2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2:7

David Anointed King of Judah · 2 Samuel 2:1–7
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Translations

Modern
Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
And now let your hands be strengthened and become sons of valor, for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
Latin
Confortentur manus vestræ, et estote filii fortitudinis: licet enim mortuus sit dominus vester Saul, tamen me unxit domus Juda in regem sibi.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now then, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me as their king.”

Notes

2 Samuel 2:7

David became king because the people of Judah anointed him, which gave him a legal basis for his rule, just as it had for Saul (1 Samuel 11:15). Years earlier, the prophet Samuel had also anointed David, showing that God had chosen him to be king (1 Samuel 16:13).

2 Samuel 2:4–7

After David established his rule in Hebron, he showed kindness to people who were still loyal to Saul. This included the men of Jabesh-gilead. However, because they remained loyal to Saul and his family line, they did not accept David as king (2 Samuel 2:8–11). David also had friendly relations with Nahash, the king of the Ammonites (see 2 Samuel 10:2; 17:27–29). Nahash had earlier attacked Jabesh-gilead and caused great suffering there (1 Samuel 11:1–15).

2 Samuel 2:1–32

After Saul died, those loyal to David (the tribe of Judah) came into conflict with those loyal to Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (the remaining tribes of Israel).

At this time, the Philistines controlled much of the land west of the Jordan River. They likely encouraged this division among the Israelites because a divided people were easier for them to control.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Events

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) City of David David David, City of Gilead (Place) History of Israel Ishbosheth Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Hebron: A City of the Tribe of Judah, South of Jerusalem: David Crowned King of Judah At Thankfulness: To the Men of Jabesh-Gilead Tribe of Judah: Make David King