David’s message to the men of Jabesh-gilead had two purposes. First, he wished to praise them for the love which they had shown to Saul and assure them that he sought their good. In doing so, he hoped to win the loyalty of these men.1 If the town of Jabesh-gilead was known to support David, then that would have gone a long way toward encouraging all of the other tribes to also support him.2 It is interesting that David’s first official act as king involved the people of Jabesh-gilead, similar to Saul’s first official act (see 1 Samuel 11:1–15).3
5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the LORD, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him.