2 Samuel 5:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all the tribes of Isra'el came to David in Hevron and said, "Here, we are your own flesh and bone.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:1 marks the climactic moment of Israel's unification, as representatives from all the tribes converge on Hebron to formally acknowledge David as their long-awaited king. Following a protracted period of civil war and division after Saul's death, this declaration signifies the culmination of God's sovereign plan to establish a unified monarchy under David, who had been divinely chosen and anointed years prior. The tribes' powerful affirmation, "we are thy bone and thy flesh," underscores a profound recognition of shared identity, kinship, and a collective desire for a single, legitimate ruler, ushering in a new era of stability, national cohesion, and the fulfillment of divine promises for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Samuel 5:1 immediately follows the tumultuous period of civil war and the assassination of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as narrated in [2 Samuel 4](/2_samuel/4 "2 Samuel 4 - Ish-bosheth's Assassination"). For seven and a half years, David had reigned exclusively over the tribe of Judah from Hebron, while Ish-bosheth held a nominal, increasingly fragile kingship over the northern tribes. With Ish-bosheth's death, the last significant obstacle to David's universal kingship is removed. This verse thus serves as the pivotal transition point, marking the end of a divided kingdom and setting the stage for David's anointing as king over all Israel. It directly precedes David's capture of Jerusalem, which would become the unified capital, as described in [2 Samuel 5:6-10](/2_samuel/5-6-10 "2 Samuel 5:6-10 - David Captures Jerusalem and Establishes His Reign"), and fulfills the prophetic word given to Samuel concerning David's anointing in [1 Samuel 16:1-13](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - Samuel Anoints David").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period preceding 2 Samuel 5:1 was characterized by significant political fragmentation and instability following the death of King Saul at Gilboa. Israel was essentially divided, with David ruling Judah from Hebron and Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, nominally leading the northern tribes. The phrase "bone and thy flesh" (Hebrew: עֶצֶם וּבָשָׂר, *`etsem uvasar`*) is a potent idiom in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying deep kinship, shared lineage, and unbreakable solidarity. It was commonly used in covenant-making contexts and familial declarations to emphasize a common identity and loyalty, as seen in [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Genesis 2:23 - Adam's Declaration about Eve") and [Judges 9:2](/judges/9-2 "Judges 9:2 - Abimelech's Appeal to Shechem"). This declaration by the tribes was therefore not merely a political act but a profound cultural acknowledgment of David as a true Israelite, a kinsman, and thus a legitimate leader, in contrast to foreign rulers or those without a clear tribal connection. Hebron, a significant city in Judah, was a fitting location for this anointing, as it was a city with strong patriarchal ties (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were buried nearby) and had served as David's capital for his reign over Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes foundational to the narrative of David's reign and Israel's history. Firstly, it highlights the **unification of Israel**, moving from a loose confederacy and a divided monarchy to a single, cohesive nation under one king, a long-held aspiration since the days of the judges. Secondly, it underscores **David's legitimate kingship**, not merely by divine anointing (as in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")) or military prowess, but by the consensual recognition of all the tribes, signifying a popular mandate crucial for the stability and longevity of his reign. Thirdly, the declaration "we are thy bone and thy flesh" emphasizes **kinship and shared identity**, portraying David not as an outsider or conqueror, but as an intrinsic part of the Israelite family. This familial bond forms the basis for loyalty and trust, paving the way for the establishment of the enduring [Davidic covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promises an eternal dynasty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bone (Hebrew, _ʻetsem'_):** From H6106, meaning "a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame." In the phrase "bone and thy flesh," `ʻetsem` emphasizes the foundational, intrinsic connection, suggesting a shared essence or very being. It denotes a deep, structural kinship and shared identity, highlighting that David is fundamentally "of them."
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, meaning "flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of aman; body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind." When combined with "bone," `bâsâr` signifies the living, tangible aspect of kinship. Together, "bone and flesh" form a powerful idiom for shared humanity, familial ties, and common ancestry, indicating that the tribes and David are of the same stock, united by blood and heritage.
* **Spake (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare." The use of `ʼâmar` here emphasizes the deliberate, formal, and authoritative nature of the tribes' declaration. It was not a casual remark but a solemn pronouncement, a public avowal of their allegiance and recognition of David's legitimate claim to the throne.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron":** This clause signifies the culmination of a long period of division and the beginning of a unified monarchy. "All the tribes of Israel" emphasizes the comprehensive and consensual nature of this delegation, representing the entire nation, not just a faction. Their journey "unto Hebron," David's established capital, demonstrates their intentional submission and recognition of his authority. This movement from disparate locations to a single point of leadership underscores the theme of national unity and the consolidation of power under David.
* **"and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh":** This declaration is the core of the verse, articulating the fundamental basis for the tribes' allegiance. The introductory "Behold" (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, `hinneh`) draws immediate attention to the profound significance of their statement, highlighting its weight and solemnity. Their self-identification as David's "bone and thy flesh" is a powerful affirmation of shared Israelite identity and deep kinship. It means "we are your kinsmen," "we are of your own kind," or "we are family." This statement legitimizes David's rule not merely by divine decree or military victory, but by the popular consent and recognition of his inherent connection to the nation, establishing a foundation of loyalty and unity rooted in shared heritage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Idiom** in the phrase "bone and thy flesh." This is not a literal statement about David's physical composition, but a powerful figurative expression conveying deep kinship, shared ancestry, and unbreakable solidarity. It functions as a **Synecdoche**, where "bone and flesh" represents the whole person and the entire familial bond, emphasizing the tribes' complete identification with David. The arrival of "all the tribes of Israel" at Hebron can be seen as an act of **Symbolism**, representing the long-awaited national unity and the convergence of disparate parts into a cohesive whole under a divinely appointed leader. The entire scene is imbued with **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future establishment of the enduring Davidic dynasty and the covenant God would make with David, promising an eternal kingdom, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unification of Israel under David in 2 Samuel 5:1 is a profound theological statement about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign orchestration of history. It demonstrates that divine appointment (David's anointing by Samuel) is ultimately affirmed by human recognition and consensual submission, leading to a stable and legitimate kingdom. The tribes' declaration of kinship, "we are thy bone and thy flesh," reflects the deep communal identity that God intended for His people, emphasizing unity and shared purpose under a divinely chosen leader. This moment fulfills earlier prophetic declarations and sets the stage for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, a pivotal point in salvation history that points forward to the ultimate King.

