שמואל ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק ה׳

Immediately after taking the throne, a new leader's first actions set the tone for his reign. For David, the immediate priority upon being anointed king is to protect the dignity of the man who came before him. He reaches out to the people of Jabesh-gilead to express his deep appreciation for their efforts in bringing Saul to a proper burial. This decision highlights David's remarkable character, as even in the moment his own rule is established, he ensures the honor of Saul is not forgotten [אברבנאל].

This communication is not merely driven by a personal or family connection. Rather, it serves as an official, national expression of gratitude from the newly crowned king [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. To convey this message, David sends official envoys to bless the people of Jabesh-gilead for their extraordinary kindness [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their noble act involved rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons from the walls of Beth-shan and ensuring they received a respectful burial [אברבנאל].

In his message, David highlights that their loyalty was directed toward both their master and the individual of Saul. This specific focus points to a dual responsibility they fulfilled. They acted out of a basic duty to their reigning lord, but also out of deep reverence for Saul as God's chosen leader [מלבי״ם]. Acknowledging the weight of their deed, David offers a profound blessing. He prays that God will reward them with divine kindness for fulfilling this commandment, and he adds a personal promise that he, too, will repay them for their highly commendable actions [אברבנאל].