And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.

2 SAMUEL 2:4KJV
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2 Samuel 2:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 2:4 mean?

2 Samuel 2:4 describes how the men of Judah gathered and officially made David their king by anointing him to rule over the tribe of Judah. The verse also notes that David was informed about the men from Jabeshgilead, who had shown respect by burying Saul, the former king.

This verse takes place just after Saul’s death, during a time when Israel was divided and uncertain. The people of Judah, David’s own tribe, recognize his leadership first, setting him apart as king over them before the rest of Israel follows. The mention of Jabeshgilead’s actions shows the ongoing respect for Saul and signals to David who had remained loyal to the previous king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 2:4

  • "anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being chosen for a special role, especially as king. Here, it marks David’s official recognition as king by his own tribe.
  • "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This term is used for the ruler or leader of a people. David is not yet king over all Israel, just over Judah at this point.
  • "Jabeshgilead" (יָבֵישׁ גִּלְעָד, Yavesh Gil'ad): This place name is important because its people had a history of loyalty to Saul, and their burial of Saul is a sign of respect that David acknowledges.

Why 2 Samuel 2:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s kingship began with Judah alone, not all Israel, highlighting a period of division before David’s eventual rule over the whole nation.
  • The mention of Jabeshgilead connects the story back to Saul, showing that David is aware of those who honored the former king, which will influence his actions in the following verses.
  • The act of anointing (מָשַׁח, mashach) emphasizes that David’s kingship was seen as a divinely chosen role, not just a political move, setting the tone for his reign.

Where else these words appear

“Jabeshgilead” Hebrew H3003 · used in 21 verses

  • Judges 21:8 And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabeshgilead to the assembly.
  • 1 Samuel 11:3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers unto all the coasts of Israel: and then, if there be no man to save us, we will come out to thee.
  • 2 Samuel 2:5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.

“buried” Hebrew H6912 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Judges 16:31 Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.
  • 2 Kings 15:7 So Azariah slept with his fathers; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

“Jabeshgilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.