* [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Genesis 2:23 - Adam's Declaration about Eve")
* [Judges 9:2](/judges/9-2 "Judges 9:2 - Abimelech's Appeal to Shechem")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Samuel 5:1 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding unity, leadership, and the recognition of God's sovereign timing. Just as the disparate tribes of Israel, after years of division and civil strife, finally came together under David, recognizing his God-given role and their shared identity, so too are believers called to pursue unity within the body of Christ. The declaration "we are thy bone and thy flesh" speaks to the deep spiritual kinship that binds us together in Christ, transcending denominational, cultural, or social divides. True leadership, whether in the church, family, or community, often requires patient waiting for God's perfect timing, humble submission to His chosen vessels, and the cultivation of a shared sense of purpose and belonging. This verse reminds us that genuine strength and effectiveness emerge from unity rooted in a common identity and allegiance to a divinely appointed head, fostering a collective witness to God's kingdom and a powerful testimony to His unifying power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tribes' declaration of kinship ("bone and thy flesh") inform our understanding of unity within the Christian community today?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the long period of waiting and civil strife before David's full kingship was recognized, regarding God's timing in our own lives or in societal change?**
* **In what ways can we actively foster a sense of shared identity and belonging in our local church or community, mirroring the unification seen in this verse?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "we are thy bone and thy flesh" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "we are thy bone and thy flesh" (Hebrew: עֶצֶם וּבָשָׂר, *`etsem uvasar`*) is a powerful idiomatic expression signifying deep kinship, shared lineage, and unbreakable solidarity. In this context, it means "we are your kinsmen," "we are of your own kind," or "we are family." Its significance is multi-layered: it emphasizes David's legitimate Israelite identity, countering any perception of him as an outsider; it expresses the tribes' desire for a leader from within their own people; and it forms the basis for a profound loyalty and unity that transcends mere political allegiance, establishing a familial bond. This phrase was used by Adam to describe Eve in [Genesis 2:23](/genesis/2-23 "Genesis 2:23 - Adam's Declaration about Eve"), highlighting a foundational unity, and by Laban to Jacob in [Genesis 29:14](/genesis/29-14 "Genesis 29:14 - Laban to Jacob") to welcome him as family. Its use here underscores the comprehensive and heartfelt acceptance of David by all the tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of David as king over all Israel in 2 Samuel 5:1, culminating in the declaration "we are thy bone and thy flesh," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. Just as David was God's chosen king, anointed and then recognized by all the tribes, so too is Jesus the divinely appointed King, whose kingdom is not of this world yet encompasses all nations ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The long period of waiting and division before David's full kingship points to the spiritual darkness and fragmentation of humanity before the advent of Christ, who brings true unity and peace. The tribes' declaration of kinship with David finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, by taking on human flesh, became "bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Shares in Humanity")) to redeem us. As believers, we are united to Him as the head of His body, the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), sharing in His divine nature and becoming co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). David's reign, though glorious, was temporary and imperfect; Christ's reign is eternal and perfect, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")), gathering all who believe into one unified family under His supreme authority and bringing about the true, everlasting kingdom of God.

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 Chronicles 11:1

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

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.

Ephesians 5:30

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

2 Samuel 19:13

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

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

¶ 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

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.