2 Samuel 2:1-7
2:1 In the course of time [literally means “after this” or “afterwards”], David inquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up [go north; to higher elevation in Judah’s hill country].” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron [largest city in Judah; located 20 miles south of Jerusalem/15 miles west of Dead Sea; served as David’s capital for 7 years before becoming king over all Israel and making Jerusalem his capital where he reigned for 33 years (1 Kings 2:11); the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives (Gen. 23:2; 49:30-31)],” the LORD answered.

Note: Three ways of determining God’s will in David’s time as per 1 Samuel 28:6…
• dreams
• the Urim and Thummim (lots)
• prophets

Do you need specific direction in some area of your life? If so, how could you seek God’s will?

On what basis do you typically chart courses of action, and how can you more consistently seek and follow the Lord’s direction?

How did David’s decision to move to Hebron affect his family and followers? How does it affect our families whether or not we follow God’s direction?

2:2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam [became mother of David’s firstborn son (2 Sam. 3:2] of Jezreel [southern city located near Ziph (1 Sam. 25:43-44)] and Abigail [cf. 1 Sam. 25:38-42; became mother of David Kileab (2 Sam. 3:3)], the widow of Nabal of Carmel [a village in Judah; cf. 1 Sam. 25:2-3].

2:3 David also took the men [cf. 1 Sam. 22:2; 23:13; possibly 600 soldiers and their families (1 Sam. 30:9)] who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and [perhaps so that overwhelming influx of people would not place too heavy a burden on any one community] its towns [surrounding towns/villages (a metropolitan area)].

2:4 Then the men of Judah [leaders and elders] came to Hebron and there they anointed [God already had anointed David as king (1 Sam. 16:1,13)] David [northern tribes of Israel had chosen to crown Ish-Bosheth, the son of King Saul (2 Sam. 2:8-17; 3:1)] king over the house of Judah [later, the entire nation; David followed God one step at a time]. When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead [Saul had previously saved them from the Ammonites (1 Sam. 11:1-11)] who had buried Saul [cf. 1 Sam. 31:11-13],

2:5 he sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead to say to them, “The LORD bless you for showing this kindness [indicates a steadfast love that binds people together] to Saul your master by burying him [an act that could have incurred the wrath of the Philistines].

2:6 May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and [note that David offered his friendship to those who had shown such remarkable kindness to Saul…] I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.

2:7 Now then, be strong and brave [despite the news of Saul’s death], for Saul your master is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”