1 Chronicles 11:3

KJV

Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore came {H935} all the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478} to the king {H4428} to Hebron {H2275}; and David {H1732} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with them in Hebron {H2275} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and they anointed {H4886} David {H1732} king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} by {H3027} Samuel {H8050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So all the leaders of Isra'el came to the king in Hevron; and David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of ADONAI. Then they anointed David king over Isra'el, as ADONAI had said through Sh'mu'el.

Berean Standard Bible

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

American Standard Version

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Jehovah; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by Samuel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:3 records the pivotal moment when David, having reigned over Judah for seven and a half years, is formally recognized and anointed king over all twelve tribes of Israel by their assembled elders in Hebron. This solemn covenant ceremony, conducted in the presence of the LORD, signifies the divine ratification and human acknowledgment of God's long-standing promise, bringing an end to a period of national division and establishing David as the unified kingdom's divinely appointed and legitimate leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 11:3 serves as the narrative climax of David's ascent to the throne, following immediately after the Chronicler's concise account of David's military prowess and the unanimous desire of all Israel to make him king (1 Chronicles 11:1-2). This verse marks the culmination of the divine plan for David's kingship, transitioning the narrative from the period of civil strife and fragmented rule to the establishment of a unified monarchy under God's chosen leader. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, intentionally streamlines or omits details found in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel") that might complicate David's ideal portrayal, emphasizing instead the divine legitimacy, unity, and covenantal foundation of his reign. This foundational act sets the stage for the subsequent detailed accounts of David's military victories, the capture of Jerusalem, and his preparations for the Temple, all presented within a framework of divine favor and fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The gathering in Hebron was a profoundly significant event in ancient Israelite history. Hebron, a prominent city in the Judean hills, possessed deep historical and religious importance, serving as a burial place for the patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Burial of Sarah in Hebron")) and a key stronghold. It had already served as David's capital for Judah for seven and a half years (as noted in [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "David's Reign in Hebron")), lending a sense of continuity and established authority. The "elders of Israel" represented the tribal leadership, signifying a national consensus and a crucial step towards unity after the fragmented rule following Saul's death. The act of making a "covenant" (Hebrew: *berît*) was a common and binding practice in the ancient Near East, establishing formal relationships with mutual obligations. Performing it "before the LORD" underscored its sacred nature, invoking divine witness and sanction, transforming it from a mere political agreement into a divinely ordained compact with spiritual implications.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the Books of Samuel and Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Appointment and Fulfillment**, as David's kingship is explicitly stated to be "according to the word of the LORD by Samuel," echoing the initial anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "Samuel Anoints David"). This highlights God's sovereign plan unfolding in history, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises. Secondly, the gathering of "all the elders of Israel" underscores the theme of **National Unity**, bringing together the disparate tribes under a single, divinely chosen leader, a crucial step after years of division and civil conflict. Thirdly, the **Legitimacy and Authority** of David's rule are firmly established through this public covenant and anointing, validating his position not just by conquest but by popular consent and, critically, by divine decree. Finally, the **Covenant Relationship** between king and people, witnessed by God, establishes a foundational model for righteous governance and mutual fidelity within the kingdom, setting the stage for the Davidic covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting), this term refers to a compact, confederacy, or league, often established by a ritual involving the cutting of flesh and passing between the pieces. In 1 Chronicles 11:3, David "made a covenant" with the elders, signifying a solemn, binding agreement that formally established the relationship between the king and the united nation of Israel. The phrase "before the LORD" elevates this political agreement to a sacred, divinely sanctioned compact, emphasizing its permanence and the mutual responsibilities it entailed for both king and people under God's watchful eye.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rub with oil" or "to smear," this verb signifies consecration or setting apart for a sacred office or task. From this root comes the noun *māšîaḥ* (Messiah), meaning "anointed one." David's anointing by the elders, following his initial anointing by Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "Samuel Anoints David")) and later by the men of Judah ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "David Anointed King Over Judah")), publicly confirmed his divine selection and empowerment for the kingship over all Israel. It was a visible sign of God's Spirit resting upon him, granting him the authority and capability to lead the entire nation.
