They anointed David. — The first private anointing of David (1 Samuel 16) had been in token of his Divine commission; this was a sign of his recognition as king by the tribe of Judah; and there was still a third subsequent anointing (2 Samuel 5:4), when he was accepted by all Israel. Comp. Saul’s anointing by Samuel privately (1 Samuel 10:1), and his subsequent double recognition as king by the people (1 Samuel 10:24; 1 Samuel 11:15). The “men of Judah” were not only of David’s tribe, but were doubtless aware of his having been divinely selected for their future king, and, for the most part, had been on friendly terms with him during his long outlawry; they had also lately received presents from him in recognition of their kindness (1 Samuel 30:26-31).
The men of Jabesh-gilead. — This town had been destroyed in the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:9-12), and its 400 virgins given in marriage to the surviving Benjamites. There was therefore a special connection between Saul, who was of the tribe of Benjamin, and this city. It is altogether probable also that the remnants of Saul’s defeated army had sought refuge in Gilead.