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2 Samuel 2:1–7
Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah (v. 4a).
David knows that he is God’s anointed successor to Saul. But he does not seek to take the throne by force of arms. He seems to have the strength to do so (1 Chron. 12); perhaps he does not wish to seem a usurper, preferring to let God establish him as king. So he seeks divine approval for what seems to be his logical next step—returning to Israel. David neglected to seek God’s direction when he most needed it—when he lost confidence in God’s promises and bolted for the apparent safety of Philistia (1 Sam. 27). Now he seeks God’s guidance when his course seems crystal clear. In truth, he needed God’s direction in both situations, and so do we. “We must apply to God not only when we are in distress, but even when the world smiles upon us and second causes work in favor of us,” Matthew Henry writes.
God tells David that he should return and, in answer to David’s further query, directs him to Hebron. Unlike David’s hometown of Bethlehem, which is a small place (Mic. 5:2), Hebron is one of the most important cities of Judah. It is the highest city in elevation in all Israel, a priests’ city, a city of refuge, and is near the place where the patriarchs are buried (Gen. 23:1–20; 25:7–9; 35:27–29; 50:12–13). Hebron is a place of rich meaning for all Israelites. So David, his wives, his men, and their families settle there. By this action, David turns his back on the “safety” of Philistia, burning that bridge by declaring he is a loyal Israelite. But God rewards his trust, for the men of Judah come to him and anoint him as their king, publicly marking him as their sovereign. They are willing to be ruled by the man God has chosen, no matter what the other tribes may do. Thus, God’s choice for Israel’s kingship gains a kingdom at last.
Through the Judahites, David learns that the men of Jabesh Gilead retrieved and buried Saul’s remains. Grateful for their valor on behalf of God’s anointed king, David sends messengers to thank them, to compliment them for showing respect to Saul, and to assure them that God is pleased, too. He also promises to repay them personally. Then he informs them he has been anointed king of Judah and calls on them to be valiant (that is, to fight his battles against the Philistines and other enemies). Gently, subtly, he woos these men to his side by showing that he bears them no ill will for their loyalty to Saul.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
David’s kingdom gradually expands, offering a picture of Christ’s kingdom, which begins as a mustard seed and grows to massive proportions (Matt. 13:31–32). Like David, we must not be discouraged that our Lord’s kingdom is still opposed. Read the passages below and praise God for the things that He yet will do.
For Further Study
- 1 Cor. 15:25
- Phil. 2:9–11
- Heb. 10:13
- Rev. 12:10