2 Samuel 2:5

“And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, etc.] To return them thanks for their courage and boldness in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons out of the hands of the Philistines, and for their civility in the burial of them: and said unto them, blessed [be] ye of the Lord; which may be considered either as a wish, the Lord bless you for it, or as a prediction, the Lord will bless you: that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, [even] unto Saul, and have buried him. To bury the dead, with the Jews, was always reckoned an instance of humanity and kindness, and indeed of piety; an act done in imitation of God f24, who buried Moses, and so it might be expected the divine…”

“David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead--There can be no doubt that this message of thanks for their bold and dangerous enterprise in rescuing the bodies of Saul and his sons was an expression of David's personal and genuine feeling of satisfaction. At the same time, it was a stroke of sound and timely policy. In this view the announcement of his royal power in Judah, accompanied by the pledge of his protection of the men of Jabesh-gilead, should they be exposed to danger for their adventure at Beth-shan, would bear an important significance in all parts of the country and hold out an assurance that he would render them the same timely and energetic succor that Saul had done at…”

“Kindness - This respect and affection. For as it is, an act of inhumanity to deny burial to the dead; so it is an act of mercy and kindness to bury them. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 2:6”

“David: This was a generous and noble act, highly indicative of the grandeur of David's mind. He respected Saul, though he had been greatly injured by him, as the anointed king of Israel, and once his legitimate sovereign; and he loved Jonathan as his most intimate friend. Blessed: Rut 1:8, Rut 2:20, Rut 3:10; Sa1 23:21, Sa1 24:19, Sa1 25:32, Sa1 25:33; Psa 115:15 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 2:6”