After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.” So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
Comment: I wonder how David inquired of the Lord. Was it in private prayer or did he go to the priestly members of the tribe of Levi who were with him? Possibly he had a conference with his wise councillors asking God to guide them. How did God speak to Him – in a dream? through the voices of his advisers?
David took all that were with him as he travelled around fleeing Saul to Hebron in the tribal area of Judah. He was there quickly appointed as their king. What would happen to other tribal groups, who would they choose? Saul’s and Jonathan’s bodies were treated respectfully and buried by the men of Jabesh-Gilead. Saul was annointed king there and it is a city mentioned often in the reign of Saul. I suspect that David felt that these men would seek to find someone in Saul’s line or favour to be their king. He made a political move to seek to persuade them to follow him.
Prayer: Teach me to seek and find your will using the Bible, prayer, wise counselling to find Your will for me Father. And then give me the strength to obey, please.
As I read it! 