2 Samuel 2:1-3 NIV

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1

Enquired of the Lord - Through Abiathar, the high priest. The death of Saul and Jonathan had entirely changed David’s position, and therefore he needed divine guidance how to act under the new circumstances in which he was placed. Compare the marginal references.Hebron was well suited for the temporary capital of David’s kingdom, being situated in a strong position in the mountains of Judah, amidst David’s friends, and withal having especially sacred associations (see the marginal references... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:1

2 Samuel 2:1. David inquired of the Lord By Urim. When he had given a due time to his grief and mourning for Saul and Jonathan, he applied himself to God, who had appointed him to the kingdom, to know by what means he should best be put in possession of it. He did not inquire whether he should take the kingdom; for God had already signified his appointment of that, and David would not offend him nor dishonour his ordinance by unnecessary inquiries; but only where and at what time he... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:3

2 Samuel 2:3. They dwelt in the cities of Hebron That is, the cities or towns belonging to Hebron, which was the metropolis. For in Hebron itself there was not space for them all, because it was filled with priests, and with David’s court. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

Two kings in Israel (2:1-3:1)The Philistines now controlled much of Israel’s territory west of Jordan (see 1 Samuel 31:7). Believing that David was still friendly to them, the Philistines allowed him to become king over Judah in the south, no doubt thinking that this would help to divide and weaken Israel further. The tribes east of Jordan, however, were still free, and David quickly tried to win their support (2:1-7). But Abner (Saul’s army commander and his cousin; see 1 Samuel 14:50) had... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 2:1

enquired . Probably by Urim and Thummim, in the breastplate of Abiathar the High Priest, who was with David (1 Samuel 22:20 ). the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 2:3

men . Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 . man . Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1

DAVID BECAME KING OVER JUDAH;ABNER PROCLAIMED SAUL'S SON AS KING OVER ALL ISRAEL;CIVIL WAR ENSUED.This chapter relates the beginning of David's long struggle to become king over all Israel. Of course, true to the prophecy of God, he eventually succeeded. And what a success that actually was!"David took an insignificant nation, and within a few years, built it into a mighty kingdom. In the southwest, the Egyptian world empire had declined, and over in the east, the Assyrian and Babylonian world... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1

2 Samuel 2:1. And he said, Unto Hebron— Though God had appointed David to the kingdom, he would not pretend to take upon him the administration of affairs without immediately applying himself to him, by Abiathar the high-priest, to know when and by what means he should best be put into possession of it. He was directed by God to go up to Hebron, which was situated in the midst of the tribe of Judah, on the top of a ridge of high mountains, equally famed for fruits, herbage, and honey. Mr.... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1

1-4. David inquired of the Lord—By Urim (1 Samuel 23:6; 1 Samuel 23:9; 1 Samuel 30:7; 1 Samuel 30:8). He knew his destination, but he knew also that the providence of God would pave the way. Therefore he would take no step in such a crisis of his own and the nation's history, without asking and obtaining the divine direction. He was told to go into Judah, and fix his headquarters in Hebron, whither he accordingly repaired with his now considerable force. There his interests were very powerful;... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 2:1-4

2. David’s move to Hebron 2:1-4a"Without doubt this portion [of 2 Samuel, i.e., chapters 2-8] forms the crux of the book. Here the fertility motif reaches a peak. The thesis of the author-that Israel is blessed with fertility when the nation (and the epitome of the nation, the king) is following the covenant-is demonstrated in these chapters. The king, the ark (representing the presence of God and the Word of God, the covenant), and fertility are all intertwined in a beautifully artistic way."... read more