2 Samuel 5:3

2 Samuel 5:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So all the responsible men of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made an agreement with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they put the holy oil on David and made him king over Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

All the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made an agreement with them in the Lord's presence. Then they anointed him king of Israel.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So all the Elders of Israel came to the King to Hebron: and King Dauid made a couenant with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anoynted Dauid King ouer Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And all the elders of Israel come unto the king, to Hebron, and king David maketh with them a covenant in Hebron before Jehovah, and they anoint David for king over Israel.

World English Bible WEB

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

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The ancients also 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 to be king over Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

So while Yahweh was listening, all those leaders of the people of Israel declared there at Hebron that David would be their king. And David made a sacred agreement with them. They anointed him with olive oil to set him apart to be the king of the Israeli people.

Plain English Version PEV

So the elders told that story to David in Hebron. Then he said, “Yes, I agree to be the big boss of everybody. I say that while God is listening.” Then the elders poured olive oil on his head to show that he was the big boss for all the Israel mob.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 5:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ֠/יָּבֹאוּ כָּל זִקְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל אֶל הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ חֶבְר֔וֹנָ/ה וַ/יִּכְרֹ֣ת לָ/הֶם֩ הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ דָּוִ֥ד בְּרִ֛ית בְּ/חֶבְר֖וֹן לִ/פְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַ/יִּמְשְׁח֧וּ אֶת דָּוִ֛ד לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

וַ֠/יָּבֹאוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

זִקְנֵ֨י zâqên H2205 old Adj

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

חֶבְר֔וֹנָ/ה Chebrôwn H2275 Hebron (Valley) N-proper | Suff

וַ/יִּכְרֹ֣ת kârath H3772 to cut Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הֶם֩ Prep | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

דָּוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

בְּרִ֛ית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs

בְּ/חֶבְר֖וֹן Chebrôwn H2275 Hebron (Valley) Prep | N-proper

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַ/יִּמְשְׁח֧וּ mâshach H4886 to anoint Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 5:3

וַ֠/יָּבֹאוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

זִקְנֵ֨י zâqên H2205 "old" Adj

This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.

Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

חֶבְר֔וֹנָ/ה Chebrôwn H2275 "Hebron (Valley)" N-proper | Suff

Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.

Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.

וַ/יִּכְרֹ֣ת kârath H3772 "to cut" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to cut or destroy something, but it also has a special meaning related to making a covenant or agreement. In Genesis 15:18, God makes a covenant with Abram, symbolized by cutting animals in half, showing the seriousness of the promise. This word is used to describe important agreements and alliances.

Definition: : cut/fell 1) to cut, cut off, cut down, cut off a body part, cut out, eliminate, kill, cut a covenant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a1a) to cut off a body part, behead 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to hew 1a4) to cut or make a covenant 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off 1b2) to be cut down 1b3) to be chewed 1b4) to be cut off, fail 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be cut off 1c2) to be cut down 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cut off 1d2) to cut off, destroy 1d3) to cut down, destroy 1d4) to take away 1d5) to permit to perish 1e) (Hophal) cut off

Usage: Occurs in 280 OT verses. KJV: be chewed, be con-(feder-) ate, covenant, cut (down, off), destroy, fail, feller, be freed, hew (down), make a league (covenant), [idiom] lose, perish, [idiom] utterly, [idiom] want. See also: Genesis 9:11; 1 Samuel 24:6; Psalms 12:4.

לָ/הֶם֩ "" Prep | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

דָּוִ֥ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

בְּרִ֛ית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs

A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.

Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation

Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.

בְּ/חֶבְר֖וֹן Chebrôwn H2275 "Hebron (Valley)" Prep | N-proper

Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וַ/יִּמְשְׁח֧וּ mâshach H4886 "to anoint" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

To anoint means to rub oil on someone or something, often to set them apart for a special purpose, like when Samuel anointed David as king in 1 Samuel 16:13. It's a way of showing respect and consecrating someone or something.

Definition: 1) to smear, anoint, spread a liquid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to smear 1a2) to anoint (as consecration) 1a3) to anoint, consecrate 1b) (Niphal) to be anointed

Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: anoint, paint. See also: Genesis 31:13; 1 Samuel 16:3; Psalms 45:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

לְ/מֶ֖לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 5:3

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Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 5:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:3
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 5:3
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3
Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:3

Context — David Anointed King of All Israel

1Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. 2Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

3So 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.

4David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 5In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 2:4	Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”
2	1 Samuel 16:13	So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
3	1 Samuel 23:18	So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.
4	2 Kings 11:17	Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people.
5	2 Samuel 3:21	Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.
6	Judges 11:11	So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah.
7	1 Chronicles 11:3	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.
8	1 Samuel 11:15	So all the people went to Gilgal and confirmed Saul as king in the presence of the LORD. There they sacrificed peace offerings before the LORD, and Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.
9	Nehemiah 9:38	In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”
10	2 Chronicles 23:16	Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.

2 Samuel 5:3 Summary

[This verse is about how the leaders of Israel, called elders, came to David at a place called Hebron and made a promise to him and to God that they would follow him as their king, similar to how we promise to follow Jesus as our Lord, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20. They also put special oil on David's head to show that God had chosen him to be their leader, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This was an important moment because it showed that God was with David and that he was the right person to lead Israel. By following David, the Israelites were also following God's plan, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:2, where David was told that he would shepherd God's people.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the elders of Israel coming to King David at Hebron?

