1 Chronicles 11:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 11:3 marks the pivotal moment when David's long-awaited kingship over all Israel is finally established. After reigning seven and a half years over Judah in Hebron, the entire nation formally recognizes him as their divinely appointed leader.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse describes the culmination of a long process. Following the death of Saul and his son Ish-bosheth, the elders representing all twelve tribes of Israel gathered in Hebron, a significant ancient city that had served as David's capital for Judah. Their decision to approach David signified a crucial step towards national unity, bridging the divide between the northern and southern tribes. The act of making a "covenant" (Hebrew: berît) was a solemn and binding agreement in the ancient Near East, establishing mutual obligations and loyalty between David and his people. Performing this "before the LORD" underscored its sacred nature and God's witness to the agreement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Appointment and Fulfillment: The most prominent theme is the fulfillment of God's promise. David's ascent to the throne was not merely a political coup but the direct execution of God's plan, "according to the word of the LORD by Samuel." This echoes the initial anointing of David as a youth in 1 Samuel 16:13.
  • National Unity: The gathering of "all the elders of Israel" highlights the unification of the nation under one king, ending a period of civil strife and fragmented leadership. This moment forged a unified kingdom, a cornerstone for Israel's future.
  • Legitimacy and Authority: The anointing of David by the elders served as a public declaration and confirmation of his legitimate authority over all Israel. This third anointing (following Samuel's and Judah's) solidified his position as God's chosen leader for the entire people.
  • Covenant Relationship: The covenant established a foundational relationship between the king and his subjects, built on mutual trust and divine sanction. It was a promise of loyalty from the people and a commitment to righteous leadership from David.

Linguistic Insights

The term "covenant" (Hebrew: berît) is central here, denoting a solemn, binding agreement, often with divine involvement. The act of "anointing" (Hebrew: māšaḥ) is also highly significant. From this root comes the word māšîaḥ, or "Messiah," meaning "anointed one." This practice symbolized divine selection and empowerment, setting David apart for his sacred role as king, a foreshadowing of the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when the path is long and challenging. David waited many years for this moment, demonstrating patience and trust in divine timing. For believers today, it underscores that God's plans will ultimately prevail, often through human instruments and strategic alliances. It also highlights the importance of unity, legitimate authority, and covenant relationships in both spiritual and societal contexts, reflecting a commitment to mutual responsibilities "before the LORD."

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 16:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.