שמואל ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק י״א

The exact duration of David's early reign in Hebron reveals a highly complex political reality within Israel at the time. He ruled in the city for exactly seven years and six months. In contrast, Ish-bosheth, who claimed the throne over the rest of the nation, held power for only two years.

This significant gap in time points to a staggered transition of leadership. David actually assumed his royal position in Hebron well before Ish-bosheth was crowned [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. As a result of this delay, a five-year period existed where the rest of the nation effectively had no active king or central government at all [רד״ק].