Chapter 69—David Called to the Throne
This chapter is based on
2 Samuel 2
to
5:5
.
The death of Saul removed the dangers that had made David an
exile. The way was now open for him to return to his own land.
When the days of mourning for Saul and Jonathan were ended, “David
inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of
Judah? And the Lord said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither
shall I go up? And He said, Unto Hebron.”
Hebron was twenty miles north from Beersheba, and about midway
between that city and the future site of Jerusalem. It was originally
called Kirjath-arba, the city of Arba, the father of Anak. Later it was
called Mamre, and here was the burial place of the patriarchs, “the
cave of Machpelah.” Hebron had been the possession of Caleb and was
now the chief city of Judah. It lies in a valley surrounded by fertile hill
country and fruitful lands. The most beautiful vineyards of Palestine
were on its borders, together with numerous plantations of olive and
other fruit trees.
David and his followers immediately prepared to obey the instruc-
tion which they had received from God. The six hundred armed men,
with their wives and children, their flocks and herds, were soon on the
way to Hebron. As the caravan entered the city the men of Judah were
waiting to welcome David as the future king of Israel. Arrangements
were at once made for his coronation. “And there they anointed David
king over the house of Judah.” But no effort was made to establish his
authority by force over the other tribes.
One of the first acts of the new-crowned monarch was to express
his tender regard for the memory of Saul and Jonathan. Upon learning
of the brave deed of the men of Jabesh-gilead in rescuing the bodies
of the fallen leaders and giving them honorable burial, David sent an
embassy to Jabesh with the message, “Blessed be ye of the Lord, that
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ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have
buried him. And now the Lord show kindness and truth unto you:
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