2 Samuel 2:4

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 2:4

And the men of Judah came ,.... The inhabitants of the tribe of Judah came from the several parts of it to Hebron, that is, the principal of them, the elders of each city: and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah ; they did not take upon them to make him king over all Israel, but left the rest of the tribes to act for themselves; and no doubt in this they had the mind of David, who was not willing to force himself upon the people at once, but by degrees get the whole... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:4

Anointed David king - He was anointed before by Samuel, by which he acquired jus ad regnum , a right To the kingdom; by the present anointing he had jus in regno , authority Over the kingdom. The other parts of the kingdom were, as yet, attached to the family of Saul. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:4

They anointed David. Samuel's anointing ( 1 Samuel 16:13 ) had been private, and, if we may judge by the manner in which Eliab treated David ( 1 Samuel 17:28 ), even his own family had not attached much importance to it. It was nevertheless the indication of Jehovah's purpose, and now the anointing of David by the elders of Judah was the first step towards its accomplishment. And this was an independent act, though the knowledge of Samuel's anointing had prepared the way for it; and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:4

( HEBRON .) David anointed King of Judah. Course of events: 1 . David's message to the men of Jabesh ( 2 Samuel 2:5-7 ). 2 . Ishbosheth made King of Israel by Abner ( 2 Samuel 2:8-11 ). 3 . Civil war, and the death of Asahel ( 2 Samuel 2:12-32 ). 4 . Increasing strength of the house of David ( 2 Samuel 3:1-5 ). 5 . Dissension between Ishbosheth and Abner. 6 . Abner's negotiations with David, restoration of Michal, communication with the tribes, and... 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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:4

David had already been anointed by Samuel 1 Samuel 16:13. His first anointing indicated God’s secret purpose, his second the accomplishment of that purpose. (Compare the case of Saul, 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 11:14.) David was anointed again king over Israel 2 Samuel 5:3. The interval between the anointing of the Lord Jesus as the Christ of God, and His taking to Himself His kingdom and glory, seems to be thus typified. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:4

2 Samuel 2:4. The men of Judah came and anointed David king This they did on just grounds, because not only the sovereignty had been promised to that tribe, but David was designed and had been appointed by God, and at his express command anointed by Samuel to the regal office. This had long ceased to be a secret. Jonathan had known it perfectly. Saul himself had been no stranger to it; and Abner, the general of his army, was not ignorant of it, as appears by his words to Ish-bosheth, (2... read more

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