4. Then the men of Judah came, and they anointed David there as king over the house of Judah, and they told David, “The men of Jabesh-Gilead buried Saul.”
5. So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-Gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by Yahweh because you did this loyal love with your lord, with Saul, and you buried him.
6. Now may Yahweh show loyal love and faithfulness with you. I will also show the good with you that you have done in this matter.
7. So then, let your hands be strong and be valiant, for your lord Saul is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me as king over them.”
8. But Abner the son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth the son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.