THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
David gained the goodwill of the populace through his diligent service, particularly by his decision to withdraw to Hebron instead of ruling from Jerusalem during times of conflict.
2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 2:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And after these things David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go up into one of the cities of Juda? And the Lord said to him: Go up. And David said: Whither shall I go up? And he answered him: Into Hebron.
וַיְהִ֣י אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן וַיִּשְׁאַל֩ דָּוִ֨ד בַּֽיהוָ֤ה ׀ לֵאמֹר֙ הַאֶעֱלֶ֗ה בְּאַחַת֙ עָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יְהוָ֛ה אֵלָ֖יו עֲלֵ֑ה וַיֹּ֧אמֶר דָּוִ֛ד אָ֥נָה אֶעֱלֶ֖ה וַיֹּ֥אמֶר חֶבְרֹֽנָה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Theodoret of Cyrus
Why did the Lord instruct David to first journey to Hebron? The true motivations lie with the One who issued the command, yet it seems plausible that this city was chosen because the patriarchs resided there during their lives and were laid to rest there after death. Additionally, there is another compelling reason: the revered David belonged to the tribe of Judah, and at that time, Hebron was the principal city of this tribe, as Jerusalem remained under the control of the Jebusites. The tribe of Judah held a special affection for David as one of their own.
Read more (109 words)
The significance of Hebron as a premier city is further illustrated by the Scriptures; it is stated, "They went and began to dwell in the cities of Hebron." Moreover, the subsequent verse supports this notion, stating, "And men came from Judah, and anointed David, that he might reign over the house of Judah." The author purposefully chose the term "anointed" rather than "enthroned" because David received an anointing with sacred oil through the prophet Samuel. Meanwhile, Abner elevated Mephibosheth, the son of Saul, referred to by some as Ish-bosheth, and, departing from Ramah and Gibeon where Saul had resided, he crossed over the Jordan to establish a royal camp.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- 1 Sam 23:2Therefore David consulted the Lord, saying: Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said to David: Go, and thou shalt smite the Philistines, and shalt save Ceila.
- 1 Sam 30:31And that were in Hebron, and to the rest that were in those places, in which David had abode with his men.
- Gen 32:2And when he saw them, he said: These are the camps of God, and he called the name of that place Mahanaim, that is, Camps.
- 1 Sam 23:4Therefore David consulted the Lord again. And he answered and said to him: Arise, and go to Ceila: for I will deliver the Philistines into thy hand.
- 1 Sam 23:9Now when David understood that Saul secretly prepared evil against him, he said to Abiathar, the priest: Bring hither the ephod.
- 1 Sam 23:12And David said: Will the men of Ceila deliver me and my men into the hands of Saul? And the Lord said: They will deliver thee up.
- Ps 25 (24):4
- Ps 25 (24):5