* **Word of the LORD (Hebrew, _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This phrase emphasizes divine revelation and prophetic fulfillment. The Hebrew word *dâbâr* means "a word," but by implication, it can also refer to a matter, thing, or decree. When combined with *Yᵉhôvâh* (the self-Existent or Eternal, Jehovah, the LORD), it signifies that David's kingship was not merely a human political maneuver but the direct execution of God's predetermined plan, communicated through His prophet Samuel. This divine decree provides the ultimate legitimacy for David's rule, rooting his authority not in human strength or popular acclaim alone, but in the sovereign, faithful will of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron;":** This opening clause establishes the culmination of a long process of national recognition and unification. "All the elders of Israel" signifies comprehensive representation from every tribe, underscoring the unanimous consent and legitimacy of the decision. Their journey to Hebron, David's existing capital for Judah, demonstrates their recognition of his established authority and the symbolic importance of the city as a historical, religious, and strategic center for the unified kingdom.
* **"and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD;":** This describes the formal, binding agreement that solidified the relationship between David and the representatives of the nation. The "covenant" established mutual obligations: the elders pledged loyalty and submission to David's rule, while David committed to righteous governance, protection, and leadership according to God's will. The crucial phrase "before the LORD" transforms this political act into a sacred one, implying divine witness and sanction, making God a party to the agreement and guaranteeing its solemnity and permanence.
* **"and they anointed David king over Israel,":** This act was the public, ritualistic confirmation of David's kingship over the entire unified nation. This was David's third anointing, solidifying his role as the legitimate monarch. The anointing with oil symbolized the impartation of divine authority and the presence of God's Spirit, setting David apart as God's chosen leader for all Israel, not just Judah. It was a visible and tangible sign of his divinely sanctioned and popularly accepted rule.
* **"according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.":** This concluding phrase provides the ultimate theological justification and validation for David's kingship. It explicitly links this historical event to God's prior prophetic revelation through Samuel (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16-1-13 "Samuel Anoints David")). This emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, portraying David's reign as the divinely ordained outcome of a long-unfolding plan, rather than a mere human political achievement or a result of human ambition.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices to underscore the profound significance of David's anointing. The **Repetition** of "Hebron" emphasizes the geographical and historical locus of this pivotal event, grounding it in a place of deep significance for Israel's past and future. The narrative structure itself demonstrates **Fulfillment**, as the long-prophesied kingship of David, first announced by Samuel, finally comes to pass, creating a powerful sense of divine purpose and an unfolding **Narrative Arc** that moves from fragmentation to unity under God's chosen leader. Furthermore, the act of anointing, especially for a king chosen by God, serves as profound **Foreshadowing**. It points beyond David to the ultimate "Anointed One," the Messiah, who would establish an everlasting kingdom. The Chronicler's selective presentation, focusing on the ideal aspects of David's reign and omitting less favorable details, also highlights **Idealization**, portraying David as the perfect king, chosen and sanctioned by God, thereby serving as a model for future leadership and a symbol of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 11:3 stands as a pivotal theological statement, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign control over human history. David's ascent to the throne of all Israel, explicitly stated as being "according to the word of the LORD by Samuel," underscores the divine initiative behind human leadership and the certainty of God's prophetic word. This event solidifies the Davidic covenant, a foundational theological concept in Israel's history, establishing a perpetual dynasty through which God would bless His people and ultimately bring forth the Messiah. It demonstrates that true, lasting authority is derived from God, not merely from human consent, military might, or political maneuvering. The unity achieved under David, bringing together disparate tribes into a cohesive nation, also prefigures the eschatological unity of God's people under the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.

