2 Samuel 2:6

Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — David speaks through messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead immediately after commending their burial of Saul. He delivers this declaration prior to announcing his own anointing as king over Judah.

The words — חֶסֶד (Che.sed) signifies covenant loyalty, paired with אֱמֶת (e.Met) for faithfulness to describe steadfast divine favor. David invokes יְהוָה (Yah.weh) to enact this loyalty toward the Jabeshites before promising reciprocal human favor.

The thread — The phrase for covenant loyalty and faithfulness appears in Exodus 34:6 as God’s self-revelation and in Proverbs 14:22 as the outcome for those who plan goodness. David’s blessing aligns with the grace commanded in Matthew 5:44 for those who act toward others.

Why it lands — The text states that the Jabeshites’ past act of loyalty obligates both divine and human reciprocation. It requires the reader to recognize that covenant faithfulness produces measurable favor, demanding alignment with that pattern rather than emotional response.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

וְעַתָּ֕הve./'a.Tahand/ now יַֽעַשׂ־ya.'as-may he do יְהוָ֥הYah.wehYahweh עִמָּכֶ֖ם'i.ma./Khemwith/ you חֶ֣סֶדChe.sedcovenant loyalty וֶאֱמֶ֑תve./'e.Metand/ faithfulness וְגַ֣םve./Gamand/ also אָנֹכִ֗י'a.no.KhiI אֶעֱשֶׂ֤ה'e.'e.SehI will do אִתְּכֶם֙'i.te./Khemwith/ you הַטּוֹבָ֣הha./to.Vahthe/ good הַזֹּ֔אתha./Zot<the>/ this אֲשֶׁ֥ר'a.Sherthat עֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם'a.si.Temyou have done הַדָּבָ֥רha./da.Varthe/ thing הַזֶּֽה׃ha./Zeh<the>/ this

King James Version

And now the Lord shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

Cross-references

Proverbs 14:22 Do not those who contrive evil go astray? But those who plan goodness find loving devotion and faithfulness.
Exodus 34:6 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness,
Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
2 Samuel 9:3 So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.”
2 Samuel 9:7 “Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
2 Samuel 10:2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,
2 Samuel 15:20 In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.”
Psalms 57:3 He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.