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three times

2 Samuel 2:1-7 (JDV)

2 Samuel 2:1 Later, David inquired of the Lord: “Should I go to one of the towns of Judah?” Yahveh answered him, “Go.” Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” Yahveh replied.
2 Samuel 2:2 So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite.
2 Samuel 2:3 In addition, David brought the men who were with him, each one with his family, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.
2 Samuel 2:4 Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David: “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
2 Samuel 2:5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “Yahveh bless you, because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him.
2 Samuel 2:6 Now, may Yahveh show kindness and faithfulness to you, and I will also show the same goodness to you because you have done this deed.
2 Samuel 2:7 Therefore, be strong and valiant, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

three times

David was anointed three times: by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), by the people of Judah (here) and by the people of Israel (5:3). His destiny as king was enforced by the endorsement of the prophet/priest and the people.