1 Chronicles 11:1

¶ Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.

Then all Israel {H3478} gathered {H6908} themselves to David {H1732} unto Hebron {H2275}, saying {H559}, Behold, we are thy bone {H6106} and thy flesh {H1320}.

Then all Isra'el gathered themselves to David in Hevron and said, "Here, we are your own flesh and bone.

Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:1 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, signifying the official recognition and anointing of David as king over all twelve tribes. This verse opens a new chapter in the nation's leadership, moving from the fragmented reign under Saul's house to a unified kingdom under God's chosen leader.

Historical and Cultural Context

After the death of King Saul and his son Ish-bosheth, a period of transition occurred where David reigned over the tribe of Judah from Hebron for seven and a half years (2 Samuel 2:4). This verse in 1 Chronicles describes the culmination of this process, where the elders and leaders from all the other tribes of Israel finally gathered at Hebron to offer their allegiance to David. Hebron itself was a significant ancient city, deeply rooted in Israelite history, serving as a burial place for patriarchs like Abraham and Sarah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unity of Israel: The phrase "all Israel gathered themselves to David" underscores the long-awaited unification of the northern and southern tribes. This was a crucial step towards establishing a strong, cohesive nation under one divinely appointed ruler, ending years of internal strife and division.
  • Legitimacy of David's Kingship: The declaration, "Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh," is a powerful idiom of kinship and solidarity. It signifies that the tribes recognized David not just as a powerful leader, but as one of their own, connected by blood and shared heritage. This affirmation cemented his rightful claim to the throne, echoing God's earlier choice of David (1 Samuel 16:1).
  • Divine Appointment and Popular Acclaim: While God had already chosen David, this verse highlights the people's willing acceptance. Their gathering and declaration of kinship demonstrate that David's reign was not merely imposed but embraced by the nation, fulfilling God's plan through the consent of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bone and thy flesh" (Hebrew: עַצְמְךָ וּבְשָׂרְךָ, atzmekha uvesarkha) is a common Semitic expression denoting close familial relationship, shared identity, and deep loyalty. It is used in various biblical contexts to describe blood relatives (e.g., Laban to Jacob in Genesis 29:14). Here, its application to the entire nation signifies a profound bond and unified purpose under David's leadership.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons about leadership, unity, and divine purpose. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and affirming legitimate authority, whether in national, communal, or spiritual contexts. The willingness of "all Israel" to unite under David, despite past divisions, speaks to the power of shared vision and common identity in overcoming differences. For believers, it highlights how God's plans often unfold through both divine decree and human cooperation, leading to periods of great unity and flourishing.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 17:15 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt in any wise set [him] king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: [one] from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which [is] not thy brother.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ And these [are] the numbers of the bands [that were] ready armed to the war, [and] came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:40 (2 votes)

    Moreover they that were nigh them, [even] unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, [and] meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for [there was] joy in Israel.

  • Genesis 29:14 (2 votes)

    And Laban said to him, Surely thou [art] my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

  • Judges 9:2 (2 votes)

    Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether [is] better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, [which are] threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I [am] your bone and your flesh.

  • 1 Kings 2:11 (2 votes)

    And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Samuel 5:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.