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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 5 - Verse 3

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.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, we see a significant moment in the history of Israel where the elders of the nation gather together in Hebron to anoint David as their king. This event marks the transition of power from Saul to David, solidifying David's rule over all of Israel. By making a league with the elders and being anointed before the Lord, David is recognized as the rightful leader chosen by God to guide and govern the people of Israel. This verse highlights the importance of divine appointment and validation in leadership, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of kingship in Israel. It also serves as a moment of unity and agreement among the elders, demonstrating their support for David as their king. Overall, this verse showcases the establishment of David's reign and the fulfillment of God's plan for his chosen people.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Samuel 5:3 focuses on the establishment of David as the rightful king of Israel by God's will. The fact that the elders of Israel came to Hebron to make a league with David before the Lord reflects the importance of divine approval in the leadership of the nation. By anointing David as king over Israel, the elders acknowledged his authority as God's chosen ruler. This act of anointing was a sacred ritual signifying the divine selection and empowerment of the new monarch, showing that David's kingship was not merely humanly ordained but divinely sanctioned. The word "league" denotes a covenant or agreement, emphasizing the covenantal relationship between the king, the people, and God. In Hebron, a significant place in Israelite history, this ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history as it transitioned to a unified monarchy under David's reign. Overall, this verse highlights the theological significance of obedience to God's will in the anointing and recognition of David as king, setting the stage for the golden age of Israel under his leadership.

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.
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