* [2 Samuel 5:1-3](/2_samuel/5-1-3 "David Anointed King Over All Israel")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70-72 "God Chose David")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "The Everlasting Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The establishment of David's kingship in 1 Chronicles 11:3 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's promises, though sometimes long in coming and requiring patient endurance, are always fulfilled in His perfect timing and according to His sovereign plan. David endured years of waiting, fleeing from Saul, and reigning over only a portion of Israel, yet he remained faithful to God's call and trusted in His timing. This narrative teaches us the virtue of patient endurance and unwavering trust in divine sovereignty, even when circumstances seem contrary to God's declared will. Furthermore, the covenant made "before the LORD" highlights the sacred nature of all agreements, whether personal, professional, or communal, urging us to uphold our commitments with integrity, honesty, and a profound awareness of God's watchful presence. The unity of "all the elders of Israel" under one king serves as a powerful call for unity within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of diverse members coming together under the headship of Christ for the common good, the advancement of God's kingdom, and a powerful witness to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's long wait for kingship encourage you in areas of your life where God's promises seem delayed or where you face prolonged challenges?**
* **What does it mean to make a "covenant before the LORD" in your own life, and how might this principle apply to your commitments, relationships, or even your professional endeavors?**
* **In what practical ways can believers today foster greater unity and cohesion within the church, mirroring the unification of Israel under David's leadership?**
* **How does understanding David's divine appointment and the theological basis of his rule shape your view of leadership within the church or society, and your own role in supporting righteous leadership?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hebron chosen as the location for David's anointing as king over all Israel?**

Answer: Hebron was chosen for several significant reasons that underscore its strategic and symbolic importance. Firstly, it had already served as David's capital for Judah for seven and a half years prior to this event ([2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "David's Reign in Hebron")), establishing his presence and authority there. This provided a stable and recognized base for the transition to national kingship. Secondly, Hebron held deep historical and religious significance for Israel, being associated with Abraham and the patriarchs as a burial place and a site of covenant ([Genesis 23:2](/genesis/23-2 "Sarah's Death in Kiriath-Arba (Hebron)")). Its strategic location in the Judean hills also made it a suitable central meeting point for representatives from all the tribes, offering a neutral and respected ground for the unification of the northern and southern tribes under David's rule. The choice of Hebron underscored the continuity of God's covenant promises and provided a powerful symbolic setting for this momentous event.

**What is the significance of the "covenant" David made with the elders "before the LORD"?**

Answer: The covenant (Hebrew: *bᵉrîyth*) was a solemn and binding agreement that established mutual obligations between David and the elders representing all Israel. For the elders, it signified their loyalty, submission, and commitment to David's rule. For David, it implied a commitment to rule justly, protect the people, and uphold God's law and the principles of the Mosaic covenant. Performing this covenant "before the LORD" elevated it beyond a mere political treaty to a sacred, divinely witnessed compact. This invoked God's immediate presence and sanction, ensuring the agreement's solemnity, permanence, and accountability. It meant that both parties were accountable to God for upholding their respective parts of the agreement, underscoring the theological foundation of David's kingship and establishing a divine precedent for the future of the monarchy in Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 11:3, detailing David's anointing as king over all Israel, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and everlasting King. David, the "anointed one" (Messiah), serves as a profound type of Christ, foreshadowing His greater reign. Just as David was chosen by God and anointed to unite a divided Israel, so Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the divinely appointed King who unites all peoples—Jew and Gentile—into one new humanity, the Church, under His headship. The covenant made with David in Hebron, establishing an earthly dynasty, foreshadows the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") established through Christ's blood, a covenant of grace and eternal life that is superior, unbreakable, and everlasting. While David's kingdom was earthly, temporary, and flawed, Jesus' kingdom is spiritual, eternal, and perfect, encompassing all who believe ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The "word of the LORD by Samuel" that legitimized David's rule points to the ultimate divine affirmation of Jesus as the [beloved Son of God](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - God's Voice at Jesus' Baptism") and the rightful heir to David's throne, whose reign will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, David's anointing in Hebron is a powerful prelude to the universal and eternal reign of Christ, the Messiah, who perfectly fulfills all the promises and hopes associated with the Davidic monarchy, bringing true unity and everlasting peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he [was] ruddy, [and] withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this [is] he.

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

2 Samuel 5:3

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

1 Samuel 16:3

And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me [him] whom I name unto thee.

2 Samuel 2:4

And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, [That] the men of Jabeshgilead [were they] that buried Saul.

2 Kings 11:17

¶ And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD'S people; between the king also and the people.