As a result of its connections with Abraham (Genesis 13:18), the spies (Numbers 13:21–22), and the initial conquest of Canaan (Judges 1:4, Judges 1:10–11, Judges 1:20), Hebron is closely associated with the complete conquest and possession of the Promised Land.1 David’s coming to this town after a period of exile serves as a recapitulation of the experience of Abraham and Israel. The conquest that Israel had failed to accomplish centuries earlier would be completed now under the kingship of David.2 As confirmation of this fact, David would go on to conquer Jerusalem from Hebron (2 Samuel 5:1–25), one of the cities mentioned in Judges 1:1–36 which Israel had failed to conquer.
1 After this David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.”