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.

So all the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478} came {H935} to the king {H4428} to Hebron {H2275}; and king {H4428} David {H1732} made {H3772} a league {H1285} with them in Hebron {H2275} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: and they anointed {H4886} David {H1732} king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}.

So all the leaders of Isra'el came to the king in Hevron, and King David made a covenant with them in Hevron in the presence of ADONAI. Then they anointed David king over Isra'el.

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

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

Commentary

2 Samuel 5:3 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel, as David is finally recognized and anointed king over all twelve tribes, unifying the nation under his leadership.

Historical and Cultural Context

For seven and a half years, David had reigned as king only over the tribe of Judah, with his capital in Hebron. The northern tribes had initially followed Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, leading to a period of civil war. However, with Ish-Bosheth's assassination and the weakening of Saul's house, the time was ripe for the nation to unite under God's chosen leader. The "elders of Israel" represent the tribal and community leaders from all parts of Israel, signifying a comprehensive agreement and mandate from the people. Their journey to Hebron underscores the importance of this city as a significant historical and religious center for the tribes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unification of Israel: This verse climaxes a long process, bringing together the divided kingdom under one shepherd, fulfilling God's plan for David and establishing a unified Israelite monarchy.
  • Divine Appointment and Human Affirmation: David had been anointed by Samuel many years prior, signifying God's choice. Here, the people's anointing is their public affirmation and acceptance of God's will for their nation's leadership.
  • Covenant (League) Before the LORD: The "league" or covenant (Hebrew: berith) established by David with the elders was a solemn agreement, not just a political pact. Making it "before the LORD" emphasizes its sacred nature, implying divine witness and sanction. This act laid the foundation for a unified kingdom governed by divine principles.
  • Legitimacy and Stability: This anointing solidified David's legitimate claim to the throne, ending the period of civil strife and ushering in an era of relative peace and stability for Israel, establishing the Davidic kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The term "league" in Hebrew is berith (ื‘ึฐึผืจึดื™ืช), which is commonly translated as "covenant." It signifies a binding agreement, often with mutual obligations and sometimes sealed with an oath or sacrifice. When made "before the LORD," it indicates that God Himself is invoked as a witness and guarantor of the covenant, making it exceptionally serious and divinely sanctioned. The word "anointed" is from the Hebrew root mashach (ืžึธืฉึทืื—), meaning "to smear" or "to consecrate," signifying the setting apart of an individual for a special office, in this case, kingship.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even through periods of waiting and struggle, as David's long journey to the throne demonstrates. It also underscores the importance of unity and reconciliation within a community, showing how diverse groups can come together under a divinely appointed leader for a common purpose. For leaders, it emphasizes the significance of making agreements "before the LORD," recognizing that true authority and lasting influence come from God's sanction and adherence to His principles. Just as the elders recognized David's anointing, we are called to discern and support godly leadership and contribute to the unity of the body of Christ.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 2:4 (5 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.

  • 1 Samuel 23:18 (4 votes)

    And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

  • 1 Samuel 16:13 (4 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 Kings 11:17 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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.

  • 2 Samuel 3:21 (3 votes)

    And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

  • Judges 11:11 (3 votes)

    Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • Nehemiah 9:38 (2 votes)

    And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write [it]; and our princes, Levites, [and] priests, seal [unto it].