David Anointed King Over Judah
2 In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.
The Lord said, “Go up.”
David asked, “Where shall I go?”
“To Hebron,” the Lord answered.
2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 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 favor 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.”
David continued to seek God first in his decisions. He asked God if he should move back to Judah, the home territory of his tribe. God had David go to Hebron. He would be crowned king here, and this would be the capital. Then, the men of Judah publicly anointed David king. David had been anointed king by Samuel in a private ceremony years before, so what they were doing was making it public. It took 7 1/2 years for the entire public to accept the kingship. David had to take time and develop support from the remaining tribes during this time. When God makes a promise to you in private, rest assured that it will come to pass. When your promise is made public, it may seem that it may never come to be, but be patient. God never goes back on a promise.
