2 Samuel 2:5

WEB

David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, "Blessed are you by the Lord, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.

KJV

And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.

Commentary

And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead,.... To return them thanks for their courage and boldness in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his son s out of the hands of the Philistines, and for their civility in the burial of them: and said unto them, blessed be ye of the Lord; which may be considered either as a wish, the Lord bless you for it, or as a prediction, the Lord will bless you: that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him. To bury the dead, with the Jews, was always reckoned an instance of humanity and kindness, and indeed of piety; an act done in imitation of God (z), who buried Moses, and so it might be expected the divine blessing would attend it. (z) T. Bab. Bava Metzia, fol. 32. 2. and Sotah, fol. 14. 1.