4. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul,
5. he sent messengers to them to say to them, ‘The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him.
6. May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favour because you have done this.
7. Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.’
8. Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.