David King over United Israel

In 2 Samuel, chapters 5 to 10, the writer deals with the establishment of the kingdom and the early part of David's reign over the whole nation. Chronicles adds certain interesting details of the manner in which various tribes from both sides of the Jordan came to Hebron to make David king, and of the joyous festivities on that occasion. Not only did the elders come as representatives of the people (ch. 5:3) but numerous bands of armed men participated (1 Chron. 12:23—38), and 4,600 Levites, with Jehoiada as the leader of the Aaronites and Zadok as a "young man mighty of valour" (1 Chron. 12:26—28). The events in Samuel are not arranged with a strict regard to chronology. The writer of this book describes first the internal development of the kingdom, and then the external development of the realm.

More than perhaps any other people on earth, the Hebrews were bound together by ties of kinship. They were all children of Abraham, all of the same bone and flesh as was David himself (see Gen. 29:14 Judges 9:2 2 Sam. 19:12). The same tie still binds the Jews of all lands. The people were not selecting their new leader blindly. Even while Saul was king the outstanding ability of David as a leader had manifested itself. The people had confidence in his prowess and sagacity. The main reason David should be king was that the Lord had chosen him for that position.

Why the elders mentioned this point last is not revealed. With such a general confidence in the valiant and virtuous son of Jesse, with the house of Saul having practically come to an end, and with the divine will having so clearly manifested itself in behalf of David, it was obviously to the best interests of the people to unite under his leadership. The elders acted as the representatives and spokesmen of the people. With them came many of the warriors and the priests to acknowledge their allegiance to the son of Jesse (1 Chron. 12:23—38).

Many thousands thronged to Hebron for the coronation ceremonies. The details of the agreement are not given, but there was evidently some understanding as to the prerogatives of the king and the rights of the subjects. There may have been reference to such matters as leadership in war, freedom from tribal partiality, political asylum for the remnant of the house of Saul, the size of the national army, and the manner of securing recruits, etc.