“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.”
Context:To understand the significance of 2 Samuel 2:4, it is essential to consider the context. At this point in the narrative, King Saul, the first king of Israel, has died in battle against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6). In this verse, the men of Judah anoint David as king over the house of Judah, signifying the division of the kingdom.
The Anointing of David:After the death of Saul, David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel earlier (1 Samuel 16:13), is anointed as king over the tribe of Judah. This anointing establishes David’s reign, albeit initially over a specific region rather than the entire kingdom of Israel.
Recognition by the Men of Judah:The men of Judah play a crucial role in anointing David as king. Their recognition and acceptance of David’s kingship demonstrate their allegiance and support. It also signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to David, who was chosen by God to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
David’s Response:It is important to note David’s response to being anointed king over Judah. In the subsequent verses, David expresses gratitude and humility, recognizing God’s hand in his anointing (2 Samuel 2:5-7). He reaches out to the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had shown loyalty by burying Saul, to express his appreciation (2 Samuel 2:5-7).
Unity and Division:This verse marks the beginning of a period of division within the kingdom of Israel. While David is anointed king over Judah, Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, is made king over the rest of Israel by Abner, the commander of Saul’s army (2 Samuel 2:8-11). The division between the tribe of Judah and the remaining tribes sets the stage for conflicts and power struggles that continue throughout the early part of David’s reign.
Lessons for us:This passage reminds us of the importance of recognising and accepting God’s appointed leaders. It also emphasises humility in leadership and the need for unity within God’s people. Additionally, David’s response to the men of Jabesh-gilead highlights the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation for acts of loyalty and kindness.
Overall, 2 Samuel 2:4 sets the stage for David’s reign as king over Judah and introduces themes of unity, division, and leadership that will shape the narrative in the subsequent chapters of 2 Samuel.
