Context No. 3165 of 4322 · 2 Samuel

2 Samuel 2:1-7: in context

1After this, David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” He said, “To Hebron.” 2So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 3David brought up his men who were with him, every man with his household. They lived in the cities of Hebron. 4The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul.” 5David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “Blessed are you by the LORD, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. 6Now may the LORD show loving kindness and truth to you. I also will reward you for this kindness, because you have done this thing. 7Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

After Saul's death, with the throne opening to him, David does not simply seize it. He inquires of the LORD: shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah? Where? God says Hebron, and there the men of Judah anoint him king. And his first act as king is to send a blessing to the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had bravely buried Saul, promising to repay their kindness.

Two things mark David's beginning. Even now, with the crown within reach after years of waiting, he does not rush; he inquires of the LORD at each step, shall I go up? where? He asks God rather than grabbing the moment. And his first royal act is to bless those who honored Saul, the very man who had hunted him, in death. A king begins his reign not with vengeance on his enemy's memory but with gratitude toward those who showed honor. Patience to keep asking God, and grace toward a dead enemy, mark David's start.

As new opportunities open, do I keep inquiring of God rather than seizing them, and can I honor even those tied to my former enemies?

Sources

2 Samuel 2:1: "David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?... To Hebron."
2 Samuel 2:5: "Blessed are you by the LORD, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him."
Proverbs 3:6: "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."