2 Samuel 5:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:3 marks the pivotal moment of David's full ascension to the throne of Israel, where all the elders, representing the twelve tribes, journeyed to Hebron to formally recognize and anoint him as king over the entire nation. This act solidified David's legitimate claim to the monarchy, not only by divine appointment but also through human affirmation via a solemn covenant made "before the LORD," thereby unifying the long-divided kingdom and establishing a foundational monarchy under God's chosen leader, ushering in a new era for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic culmination of David's protracted and often arduous journey to the throne, following a lengthy period of civil war and national fragmentation. Immediately preceding this, the house of Saul has completely collapsed, marked by the assassination of Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth, and the subsequent deaths of his key commanders (e.g., Abner). David, who had already been divinely chosen by Samuel (as detailed in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")) and then anointed king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")), had patiently waited for God's perfect timing for the full unification of Israel. The elders' proactive initiative to come to David signifies the national consensus and recognition of his divine mandate, bringing an end to the fractured monarchy. This event directly sets the stage for David's subsequent capture of Jerusalem and its establishment as his capital, as described in [2 Samuel 5:6-10](/2_samuel/5-6-10 "2 Samuel 5:6-10 - David Captures Jerusalem and Becomes King of All Israel"), solidifying the unified kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For seven and a half years, David had reigned exclusively as king over the tribe of Judah, with his capital strategically located in Hebron. During this period, the northern tribes had initially aligned themselves with Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, leading to a protracted and bloody civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. However, with Ish-Bosheth's assassination (2 Samuel 4) and the complete disintegration of Saul's royal household, the political and spiritual landscape was finally ripe for the nation to unite under a single, divinely appointed leader. The "elders of Israel" were not merely political representatives; they were the tribal and community leaders from all parts of Israel, embodying the collective will and comprehensive agreement of the people. Their journey to Hebron underscores the city's profound historical and religious significance, being the burial place of the patriarchs (Genesis 23) and a place where David had already established his initial base of power and legitimacy, as extensively chronicled in [2 Samuel 2](/2_samuel/2 "2 Samuel 2 - David Becomes King of Judah").
* **Key Themes:** This verse represents the climax of a long divine and human process, bringing together a deeply divided kingdom under one shepherd, thereby fulfilling God's overarching plan for David and establishing a unified Israelite monarchy. It powerfully illustrates the crucial interplay between **divine appointment and human affirmation**; David had been chosen and anointed by Samuel many years prior ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")), signifying God's sovereign choice, and here, the people's anointing is their public affirmation and acceptance of God's will for their national leadership. The "league" or covenant (Hebrew: _bᵉrîyth_) established by David with the elders was far more than a mere political pact; it was a solemn, binding agreement. Making it "before the LORD" emphasizes its sacred nature, implying divine witness and sanction, transforming a political act into a theological one. This momentous act laid the theological and political foundation for a unified kingdom governed by divine principles, solidifying David's legitimate claim to the throne and ushering in an era of relative peace, stability, and prosperity for Israel, establishing the enduring Davidic kingdom, a theme that finds its ultimate theological expression in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **League (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From the root _bārāh_ (in the sense of cutting), this term signifies a solemn, binding agreement or covenant. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, covenants were foundational to relationships, whether between individuals, nations, or, most profoundly, between a deity and people. When a covenant is made "before the LORD," as it is here, it elevates the agreement beyond a mere political treaty, imbuing it with divine sanction and making God Himself the ultimate witness and guarantor. This implies mutual obligations and a sacred commitment from both David and the elders, laying a theological and legal foundation for the unified kingdom.
* **Made (a league) (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder)." Specifically, in the context of a covenant, it means "to covenant" (i.e., make an alliance or bargain), originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces. This ancient ritual, though not explicitly mentioned here, underscores the gravity and binding nature of the agreement. To "cut a covenant" was to establish an unbreakable bond, often with dire consequences for breaking it, emphasizing the solemnity of the oath taken by David and the elders.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rub with oil," and by implication, "to consecrate." In a cultic or royal context, it means to set apart someone for a special office or divine service. This was David's third anointing: first by Samuel (divine choice and prophetic declaration), then by the tribe of Judah (tribal recognition and regional kingship), and now by all Israel (national affirmation and full kingship). Each anointing progressively legitimized his kingship, culminating in this moment of full national acceptance and divine endorsement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron;":** This initial clause highlights the proactive initiative of the elders, who represent the collective will and authority of all twelve tribes of Israel. Their journey to Hebron, David's established capital in Judah, is highly significant, signifying their recognition of his existing kingship over Judah and their willingness to submit to his authority. It marks a decisive turning point, signaling the end of the divided kingdom and the beginning of a unified national identity under a single monarch.
* **"and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD:":** This describes the formal establishment of a solemn covenant between David, as the prospective king of all Israel, and the representatives of the nation. The term "league" (_bᵉrîyth_) indicates a binding agreement, likely outlining mutual responsibilities, rights, and expectations between the king and his people. The crucial phrase "before the LORD" transforms what could have been a purely political pact into a sacred oath, invoking God as the ultimate witness and guarantor of the covenant. This act underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy, where the king's authority was ultimately derived from and accountable to God.
* **"and they anointed David king over Israel.":** This final anointing by the elders is the public, ritualistic act of confirmation and consecration. While David had already been divinely chosen and anointed by Samuel, and then by Judah, this third anointing by all Israel provided the national consensus and popular legitimacy necessary for his reign over the entire united kingdom. It symbolized the setting apart of David for his divinely appointed role as the shepherd of God's people, a role that carried both earthly responsibilities and divine sanction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The **repetition** of "Hebron" emphasizes the geographical and historical significance of this city as the locus of David's initial reign and now the site of national unification, grounding the spiritual event in a tangible place. The phrase "before the LORD" functions as a powerful **theological marker**, elevating a human political act into a divinely sanctioned covenant, highlighting God's overarching presence, authority, and active involvement in Israel's history and the establishment of its monarchy. The narrative exhibits a clear **progression** from David being king of Judah to being king "over Israel," signifying a climactic moment of national unity and the resolution of the tension and division that characterized the preceding civil war. Furthermore, this scene serves as a **type** or **foreshadowing** of a future, more perfect king who would unite God's people under a lasting and eternal covenant, pointing ultimately to the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 5:3 is a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign hand in establishing human leaders. The unification of Israel under David underscores the divine intention for His people to be one, governed by a king chosen and empowered by Him. The covenant made "before the LORD" highlights the sacred nature of leadership and the foundational principle that all authority, even human, is ultimately derived from and accountable to God. This event solidifies the Davidic line as the chosen dynasty, establishing a messianic expectation that would find its ultimate fulfillment in the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ.

* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning the King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, powerfully demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even through extended periods of waiting, struggle, and division, as David's long and arduous journey to the throne clearly illustrates. It underscores the profound importance of unity and reconciliation within a community, showing how diverse groups, even those previously at odds, can ultimately come together under a divinely appointed leader for a common, God-ordained purpose. For those in leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace, it emphasizes the critical significance of making agreements and exercising authority "before the LORD," recognizing that true authority and lasting influence stem not from human power but from God's sanction and adherence to His righteous principles. Just as the elders recognized and affirmed David's divine anointing, we are called to discern and support godly leadership within our spheres of influence and contribute actively to the unity and flourishing of the body of Christ, always seeking God's will above our own preferences, prejudices, or divisions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's long and patient wait for the full realization of his kingship encourage you in areas where you are waiting on God's promises or timing?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, actively contribute to unity, reconciliation, and mutual submission within our families, churches, and broader communities, mirroring the unification of Israel under David?**
* **What does it truly mean for us to make our commitments, lead our families, or exercise our professional responsibilities "before the LORD" in our daily lives, and what impact should this have on our actions?**

### FAQ
**Why did it take so long for David to become king over all Israel after Samuel anointed him?**

Answer: David's journey to the throne was a lengthy and complex process, marked by a combination of divine timing, human resistance, and a period of civil war. Samuel first anointed David in his youth, as recorded in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David"), signifying God's sovereign choice and prophetic declaration. However, Saul remained the reigning king, and David subsequently endured many years of persecution and exile at Saul's hand. After Saul's death, David was initially anointed king only over the tribe of Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")), but the northern tribes initially followed Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, leading to a seven-and-a-half-year civil war between the house of David and the house of Saul. It was only after Ish-Bosheth's assassination (2 Samuel 4) and the complete collapse of Saul's house that the elders of Israel, recognizing David's legitimate claim and divine appointment, came to Hebron to anoint him king over all Israel. This prolonged period served to demonstrate David's character, his unwavering reliance on God, and allowed for the natural disintegration of the opposing regime, ultimately ensuring a more stable and unified kingdom when he finally ascended to the full throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of David as king over all Israel in 2 Samuel 5:3 is a profound and multi-layered foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as David, God's chosen one, was finally recognized and enthroned by all Israel after a period of waiting, conflict, and division, so too is Jesus the divinely appointed King who will one day reign over all nations. David's kingdom, established through a covenant "before the LORD," points powerfully to the new covenant established by Christ's sacrificial blood, which unites a people from every tribe, language, people, and nation into one spiritual kingdom ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Redeems People from Every Tribe")). The elders' collective affirmation of David prefigures the universal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord, where "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). While David's anointing solidified a unified earthly kingdom, Christ's anointing by the Holy Spirit establishes an eternal, spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries, gathering believers into one body under His perfect, righteous, and everlasting reign ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). He is the true Shepherd-King, who gathers His flock and rules with justice and mercy forever.

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

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.

1 Samuel 23:18

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

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

¶ 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

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

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

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