2 Samuel 5:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:1-5

Here is, I. The humble address of all the tribes to David, beseeching him to take upon him the government (for they were now as sheep having no shepherd), and owning him for their king. Though David might by no means approve the murder of Ish-bosheth, yet he might improve the advantages he gained thereby, and accept the applications made to him thereupon. Judah had submitted to David as their king above seven years ago, and their ease and happiness, under his administration, encouraged the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 else the meaning is, that the messengers the tribes sent, when they returned and reported the favourable reception they had met with from David; the elders of the several tribes, the princes or principal men met, and came together to David in Hebron: and King David made a league with them... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 5:3

They anointed David king - This was the third time that David was anointed, having now taken possession of the whole kingdom. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:1-3

( 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 ). ( HEBRON .) David anointed king of all Israel. 1 . About twenty years had elapsed since David was anointed by Samuel, seven years and a half since he was anointed King of Judah; and at length, at the age of thirty-seven, his faith and patience were rewarded, every obstacle was removed out of his path, and the Divine purpose concerning his royal destination fulfilled. "In the fulness of time, at the right moment, in perfect vigour of mind and body, he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:1-3

Tardy acceptance of a divinely appointed ruler. Abner and Ishbosheth being dead, and Mephibosheth incapable from his lameness, the eleven tribes that for upwards of seven years had not only held aloof from David, but waged war with him, now come to the conclusion that it is best to become his subjects, and again be united with Judah in one kingdom. They accordingly make their submission to him and solemnly accept him as their sovereign. I. THE GROUNDS OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:1-10

The facts are: 1 . The tribes of Israel come to Hebron to formally acknowledge David as rightful king. 2 . They assign three reasons for their united action. 3 . A solemn league being made between David and the tribes, they anoint him king over Israel. 4 . The question of the crown being settled, David applies himself to the acquisition of Jerusalem as the seat of government. 5 . Being proudly defied by the Jebusites, on account of the strength of their position, he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:2-12

( 1 Chronicles 11:2 , 1 Chronicles 11:9 ; 1 Chronicles 14:2 ). ( HEBRON .) The shepherd king. This is the first occasion on which we find the occupation of a shepherd made use of to describe the office of a king. Jacob, who had "fed Laban's flocks," spoke of "the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel" ( Genesis 49:24 ; Genesis 48:15 ); Moses, who had "kept the flock of Jethro," prayed that Jehovah would "set a man over the congregation" as his successor, so that they might not be "as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 5:3

A league. The early kings of Israel were not invested with despotic power. Thus, on Saul's appointment, "Samuel wrote in a book the manner of the kingdom". The revolt against Rehoboam was the result of the too great extension of the royal power in the days of Solomon ( 1 Kings 12:4 ). Though subsequently the kings seemed to have retained their supremacy, yet when the good and patriotic Jehoiada restored the family of David to the throne, he reverted to the old ways, and "made a covenant... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 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. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 5:3

2 Samuel 5:3. King David made a league with them It is not said what the contents of this league or covenant were. The Jews think it was an act of oblivion and indemnity for all injuries done on either side, whether of Judah against the other tribes, or of all the other tribes against Judah. But in that case the league would rather have been between the tribes than with the king. It is therefore probable that it included a great deal more, and that David obliged himself to rule them... read more

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