6. May the Lord always show you kindness. I, too, will be good to you because you did this.
7. Now, be strong and courageous. Because your master Saul is dead, the tribe of Judah has anointed me to be their king.”
8. Ner’s son Abner, commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ishbosheth and brought him to Mahanaim.
9. Abner made him king of Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin, that is, all Israel.
10. Saul’s son Ishbosheth was 40 years old when he became king of Israel. He ruled for two years, but the tribe of Judah followed David.
11. In Hebron David was king over the tribe of Judah for seven years and six months.