2 Samuel 2:4, 2 Samuel 2:5 WEB

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 2:4

anointed David . Aged thirty years. See note on 1 Samuel 16:13 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 2:4

2 Samuel 2:4. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king— David had no other title to the succession than the appointment of God by Samuel; and this claim, on which he founded his pretensions, was universally known to the people of Israel, and the avowed reason why they advanced him to the throne. It was known to Jonathan his friend; Saul himself was no stranger to it; Abigail confesses this appointment of God; Abner was not ignorant of it, as appears by his words to... 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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 2:4-7

3. David’s overtures to Jabesh-gilead 2:4b-7"The much later crisis of 1 Kings 12 suggests that the Davidic hold on the north is never deeply established. In our chapter we are given two episodes of David’s attentiveness to the north. One (2 Samuel 2:4-7) is a peaceable act of friendship. The other (2 Samuel 2:8-32) is an act of confrontation and hostility." [Note: Brueggemann, p. 220.] The people of Jabesh-gilead were very loyal to Saul (cf. 1 Samuel 11:1-13; 1 Samuel 31:11-13). David took... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

David made King over Judah, Ishdosheth over israel. Asahel slain by Abner1. Shall I go up?] The defeat and death of Saul had entirely changed David’s position. He had, for some time to come, nothing to fear from Abner, who was occupied elsewhere (2 Samuel 2:8-9). The Philistines would not molest him, as he was their vassal. But even so, he asks God’s wishes, before he takes the decisive step. Hebron] There were several reasons which rendered Hebron suitable. It was fairly central, was a... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Samuel 2:4

(4) They anointed David.—The first private anointing of David (1 Samuel 16:0) 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 (2 Samuel 5:4), when he was accepted by all Israel. Comp. Saul’s anointing by Samuel privately (1 Samuel 10:1), and his subsequent double recognition as king by the people (1 Samuel 10:24; 1 Samuel 11:15). The “men of Judah” were not only of David’s tribe, but... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-11

CHAPTER IIBEGINNING OF DAVID’S REIGN AT HEBRON.2 Samuel 2:1-7.THE death of Saul did not end David’s troubles. nor was it for a good many years that he became free to employ his whole energies for the good of the kingdom. It appears that his chastisement for his unbelieving spirit, and for the alliance with Achish to which it led, was not yet completed. The more remote consequences of that step were only beginning to emerge, and years elapsed before its evil influence ceased altogether to be... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1-7

2. David Anointed King over Judah CHAPTER 2:1-7 1. David’s inquiry of the Lord (2 Samuel 2:1-3 ) 2. Anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:4 ) 3. His message to the men of Jabesh-gilead (2 Samuel 2:5-7 ) The first thing mentioned of David after his lamentation over Saul and Jonathan is that he inquired of the Lord. He would not do a single step towards claiming the rights which belonged to him without consulting the Lord. It shows how David, with all his faults, was in submission to the... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

David was by no means in a hurry to take advantage of the situation that had been brought about by Saul's death. Though he had not enquired of the Lord as to going down to king Achish at Gath (1 Samuel 27:1-2), he does enquire now as to leaving Ziklag and returning to Judah. The Lord tell him to do so. Yet in a spirit of felt dependence, he further inquires as to what city. God's answer, "Hebron" is not merely intended to indicate a favorable location. Its name means "communion," which would... read more