2 Samuel 2:5-7

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 2:5

And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead ,.... To return them thanks for their courage and boldness in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons out of the hands of the Philistines, and for their civility in the burial of them: and said unto them, blessed be ye of the Lord ; which may be considered either as a wish, the Lord bless you for it, or as a prediction, the Lord will bless you: that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul , and have... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:7

Now therefore let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant ,.... And not be afraid of the Philistines, who might resent their conduct in taking away from them the bodies of Saul and his sons, whom they had hung up in triumph; and these men might fear they would bring their armies against them, and destroy them; but David bids them be of good heart and courage, and not be afraid of them: for your master Saul is dead ; or rather "though" F1 כי "licet enim", V. L. "quamvis",... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:5

David sent messengers unto - Jabesh-gilead - This was a generous and noble act, highly indicative of the grandeur of David's mind. He respected Saul as his once legitimate sovereign; he loved Jonathan as his most intimate friend. The former had greatly injured him, and sought his destruction; but even this did not cancel his respect for him, as the anointed of God, and as the king of Israel. This brings to my remembrance that fine speech of Saurin, when speaking of the banishment of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:7

Now let your hands be strengthened - David certainly wished to attach the men of Jabesh to his interest; he saw that they were generous and valiant, and must be of great service to him whose part they espoused; and he was no doubt afraid that they would attach themselves to the house of Saul, in consideration of the eminent services Saul had rendered them in rescuing them from Nahash, king of the Ammonites. 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

David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-Gilead. This was David's first act as king, and it was worthy of him. Some suppose that when David was told of their deed, it was with a view of prejudicing him against them. But this is not credible. By this time all men knew how loyal and affectionate were David's feelings towards his former king; and moreover the men of Jabesh were bound to Saul by no ordinary ties of gratitude ( 1 Samuel 11:1-15 .). Nor could David wish that Saul's remains,... 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

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