שמואל ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק ו׳

David extends a profound expression of gratitude to the people of Jabesh-Gilead for their brave and compassionate treatment of Saul. This gratitude takes the form of a dual promise, combining a prayer for heavenly blessing with a firm personal commitment.

He begins by asking God to reward them from above. Some commentators suggest that his request for divine truth is simply another expression of kindness, reinforcing the depth of the blessing [מצודת ציון]. Alternatively, this heavenly blessing operates on the principle of measure for measure. Because the people of Jabesh-Gilead acted with such compassion, David prays that God will respond in kind, granting them a generous and true reward [מלבי״ם].

Moving beyond a prayer for divine favor, David makes a direct, personal pledge to reward them for their noble deeds. The primary approach among commentators is that this promise refers to a tangible, practical reward. Specifically, the people of Jabesh-Gilead likely feared retaliation from the Philistines after rescuing the body of Saul. David steps in to calm these fears, assuring them that he will provide military protection against any such threat [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This guarantee of protection brings a historical cycle full circle. Years earlier, Saul had saved the people of Jabesh-Gilead from the threat of Nahash the Ammonite. Out of deep gratitude, they later risked their lives to secure Saul an honorable burial. Now, David promises to continue this legacy of loyalty, committing to rescue them from their own enemies should they ever face danger [מלבי״ם].