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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 2:6

And now the Lord show kindness and truth unto you ,.... Or true kindness; confer real favours, bestow upon you good and substantial blessings, blessings indeed! and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing . He not only prayed to God to bless them and reward them for it, but would remember them himself, and at a proper opportunity would show favour to them for this act of kindness to Saul. De Dieu proposes to consideration whether it may not be as well... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:4-7

( HEBRON .) Commendation. The first recorded act of David after he became king was of a kingly character. It is not improbable that the persons who informed him of what the men of Jabesh had done supposed that he had little love for the memory of Saul, and was apprehensive of Opposition from his "house" ( 2 Samuel 2:8 ), and wished to excite his jealousy against them; seeking to insinuate themselves into his confidence by detraction from the good name of others. But, instead of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:5-7

Gratitude and policy. David was now king of the tribe of Judah by their own choice, but the rest of the tribes had not declared themselves. Amongst these the tribes beyond the Jordan were of special importance and influence; and David took an opportunity of reminding them of his position and claims. The chief city amongst those tribes was Jabesh-Gilead. Brave men from that city had rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and, after burning them, had buried their... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:5-7

2 Samuel 2:5-7. That ye have showed this kindness This respect and affection. For as it is an act of inhumanity to deny burial to the dead, so it is an act of mercy and kindness to bury them. The Lord show kindness and truth unto you That is, true and real kindness; not in words only, but also in actions, as you have done to your king. I also will requite you So far am I from being offended with you for this kindness to my late enemy. This shows the great generosity of David’s spirit,... 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

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

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