Then the men of Judah came to HebronThe men of Judah, representing the tribe from which David hailed, recognized his leadership and divine anointing. Hebron, a significant city in Judah, was historically a city of refuge and a Levitical city. It was also where Abraham settled and was buried, adding to its spiritual and ancestral importance. The choice of Hebron as the place for David's anointing underscores its status as a center of power and heritage within Judah.
and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah
This anointing marks the beginning of David's reign, though initially only over Judah, not all Israel. The act of anointing signifies divine selection and empowerment for leadership, echoing Samuel's earlier anointing of David as king. This event fulfills part of God's promise to David, setting the stage for his eventual rule over all Israel. The anointing also prefigures Christ, the Anointed One, who would come from David's line.
And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
The men of Jabesh-gilead had shown loyalty to Saul by retrieving and burying his body after his death in battle. This act of respect and bravery was significant, as Jabesh-gilead had historical ties to Saul, who had once rescued them from the Ammonites. By informing David of their actions, the men of Judah highlight the continued respect for Saul's legacy and the complex political landscape David would navigate. This acknowledgment also sets the stage for David's diplomatic response, which would further solidify his leadership and unify the tribes of Israel.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidAnointed as king over the house of Judah, marking the beginning of his reign over part of Israel.
2.
Men of JudahThe tribe that first recognized David's leadership and anointed him as their king.
3.
Jabesh-gileadA city in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, whose men showed loyalty to Saul by burying him.
4.
SaulThe first king of Israel, whose death led to the transition of power to David.
5.
AnointingA significant act of consecration and recognition of God's chosen leader.
Teaching Points
God's Timing and SovereigntyDavid's anointing over Judah demonstrates God's perfect timing and sovereignty in establishing leadership. We can trust God's timing in our own lives.
Recognition of God's ChosenThe men of Judah recognized David as God's anointed. We should seek to discern and support God's chosen leaders in our communities.
Loyalty and HonorThe men of Jabesh-gilead honored Saul even in death. We are called to show loyalty and honor to those who have served faithfully, even when their time has passed.
The Role of AnointingAnointing signifies God's selection and empowerment. As believers, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes.
Unity and DivisionDavid's initial reign over Judah alone highlights the division within Israel. We should strive for unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that division can hinder God's work.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 2:4?
2.How does David's anointing as king reflect God's sovereignty in leadership roles?
3.What qualities made David suitable for kingship according to 2 Samuel 2:4?
4.How does David's anointing connect to Jesus' kingship in the New Testament?
5.How can we seek God's guidance in leadership decisions like David did?
6.What lessons on humility and patience can we learn from David's anointing?
7.Why was David anointed king over the house of Judah in 2 Samuel 2:4?
8.How does 2 Samuel 2:4 reflect God's plan for leadership?
9.What historical evidence supports David's anointing in 2 Samuel 2:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 2?
11.In 2 Samuel 2:4, why is David anointed again when he was already anointed in 1 Samuel 16:13?
12.Does the sudden bestowal of Saul’s property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7–10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul’s possessions?
13.If this psalm is attributed to David (Psalm 54 title), is there verifiable historical proof of him composing it during his conflict with the Ziphites?
14.2 Samuel 4:5–7 – If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David’s rule?What Does 2 Samuel 2:4 Mean
The men of Judah came to Hebron• Judah, David’s own tribe, moves first in acknowledging God’s choice (see2 Samuel 2:1 for the Lord’s directive to go to Hebron).
• Hebron is loaded with covenant history—Abraham settled there (Genesis 13:18), the patriarchs are buried there (Genesis 49:29–31), and Caleb received it as his inheritance (Joshua 14:13–15).
• By gathering in Hebron, Judah aligns itself with the flow of God’s promises toward the Messiah line (Matthew 1:2–6 traces that very line through Judah and David).
• Practical takeaway: God often confirms His guidance through both place and people—when the location meshes with Scripture’s storyline, His plan becomes unmistakable.
They anointed David king over the house of Judah• This is David’s second anointing (first:1 Samuel 16:13). Public recognition catches up with God’s earlier private call.
• Anointing signals divine commissioning (Exodus 29:7 for priests;1 Kings 19:16 for prophets). David stands in that stream, foreshadowing Christ, the ultimate “Anointed One” (Psalm 2:2;Acts 4:26–27).
• The kingship begins with one tribe, illustrating God’s pattern of incremental fulfillment—first Judah, eventually “all Israel” (2 Samuel 5:1–5).
• Bullet points of application:
– Wait patiently; God’s timetable may unfold in stages.
