2 ¹ After this David inquired of Yahweh, "Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?" And Yahweh said to him, "Go up." David said, "To which shall I go up?" And he said, "To Hebron." 2 ² So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 2 ³ And David brought up his men who were with him, every one with his household; and they dwelt in the towns of Hebron. 2 ⁴ And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.

When they told David, "It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul," 2 ⁵ David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, "May you be blessed by Yahweh, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord, and buried him! 2 ⁶ Now may Yahweh show steadfast love and faithfulness to you! And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. 2 ⁷ Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them."