The Elders of Israel at Hebron
Who were the Elders of Israel at Hebron in the Bible?
The leaders of Israel's tribes who came to David at Hebron, made a covenant with him before the LORD, and anointed him king over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).
All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said they were his own flesh and blood, that he had led Israel out and brought them in even while Saul was king, and that the LORD had told him he would shepherd His people Israel and be ruler over them (2 Samuel 5:1–2).
The Covenant and Anointing
Then all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. King David made a covenant with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king over Israel (2 Samuel 5:3). Chronicles adds that this was “according to the word of the LORD through Samuel” (1 Chronicles 11:3).
David’s Reign
David was thirty years old when he became king. He reigned forty years: seven years and six months over Judah in Hebron, then thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:4–5).
Background
Earlier, Abner had urged “the elders of Israel” to make David their king (2 Samuel 3:17–18). Scripture does not say whether the same men later came to Hebron. Scripture names none of the elders.
Spiritual Significance
King David made a covenant with them before the LORD, and they anointed him king over Israel, fulfilling the word of the LORD through Samuel (2 Samuel 5:3; 1 Chronicles 11:3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who anointed David king over Israel?
The elders of Israel, at Hebron (2 Samuel 5:3; 1 Chronicles 11:3).
How many times was David anointed?
Three times: privately by Samuel at Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:13); by the men of Judah at Hebron as king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4); and by the elders of Israel at Hebron as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).
Connected Figures
Associates
Anointed him king · 2 Samuel 5:3
The second king of the United Monarchy of Israel, a shepherd-warrior and psalmist known as a man after God's own heart.
United MonarchyFirst: Ruth 4:17998 versesKing of Israel, Shepherd, Musician, WarriorJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Samuel1
- 1 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 2 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
2 Samuel · 1
- 2 Samuel 5:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.
1 Chronicles · 1
- 1 Chronicles 11:3
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.