King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:5 in the King James Version says “And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead , and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have she...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 2:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant : for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. be ye: Heb. be ye the sons of valour

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, 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.

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 · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 22

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָּוִד֙2 of 22

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מַלְאָכִ֔ים3 of 22

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל4 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַנְשֵׁ֖י5 of 22
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)

יָבֵ֣ישׁ6 of 22

“of Jabeshgilead”

H3003

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

גִּלְעָ֑ד7 of 22
H1568

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

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 22

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם9 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּרֻכִ֤ים10 of 22

“unto them Blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אַתֶּם֙11 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לַֽיהוָ֔ה12 of 22

“be ye of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר13 of 22
H834

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

עֲשִׂיתֶ֜ם14 of 22

“that ye have shewed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַחֶ֣סֶד15 of 22

“this kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

הַזֶּ֗ה16 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

עִם17 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲדֹֽנֵיכֶם֙18 of 22

“unto your lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

עִם19 of 22
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׁא֔וּל20 of 22

“even unto Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַֽתִּקְבְּר֖וּ21 of 22

“and have buried”

H6912

to inter

אֹתֽוֹ׃22 of 22
H853

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

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 23:21Psalms 115:15Ruth 3:101 Samuel 24:19Ruth 2:201 Samuel 25:32-33

Places in This Verse

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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