The Way
King in Hebron
The first seat of the man who left the wilderness
Story
The news that Saul had fallen on Gilboa reached Ziklag. The throne was empty, but David did not rush. First he asked the Lord, “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” The Lord said, “Go up.” David asked again, “Where shall I go?” The Lord answered, “To Hebron.” David led his two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail, along with the men who were with him and their families, up the mountain road and settled in Hebron.
The people of Judah streamed into Hebron and anointed David. The man who had wandered the wilderness was now king over the house of Judah. Then word came to the king that it was the people of Jabesh-gilead, across the Jordan, who had buried Saul. David sent messengers to them: “You showed loyalty to your lord Saul. May the Lord bless you for it. I too will show you kindness.”
After that came a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. When the fighting was over, all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron. The elders said, “We are your own flesh and bone. Even when Saul was king, it was you who led Israel out and brought them in.” David made a covenant with them before the Lord, and the elders anointed him king over all Israel. He had reigned over Judah alone in Hebron for seven and a half years.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of God and David
Go up. Go to Hebron.
You showed loyalty to your lord Saul by burying him. May the Lord bless you and show you his steadfast love and faithfulness.
We are your own flesh and bone. The Lord said to you, You will shepherd my people Israel and be their leader.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Sam 2:1–7; 5:1–5
Background
Hebron is an ancient city in the hill country of Judah, home to the cave of Machpelah where Abraham lived and was buried. David ruled Judah here for seven and a half years, then moved to Jerusalem and ruled all Israel for thirty-three years.
Pause and Reflect
Even when the waiting drags on, do I ask God instead of trying to hurry things myself?