2 Samuel 2:1-10

1Some time later, David inquired of the Lord: “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?” The Lord answered him, “Go.” Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” the Lord replied.

2So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.

3In addition, David brought the men who were with him, each one with his family, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

4Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

5David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “The Lord bless you because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him.

6Now, may the Lord show kindness and faithfulness to you, and I will also show the same goodness to you because you have done this deed.

7Therefore, be strong and valiant, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

8Abner son of Ner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth and moved him to Mahanaim.

9He made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin — over all Israel.

10Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he became king over Israel; he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David.