Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:4-7
4-7. This message to the men of Jabesh-gilead was well-timed and skilfully presented. It showed David’s tenderness and respect for Saul, and in a measure served to remove from his advancement to royalty the appearance of usurpation and rebellion. But the proclamation that he had been anointed king over the house of Judah was an indirect announcement that it would be to the interest of the men of Jabesh to acknowledge him as Saul’s successor. This part of his message was, therefore, open to... read more
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:4
4. The men of Judah came The elders of Judah, the official representatives of that tribe. And there they anointed David king over the house of Judah By what particular ceremony and by whom the anointing was done we are not told. He had already been anointed by Samuel, (1 Samuel 16:13,) but that was done privately in his father’s house. We shall see in the sequel that when he became king of all Israel he was again anointed. 2 Samuel 5:3. It was an ill-advised course and a dangerous policy... read more