1After this David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?' The LORD answered him, 'Go up.' David asked, 'Where shall I go up?' He answered, 'Hebron.'2So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.3David also brought up the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the cities of Hebron.4Then the men of Judah came and anointed David king over the house of Judah. They reported to David, 'The men of Jabesh-gilead are the ones who buried Saul.'5David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, 'May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this kindness to your lord Saul and buried him.'6Now may the LORD show kindness and faithfulness to you, and I also will show you the same goodness that you have shown in this matter.7Therefore be strong and courageous, for your lord Saul is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.