2 Samuel 2:1-12

Later, David prayed to the LORD, saying, “Should I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” The LORD said to David, “Go.” David asked, “Where should I go?” The LORD answered, “To Hebron.” So David went up to Hebron with his two wives: Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel. David also brought his men and their families, and they all made their homes in the cities of Hebron. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and appointed David king over Judah. They told David that the men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul. So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead and said to them, “The LORD bless you. You have shown loyalty to your master Saul by burying him. May the LORD now be loyal and true to you. I will also treat you well because you have done this. Now be strong and brave. Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have appointed me their king.” Abner son of Ner was the commander of Saul’s army. Abner took Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth to Mahanaim and made him king of Gilead, Ashuri, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin, and all Israel. Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he ruled two years. But the people of Judah followed David. David was king in Hebron for seven years and six months. Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul left Mahanaim and went to Gibeon.