2 Samuel 5:1
ยถ Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.
Then came {H935} all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478} to David {H1732} unto Hebron {H2275}, and spake {H559}, saying {H559}, Behold, we are thy bone {H6106} and thy flesh {H1320}.
Then all the tribes of Isra'el came to David in Hevron and said, "Here, we are your own flesh and bone.
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, โHere we are, your own flesh and blood.
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
Cross-References
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1 Chronicles 11:1 (8 votes)
ยถ Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh. -
1 Chronicles 11:3 (8 votes)
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. -
Ephesians 5:30 (3 votes)
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. -
2 Samuel 19:13 (2 votes)
And say ye to Amasa, [Art] thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab. -
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. -
1 Chronicles 12:23 (2 votes)
ยถ 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.
Commentary
2 Samuel 5:1 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel, signifying the long-awaited unification of all twelve tribes under the undisputed kingship of David.
Historical and Cultural Context
After the death of King Saul and his son Ish-bosheth, a period of civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David came to an end. For seven and a half years, David had reigned only over the tribe of Judah from Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). This verse describes the delegation of representatives from all the other tribes of Israel, who traveled to Hebron to formally acknowledge David as their rightful king. Their arrival signifies the end of a divided kingdom and the beginning of a unified monarchy under David, who had been anointed by Samuel many years prior as God's chosen leader.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The idiom "bone and thy flesh" (Hebrew: ืขึทืฆึฐืึฐืึธึ ืึผืึฐืฉืึธืจึฐืึธึ, 'atzmekha uvesarkha) is a profound expression of kinship and solidarity. It appears in various biblical contexts to denote a deep, inherent connection. For example, it was used by Adam to describe Eve in Genesis 2:23, emphasizing their foundational unity. Here, it underscores the tribes' recognition of David's Israelite identity and their desire for a leader who truly belonged to them.
Practical Application
The scene in 2 Samuel 5:1 offers timeless lessons about unity, leadership, and divine timing. Just as the tribes of Israel eventually came together under David, recognizing his God-given role, so too are we called to seek unity and acknowledge legitimate authority. It reminds us that true leadership often involves patient waiting for God's perfect timing and the recognition of shared identity and purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and collective strength within any community or organization, especially the body of Christ.
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