– Faithfulness in partial responsibility paves the way for fuller authority (Luke 16:10).
– God’s promises are sure even when their scope seems limited at first glance.
They told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”• Jabesh-gilead had been rescued by Saul early in his reign (1 Samuel 11:1–11). Their loyalty in burying him (1 Samuel 31:11–13) honored that kindness.
• The report positions David to show covenant love (2 Samuel 2:5-6)—a gracious overture toward Saul’s supporters, knitting the nation’s wounds.
• This moment spotlights David’s respect for God’s prior work; he refuses to rejoice over Saul’s death (same heart seen in2 Samuel 1:17-27).
• Practical insights:
– Honor predecessors, even flawed ones;Romans 13:1 reminds us God institutes authority.
– Acts of kindness sow seeds for future unity;Galatians 6:9 encourages perseverance in doing good.
– True leadership seeks reconciliation, not retaliation (Matthew 5:9;Romans 12:17-18).
summary2 Samuel 2:4 records a pivotal step in God’s unfolding plan: Judah’s men gather at covenant-rich Hebron, publicly anoint David as their king, and inform him of Jabesh-gilead’s honorable burial of Saul. The verse showcases God’s faithfulness, the importance of patient obedience, and the value of honoring both past and present servants of the Lord, all pointing forward to the ultimate reign of Christ.
(4)
They anointed David.--The first private anointing of David (1 Samuel 16) had been in token of his Divine commission; this was a sign of his recognition as king by the tribe of Judah; and there was still a third subsequent anointing (
2Samuel 5:4), when he was accepted by all Israel. Comp. Saul's anointing by Samuel privately (
1Samuel 10:1), and his subsequent double recognition as king by the people (
1Samuel 10:24;
1Samuel 11:15). The "men of Judah" were not only of David's tribe, but were doubtless aware of his having been divinely selected for their future king, and, for the most part, had been on friendly terms with him during his long outlawry; they had also lately received presents from him in recognition of their kindness (
1Samuel 30:26-31).
The men of Jabesh-gilead.--This town had been destroyed in the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:9-12), and its 400 virgins given in marriage to the surviving Benjamites. There was therefore a special connection between Saul, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, and this city. It is altogether probable also that the remnants of Saul's defeated army had sought refuge in Gilead. . . .
Verse 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 David thus acquired a legal right and authority by the nation's will, which Samuel could not have given him. So Saul's anointing by Samuel, and his election to be king at Gilgal, were independent acts; and while the former gave the king his sacredness, the latter conferred upon him jurisdiction and power.
King over the house of Judah. How came the Philistines to allow this? When subsequently he was again anointed, and became King of all Israel, the Philistines gathered their hosts at once; not because he captured Jerusalem, which was then a mere hill fort belonging to the Jebusites, but evidently because they thought him dangerous. But why did they not crush him now? One reason, probably, was that Judaea was a difficult country for military operations. The tribe, too, had stood aloof from Saul, and its strength was unbroken. But the chief reason apparently was that David maintained friendly relations with Achish, and paid him tribute. This explains the curious fact that Ziklag continued to be the private property of the house of David (
1 Samuel 27:6). The doings of a vassal of the King of Gath were regarded as of little importance. Had he not even marched with them to Aphek, as one of the servants of Achish? But when he endeavoured to restore the kingdom of Saul, they first made a hasty rush upon him, and, when repelled, they gathered their forces for as formidable an invasion as that which had ended in their victory at Gilboa.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the menאַנְשֵׁ֣י(’an·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Judahיְהוּדָ֔ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelitescame [to Hebron],וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand thereשָׁ֧ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherthey anointedוַיִּמְשְׁחוּ־(way·yim·šə·ḥū-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4886:To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paintDavidדָּוִ֛ד(dā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessekingלְמֶ֖לֶךְ(lə·me·leḵ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe houseבֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof Judah.יְהוּדָ֑ה(yə·hū·ḏāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four IsraelitesAnd they toldוַיַּגִּ֤דוּ(way·yag·gi·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousDavid,לְדָוִד֙(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse“It was the menאַנְשֵׁי֙(’an·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personof Jabesh-gileadיָבֵ֣ישׁ(yā·ḇêš)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3003:Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelitewho buriedקָבְר֖וּ(qā·ḇə·rū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6912:To interSaul.”שָׁאֽוּל׃(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites
Links
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2 Samuel 2:4 BibleApps.com2 Samuel 2:4 Biblia Paralela2 Samuel 2:4 Chinese Bible2 Samuel 2:4 French Bible2 Samuel 2:4 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Samuel 2:4 The men of Judah came and there (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) 
