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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-7

When Saul and Jonathan were dead, though David knew himself anointed to be king, and now saw his way very clear, yet he did not immediately send messengers through all the coasts of Israel to summon all people to come in and swear allegiance to him, upon pain of death, but proceeded leisurely; for he that believeth doth not make haste, but waits God's time for the accomplishment of God's promises. Many had come in to his assistance from several tribes while he continued at Ziklag, as we find... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1

And it came to pass after this ,.... After David had heard of the death of Saul and Jonathan, and made a lamentation over them, perhaps the next day; since David and his men are only said to mourn, and weep, and fast till even, 2 Samuel 1:10 , that David inquired of the Lord ; of the Word of the Lord, as the Targum, by Abiathar the priest, and through the Urim and Thummim, in the ephod he had put on on this occasion: saying, shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah ? though... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:1

David inquired of the Lord - By means of Abiathar the priest; for he did not know whether the different tribes were willing to receive him, though he was fully persuaded that God had appointed him king over Israel. Unto Hebron - The metropolis of the tribe of Judah, one of the richest regions in Judea. The mountains of Hebron were famed for fruits, herbage, and honey; and many parts were well adapted for vines, olives, and different kinds of grain, abounding in springs of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1

EXPOSITION Unto Hebron. As soon as David had assuaged his grief, his thoughts would naturally turn towards his country. Fuller news would reach him every day respecting the movements of the Philistines, who, after so decisive a victory, would quickly overrun all the central districts of Palestine, where the battle had been fought. And very bitter must David's feelings have been. Had he continued in Israel, he and his six hundred men would now have hastened to the rescue, and all the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1

Inquiring of God. David had now arrived at a very important point in his career. Saul being dead, his way to the throne was cleared; but the next step to take was doubtful. Under these circumstances he adopted the course usual to him when in difficulty. He "inquired of the Lord," sought directions from him as to what he should do. The high priest, Abiathar, was with him with the ephod ( 1 Samuel 30:7 ), and by means of the Urim and Thummim could ascertain for him the Divine will. By this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-4

( ZIGLAG , HEBRON ) Divine guidance. "David inquired of the Lord" ( 2 Samuel 2:1 ). A new chapter in the life of David now opens. By the death of Saul and Jonathan the obstacles to his accession were, in part, removed. The time of patient waiting was gone, and the time for decisive action come. As he had not run before he was sent, so he did not expect , without running, to attain. But he would not take a step without the approval and direction of God. His inquiry pertained to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-7

The facts are: 1 . David, knowing that time was come for action, and being in doubt as to what movement would further the end in view, seeks guidance of God. 2 . Not only does he obtain sanction to enter Judah, but is even instructed to make Hebron his headquarters. 3 . Entering the district around Hebron with his family and attendants, he is anointed by the men of Judah over the tribe of Judah. 4 . Being informed of the kind and valiant act of the men of Jabesh-Gilead ( 1... read more

Albert Barnes

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

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

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