David asked the Lord for guidance (see 2 Samuel 5:23–24; Judges 1:1–2; 20:18; 1 Samuel 10:22). He did this by consulting the Urim and Thummim (see Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8; Deuteronomy 33:8; 1 Samuel 14:41). Abiathar, David’s priest, administered them (1 Samuel 23:1–12; 30:7–8). David acted only when God directed him. He did not act before receiving guidance.
Hebron was about thirty kilometers (nineteen miles) southwest of Jerusalem. Abraham lived in this area for a time and later bought a nearby cave as a family burial place (Genesis 23). The people of this region supported David (see 1 Samuel 30:26–31).