King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:4 in the King James Version says “And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 2:4 · KJV

Context

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.

4

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.

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.

6

And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Jabesh-gilead were they that buried Saul.

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
וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙1 of 21

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אַנְשֵׁ֣י2 of 21
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְהוּדָ֑ה3 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

וַיִּמְשְׁחוּ4 of 21

“and there they anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

שָׁ֧ם5 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶת6 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְדָוִד֙7 of 21

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְמֶ֖לֶךְ8 of 21

“king”

H4428

a king

עַל9 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֵּ֣ית10 of 21

“over the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָ֑ה11 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

וַיַּגִּ֤דוּ12 of 21

“And they told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְדָוִד֙13 of 21

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֔ר14 of 21

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַנְשֵׁי֙15 of 21
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יָבֵ֣ישׁ16 of 21

“of Jabeshgilead”

H3003

jobesh, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

גִּלְעָ֔ד17 of 21
H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קָֽבְר֖וּ19 of 21

“were they that buried”

H6912

to inter

אֶת20 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁאֽוּל׃21 of 21

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and 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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 5:51 Samuel 31:11-132 Samuel 5:31 Samuel 16:131 Chronicles 11:32 Samuel 2:7

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
Jabesh-gileadSettlement · Modern: Tell el Maqlub · 32.40°N, 35.68°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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