1 And so, after these things, David consulted the Lord, saying, "Shall I ascend to one of the cities of Judah?" And the Lord said to him, "Ascend." And David said, "To where shall I ascend?" And he responded to him, "To Hebron."
2 Therefore, David ascended with his two wives, Ahinoam, the Jezreelite, and Abigail, the wife of Nabal of Carmel.
3 And as for the men who were with him, David led forth each man with his household. And they stayed in the towns of Hebron.
4 And the men of Judah went and anointed David there, so that he would reign over the house of Judah. And it was reported to David that the men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul.
5 Therefore, David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and he said to them: "Blessed are you to the Lord, who has accomplished this mercy with your lord Saul, so that you would bury him.
6 And now, certainly, the Lord will repay to you mercy and truth. But I also will act with favor, because you have accomplished this word.
7 Let your hands be strengthened, and be sons of fortitude. For even though your lord Saul has died, still the house of Judah has anointed me as king over them."