2 Samuel 2:6
ESV
Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing.
NIV
May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.
NASB
And now may the Lord show kindness and truth to you; and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing.
CSB
Now, may the Lord show kindness and faithfulness to you, and I will also show the same goodness to you because you have done this deed.
NLT
May the Lord be loyal to you in return and reward you with his unfailing love! And I, too, will reward you for what you have done.
KJV
And now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.
NKJV
And now may the Lord show kindness and truth to you. I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing.
What does 2 Samuel 2:6 mean?
Shortly after Saul became king, a messenger from the town of Jabesh-gilead sent a desperate plea: the Ammonites had besieged the city, and the people needed rescue. Saul gathered an army and decimated the Ammonite army (1 Samuel 11). When Saul died in battle against the Philistines, the men of Jabesh-gilead rescued his desecrated corpse. They snuck to a Philistine city, removed Saul and his sons' bodies from the wall where they were hanged, and buried them properly (1 Samuel 31:11–13).David learns what they did and commissions messengers to communicate his deep respect and appreciation. He begins by praying God's blessings over them for their loyalty to Saul (2 Samuel 2:5). He asks God to give them steadfast love and promises he will bless them, as well. David finishes by encouraging the people to remain strong, even though Saul is dead, and letting them know he is now king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:7).
Commentators suggest that David is showing genuine gratitude on behalf of Saul, while also trying to gain support from Jabesh-gilead for his own kingship. He may be suggesting that they have fulfilled their obligation to the line of Saul with this deed and are free to transfer that loyalty to David.
