Topical Bible: Joy: when They Came to David to Hebron to Make Him King

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The anointing of David as king over all Israel at Hebron is a significant event marked by profound joy and celebration. This moment is recorded in the biblical narrative found in 1 Chronicles 12:23-40, where representatives from all the tribes of Israel gather to acknowledge David's God-ordained kingship. This event is not only a political milestone but also a spiritual affirmation of God's covenantal promises to David and the nation of Israel.

Biblical Context

Following the death of King Saul, David had already been anointed king over the tribe of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). However, it was not until the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron that he was recognized as king over the entire nation. This gathering at Hebron was a fulfillment of God's promise to David, as previously anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13).

The Gathering at Hebron

The assembly at Hebron is described in 1 Chronicles 12:38-40, where it is noted that the men of Israel came with a "perfect heart" to make David king. The passage states: "All these men of war who could keep ranks came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel, and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king" (1 Chronicles 12:38). This unity and shared purpose among the tribes highlight the collective joy and anticipation of a new era under David's leadership.

Expressions of Joy

The joy experienced during this event is palpable. The narrative describes a time of feasting and celebration: "They were there with David for three days, eating and drinking, for their relatives had provided for them. And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. There was an abundance of flour, fig cakes, raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep, for there was joy in Israel" (1 Chronicles 12:39-40). The abundance of provisions and the communal feasting underscore the joy and unity among the people.

Spiritual Significance

The joy at Hebron is not merely a reflection of political success but is deeply rooted in the spiritual significance of David's kingship. David is seen as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and his reign is viewed as a time of divine favor and blessing. The joy expressed by the Israelites is a response to God's faithfulness in establishing a king who would lead them according to His will.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the joy at Hebron prefigures the ultimate joy found in the reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. David's kingship is a type and shadow of the eternal kingship of Christ, who brings ultimate joy and peace to His people. The unity and joy experienced by the Israelites at Hebron foreshadow the unity and joy of the Church under the lordship of Christ.

In summary, the joy experienced when the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron to make him king is a multifaceted event that encompasses political, spiritual, and theological dimensions. It is a moment of divine fulfillment, communal celebration, and a foretaste of the greater joy found in the Kingdom of God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 12:40
Moreover they that were near them, even to Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King.
... But he made no attempt of the sort; and even when he came to Hebron ... gone by are
understood and seen in their connection with the joy to which they have led ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... the tribes which had held by Ishbosheth, came to Hebron ... a glowing picture of the
accompanying feasting and joy. ... to be carried by assault, and they look steep ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

The Angels of the Advent.
... of the angel Gabriel they were full of joy, for they ... They were filled with the Holy
Spirit, and Mary broke out ... But the angel came one night to Joseph and spoke ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter i the angels of.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... any man, "He ought not to have so much joy." It is ... I came to Jesus so utterly down
at the heel, that no ... He still owns us, and he declares, They shall be mine ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... this the people raised a great shout of joy, and Samuel ... And when the young men came
out of the tent into ... dressed like princes, the people saw that they were as ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... the King they sought was one by birth (David's line having ... Their joy was such as
comes to those who come ... and the safety of Jesus.] 11 And they came into the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The Story of the Angel by the Altar
... made glad, for your son John shall bring joy and gladness ... When John was growing up,
they sent him out into the ... and there he stayed until the time came for him ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the angel.htm

Six Cities
... "When, His salvation bringing, To Zion Jesus came, The children ... His people; they
may have many others, but He is their "chief joy!" Well may they call Him ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The visitation
... not really his brother, but he came of David's line through ... in yearning and hope,
as full of joy as a ... When they came to Nazareth, I saw that the Blessed Virgin ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

Christ's Birth
... the Infant, and the old manservant wept tears of joy. ... Today several shepherds and
other good people came to the ... While roasting them they rolled them in a kind ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm