Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 2:6

"And now Jehovah show lovingkindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing." — 2 Samuel 2:6 (ASV)

I also will requite you. —David’s message of kindness and blessing is quite in accordance with his whole bearing towards Saul and his house, and, at the same time, was one of wise policy. The literal translation is, I also show you this good, the Hebrew not directly conveying the idea of future recompense, as does the English. The thought is that David, now the rightful king of Israel, appreciates the act and wishes to publicly show his favour to the men of Jabesh-gilead. He then, in the following verse, suggests the propriety of their now recognising him as the successor of their lost monarch and friend.