John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. And the men of Judah came , etc.] The inhabitants of the tribe of Judah came from the several parts of it to Hebron, that is, the principal of them, the elders of each city: and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah ; they did not take upon them to make him king over all Israel, but left the rest of the tribes to act for themselves; and no doubt in this they had the mind of David, who was not willing to force himself upon the people at once, but by degrees get the whole government into his hands, as Providence should make his way; these men knew the kingdom was promised to their tribe, from ( Genesis 49:10); and were quite clear in what they did, and, without question, knew that David had been anointed by Samuel: but as that anointing was only a declaration of the Lord’s choice of him, and of his will that he should be king after Saul’s death, he is again anointed by the people, as an inauguration into his office: and they told David, saying, [that] the men of Jabeshgilead [were they] that buried Saul . It is highly probable, that as soon as David was anointed king, the first thing he thought of was to inquire after the body of the late king, and give it an honourable interment, and upon inquiry was told that the men of Jabeshgilead had buried him already. (see 1 Samuel 31:11-13).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - After the death of Saul, many went to David at Ziklag, 1Ch 12:22, but he trusted in God who promised him the kingdom, to give it in his ow time and manner. Yet assurance of hope in God's promise, will quicke pious endeavours. If I be chosen to the crown of life, it does no follow, Then I will do nothing; but, Then I will do all that God directs me. This good use David made of his election, and so will all whom God has chosen. In all our journeys and removes, it is comfortabl to see God going before us; and we may do so, if by faith and prayer we set Him before us. God, according to the promise, directed David' path. David rose gradually: thus the kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is set up by degrees; he is Lord of all, but we see not yet all things put under him.
Original Hebrew ויבאו935 אנשׁי376 יהודה3063 וימשׁחו4886 שׁם8033 את853 דוד1732 למלך4428 על5921 בית1004 יהודה3063 ויגדו5046 לדוד1732 לאמר559 אנשׁי376 יבישׁ3003 גלעד1568 אשׁר834 קברו6912 את853 שׁאול׃7586
