1After this, David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up into one of the cities of Judah?" The LORD said to him, "Go up." David said, "Where shall I go up?" He said, "Hebron."2And David went up there, and also his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.3And David brought up his men who were with him, each man and his house, and they settled in the cities of Hebron.4The men of Judah came and anointed David there as king over the house of Judah. They told David, "The men of Jabesh-gilead were the ones who buried Saul."5David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, "You are blessed by the LORD, who showed this steadfast love to your lord Saul by burying him."6And now may the LORD do with you steadfast love and truth, and also I will do with you this good thing that you have done this thing.7And now, strengthen your hands and be men of valor, for your lord Saul has died, and also the house of Judah has anointed me as king over them.