Hebron

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. So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 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, he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The LORD bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 2 Samuel 2:1-5

King Saul has been killed in battle. David is no longer being pursued, he and his family can live peaceably. The Lord leads him to settle in Hebron. Hebron is a very significant city. It is only about 14 miles south of Bethlehem, a day’s journey away from where David grew up. More importantly for the Hebrew nation, it is where Abraham purchased Ephron the Hittite’s field and cave in Machpelah to bury Sarah. Later Abraham, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah were all buried in the same cave. The Cave of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs is one of the holiest sites in Israel. Here in Hebron the men of Judah anointed David, king of Judah. David is truly a unique man among men. He has just been made king, yet his heart is still tuned to the things of God, to bless the men who went to great lengths and danger to give Saul, the Lord’s first anointed king a proper burial. Pleasing and honoring God is more important to David than anything man can bestow upon him.