2 Samuel 5:1-12 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.… It was probably very soon after the death of Ishbosheth that this visit of the tribes of Israel to Hebron occurred. Now, in this request the elders urged three reasons why David should be their king. 1. Blood-relationship: "We are thy bone and thy flesh." It was with these words that Laban welcomed his nephew Jacob to Haran (Genesis 29:14); with these words also Abimelech sought the allegiance of the men of Shechem (Judges 9:2). 2. David had been, under Saul, their leader in war, and as he had been a victorious leader they are ready to acknowledge him as their king. 3. He had been called of God to be a shepherd and a prince over Israel.As the representatives of the tribes the elders come to Hebron with this petition, and a covenant is entered into "before the Lord." 1. All the tribes of Israel were now united and the family circle was one under David. 2. There was peace in Israel, instead of the long, bitter strife of so many years. 3. Their anointed king was he whom God had selected, so that, instead of fighting against the Divine purpose, they were now in harmony with that purpose, and the smile of Jehovah rested on their union. 4. The future was bright before them. So long as they were contending with one another they had no strength to overcome the enemies of God, and the Jebusites could not be driven out of Jerusalem. But now, the tribes united, led by such a prince as David and with God on their side, they were strong to conquer all their enemies.There are two profound thoughts in this closing verse: 1. The recognition by David of the hand of God in his position as king over Israel. 2. The recognition of the truth that the purpose of this providence was for the temporal and spiritual interests of the people of God. The people are not created for the king, but the king for the people. (A. E. Kittredge, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. |
    |