⁴ Then the men of Judah came to Hebron,^(A) and there they anointed^(B) David king over the tribe of Judah.

When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead^(C) who had buried Saul, ⁵ he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The Lord bless^(D) you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. ⁶ May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness,^(E) and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. ⁷ Now then, be strong^(F) and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

¹⁴ They buried him in the tomb that he had cut out for himself^(A) in the City of David. They laid him on a bier covered with spices and various blended perfumes,^(B) and they made a huge fire^(C) in his honor.