1. David anointed king over Judah (1-4a)

David knew that he should be king. But he did not act on his own. He humbly inquired of the Lord about what he should do next. God directed him to Hebron, where the people of one accord made him king of Judah. David carefully followed God's leading and timing and did not go ahead of the Lord. Then, God could establish him as king, first in Judah.

2. Moving towards unity (4b-11)

The people of Jabesh Gilead bravely recovered Saul's body and gave him a proper burial. When David heard of this, he did not misunderstand their actions as betrayal. Rather, he commended them for their faithfulness and kindness to Saul. Hence, David's first action as king moved towards unity and obtaining the support of courageous people like them. Meanwhile, Saul's cousin, Abner, the head of Israel's army, set up Saul's weak son Ish-bosheth as king of Israel. Thus, David had to wait on God's timing to make him king over all Israel.