The elders coming to King David at Hebron signifies their recognition of his leadership and their willingness to submit to his authority, as ordained by the Lord, similar to how the leaders of Israel came to Moses in Exodus 18:13-27 to recognize his leadership.

What does it mean that King David made a covenant with the elders before the Lord?

Making a covenant before the Lord means that King David and the elders entered into a solemn agreement, with God as their witness, similar to the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 15:1-21, promising to uphold their commitments to each other and to God.

Why was it important for King David to be anointed king over Israel?

The anointing of King David as king over Israel was important because it symbolized God's choice of him as leader, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where Samuel anointed David as the future king, and it also signified the transfer of authority from the previous king, Saul, to David.

How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of leadership and authority?

This verse relates to the broader biblical theme of leadership and authority by showing how God ordains leaders, such as King David, and how they are to lead with humility and obedience to God, as seen in Proverbs 21:1 and Romans 13:1-7, which emphasize the importance of submitting to God-ordained authority.

Reflection Questions

What does this verse teach us about the importance of recognizing and submitting to God-ordained authority in our lives?
How can we, like the elders of Israel, demonstrate our commitment to following God's chosen leaders in our own lives and communities?
What role does covenant-making play in our relationships with God and with each other, and how can we apply this concept to our own lives?
How does the anointing of King David as king over Israel point to the future anointing of Jesus Christ as the ultimate King over all nations, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:3

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron,.... Which either explains what is meant by the tribes coming to him, 2 Samuel 5:1; namely, coming by their elders as their representatives; or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3

King David made a league with them; whereby he obliged himself to rule them according to God’ s laws; and the people promised fidelity and obedience to him. Before the Lord; either, 1. Before the ark, which might be here, though that be not mentioned in this place. Or, 2. Before the priest clothed with the ephod; whereby he was in a manner put into God’ s presence. Or rather, 3. In the congregation of the mighty, or magistrates, where God used to be present, ; in the public assembly now met together in God’ s name and fear, and as in his presence, to call upon him, to appeal to him as the witness and judge of their transactions. Compare . They anointed David; either by a prophet, or the priest, to whom this office belonged. See .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3

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.Ver. 3. And king David made a league with them,] sc., That he would be their liege-lord, as they would be his liege-people; that is, as the word signifieth, mutually bound each to other. In Hebron.] Where, haply, Abraham’ s altar still continued. Compare 1 Samuel 15:7. And they anointed David king.] As other nations crowned their kings, so the Israelites anointed them as types of the Messiah, who was "anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows," and for them also.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3

(3) Made a league with them.—It would be an anachronism to understand this of the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, but the “league” may have had reference to certain special matters, such as leading them against their enemies, not destroying the remnant of the house of Saul or its late adherents, and not showing partiality (as Saul had done) to the members of his own tribe.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3

Verse 3. They anointed David king] This was the third time that David was anointed, having now taken possession of the whole kingdom.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:3

3. all the elders of Israel] From 2 Samuel 5:1 and 1 Chronicles 12:23-40 it is evident that a general assembly of the nation, and not merely a few delegates, met at Hebron: here the elders are particularly specified because they acted as the representatives of the people in negotiating with David. See note on 1 Samuel 8:4, and cp. ch. 2 Samuel 3:17. made a league with them] Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 3:21. This ‘league’ was probably a solemn contract in which the king on the one hand engaged to rule according to the laws, and the people on the other hand promised him their allegiance. Some kind of a charter, defining the king’s rights, was in existence (1 Samuel 10:25): and later on we find the people demanding some limitation of these rights (1 Kings 12:3 ff). The Israelite monarchy was not an absolute and irresponsible despotism. before the Lord] The covenant was made as a solemn religious ceremony, in the presence of the supreme King of Israel, whose vicegerent David was. Cp. 1 Samuel 11:15. they anointed David king] For the third time. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 2:4. In Chronicles is added “according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.” The book of Chronicles contains further interesting details about this assembly at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:23-40). The numbers of fighting men sent by each tribe are preserved, amounting to a total of nearly 350,000. Stress is laid on the unanimity of feeling, and the general rejoicing with which David’s anointing was celebrated in a three days’ festival.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 5:3

Before the Lord - Abiathar and Zadok the priests were both with David, and the tabernacle and altar may have been at Hebron, though the ark was at Kirjath-jearim.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:3

3. A league — Consisting of solemn stipulations on both sides. Before the Lord — This phrase is to be understood here as at Judges 11:11, where see note.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:3

	Sermon	Description
	Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person
	(1 Samuel) How to Not Fight Back by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David playing the harp for King Saul. He highlights the stark contrast between David's submission to God and Saul's violent natur
	Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
	The Men of Judah Came, and There by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of David's anointing as king by the men of Judah, drawing parallels to the future recognition of Jesus as King by the Jewish people before th
	Keys to Mental Health by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the congregation and invites those who are attending for the first time to come forward for individual ministry. He asks them what they want
	The Devil Is After One Thing in Your Trial by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having God's word deeply rooted within us to resist the devices of darkness. They rebuke depression and lies of the devil,
	Walking in the Light by Corrie Ten Boom	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not making excuses for the blood of Jesus and instead accepting the truth of forgiveness through Him. The speaker encourage