King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, 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 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, 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

So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal's wife the Carmelite.

3

And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the LORD, saying, 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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Judah, emphasizing divine timing, patience in promises. The Hebrew vayyimloch (וַיִּמְלֹךְ, 'and he reigned') marks David's official royal status over Judah at Hebron. The seven-year period before ruling all Israel demonstrates patient trust in God's timing. Theological themes include divine election, the gradual unfolding of God's promises through historical process, and the reality that human resistance to God's plans produces genuine suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 2 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding divine timing, patience in promises provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of divine timing, patience in promises?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַֽחֲרֵי2 of 21

“And it came to pass after this”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֗ן3 of 21
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וַיִּשְׁאַל֩4 of 21

“enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

דָּוִ֛ד5 of 21

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יְהוָ֛ה6 of 21

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר7 of 21

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶֽעֱלֶ֖ה8 of 21

“Shall I go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בְּאַחַת֙9 of 21

“into any”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

עָרֵ֣י10 of 21

“of the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֔ה11 of 21

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר12 of 21

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֛ה13 of 21

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלָ֖יו14 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶֽעֱלֶ֖ה15 of 21

“Shall I go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר16 of 21

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֛ד17 of 21

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָ֥נָה18 of 21
H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

אֶֽעֱלֶ֖ה19 of 21

“Shall I go up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר20 of 21

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חֶבְרֹֽנָה׃21 of 21

“Unto Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 2:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 30:31Psalms 143:8Genesis 32:21 Samuel 23:4Proverbs 3:5-61 Samuel 23:2

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 2 →

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2 Samuel 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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