2 Samuel 2:5-7
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What's so striking here is David immediately credits the LORD for the men's faithfulness, not just their act. It’s a beautiful reminder that even human acts of kindness and loyalty are seen and valued by God, and David, even in his own ascent to power, recognizes this divine oversight. This shows David's heart was already attuned to God's perspective, even in a moment of political maneuvering.
David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Saul's death, David, still in exile and navigating his rise to power, hears about the Philistines' victory and Saul's demise. This act of kindness from the people of Jabesh-gilead, who bravely retrieved and buried Saul's body despite the danger, earns David's immediate respect and establishes his character as someone who honors loyalty, even to a defeated enemy. David's message sets the stage for his future relationship with these courageous people and demonstrates his leadership in acknowledging faithfulness.
David, the future king, begins his reign by noticing and commending an act of kindness. This wasn't a political move; it was deeply personal.
Even in the midst of political upheaval and a divided kingdom, David takes time to acknowledge a significant act of loyalty. The men of Jabesh-gilead showed bravery and compassion by burying Saul, their former king, after his death. This action risked the wrath of the Philistines and demonstrated a profound respect for the fallen king and the covenant God had made with him. David's blessing isn't just a 'thank you'; it's an acknowledgment of their character and a promise of future favor.
David's response here tells us more about him than any battle he might have fought. What does his action reveal about his leadership style?
This early act of David sets a precedent for his reign. Instead of immediately consolidating power or seeking revenge, he prioritizes recognizing and honoring faithfulness. This demonstrates a king who is:
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This wasn't just about Saul; it was about establishing a tone of gratitude and integrity for his own future leadership.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term signifying steadfast, covenantal love, mercy, or faithfulness. It describes an active, loyal devotion that transcends mere duty, often reflecting God's commitment to His people and the required response of His people toward Him and others.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God, YHWH, revealing His self-existent, eternal nature and His personal relationship with His people as their Redeemer.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A foundational theological term denoting God’s loyal, covenant-keeping love, mercy, and devotion toward His people, often in the context of His promises.
emeth · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the truth, reliability, and firmness of God's character and His adherence to His promises and covenant commitments.
chayil · Hebrew Adjective
To be strong, brave, courageous, or mighty, often used in the context of military duty or spiritual steadfastness.
mashach · Hebrew Verb
The ceremonial act of pouring oil on a person to set them apart as consecrated for a specific divine office, such as prophet, priest, or king.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A monarch or ruler, specifically one who holds supreme authority over a nation or territory under the sovereignty of God in the Israelite context.
David's immediate commendation of the men of Jabesh-gilead for their loyalty to Saul demonstrates his understanding of honor and his desire to build a united kingdom based on respect for the past, even in times of political upheaval.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Death on Mount Gilboa
King Saul and his sons, including Jonathan, fell in battle against the Philistines. Their bodies were desecrated by the Philistines, hung on the walls of Beth-shan.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
Theft and Burial of Saul's Body
Brave men from Jabesh-gilead risked their lives to retrieve Saul's body and those of his sons from the walls of Beth-shan. They burned the bodies and buried the bones under a tamarisk tree in Jabesh.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron. This marked the beginning of a divided kingdom, with Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, later claiming kingship over the rest of Israel.
c. 1003 BC
David Becomes King Over All Israel
After a period of conflict and the death of Ish-bosheth, all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and anointed him king over the united kingdom.
c. 1003 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
David conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital city. This move unified the kingdom politically and religiously.
This passage describes Saul's initial rise to kingship and how he rescued Jabesh-gilead, showing the deep historical tie and debt of loyalty between them.
1 Samuel 31:11-13This recounts the same event of Saul's death and burial, highlighting the bravery of the men of Jabesh-gilead who risked their lives to honor Saul's body.
Ruth 2:20Naomi uses a similar phrase, 'May he be blessed by the LORD,' when recognizing Ruth's kindness, emphasizing that David is invoking a blessing recognizing genuine loyalty and kindness.
Proverbs 3:3-4This proverb speaks about steadfast love and faithfulness not being forsaken, mirroring the loyalty the men of Jabesh-gilead showed to Saul, which David now acknowledges and blesses.
What's so striking here is David immediately credits the LORD for the men's faithfulness, not just their act. It’s a beautiful reminder that even human acts of kindness and loyalty are seen and valued by God, and David, even in his own ascent to power, recognizes this divine oversight. This shows David's heart was already attuned to God's perspective, even in a moment of political maneuvering.
After Saul's death, David, still in exile and navigating his rise to power, hears about the Philistines' victory and Saul's demise. This act of kindness from the people of Jabesh-gilead, who bravely retrieved and buried Saul's body despite the danger, earns David's immediate respect and establishes his character as someone who honors loyalty, even to a defeated enemy. David's message sets the stage for his future relationship with these courageous people and demonstrates his leadership in acknowledging faithfulness.
After Saul's death, David, still in exile and navigating his rise to power, hears about the Philistines' victory and Saul's demise. This act of kindness from the people of Jabesh-gilead, who bravely retrieved and buried Saul's body despite the danger, earns David's immediate respect and establishes his character as someone who honors loyalty, even to a defeated enemy. David's message sets the stage for his future relationship with these courageous people and demonstrates his leadership in acknowledging faithfulness.
"David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will…" — What's so striking here is David immediately credits the LORD for the men's faithfulness, not just their act. It’s a beautiful reminder that even human acts of kindness and loyalty are seen and value…
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Last reviewed October 2026
