David Anointed King Over Judah

With Saul’s death, the way was open for David to return to Judah.

Having learned during his exile how important it was to consult the Lord before making decisions, he sought to know God’s will about this one.

“Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron” (2 Samuel 2:1).

Hebron had been the home of Abraham, and his tomb was located there, along with that of his wife Sarah, their son Isaac, and grandson Jacob.

“David had maintained friendly relations with this city during the lifetime of Saul. It was well suited for the temporary capital of David’s southern kingdom, not only being situated in a strong position in the mountains of Judah, amid people who were friendly to David, but having the sacred associations of the early patriarchs.” “David and his followers immediately prepared to obey the instruction which they had received from God. The six hundred armed men, with their wives and children, their flocks and herds, were soon on the way to Hebron. As the caravan entered the city the men of Judah were waiting to welcome David as the future king of Israel. Arrangements were at once made for his coronation. ‘And there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.’ But no effort was made to establish his authority by force over the other tribes.” David had already been anointed privately by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).

His coronation at Hebron was a public declaration by the tribe of Judah that they accepted him as the anointed of the Lord and the next king of Israel.

One of the first acts of the new king was to send an emissary to Jabesh-gilead with a message of gratitude for the respect they had shown the bodies of Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 2:5–7). “David pledged that he would be the friend and protector of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead even as Saul had been before him.” David wished the friends of Saul no ill will. In fact, he applauded their loyalty and devotion.