Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: David Goes to Hebron, and is Anointed King by Judah

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David, the youngest son of Jesse, is a central figure in the history of Israel, known for his deep faith, military prowess, and poetic contributions to the Psalms. Following the death of King Saul, David's journey to kingship over Israel begins with his anointing as king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron.

Context and Background

After the death of Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines, the political landscape of Israel was in turmoil. Saul's demise left a power vacuum, and the tribes of Israel were divided in their loyalties. David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13), was recognized by many as the rightful successor due to his leadership and favor with God.

David's Ascent to Hebron

Upon hearing of Saul's death, David sought the Lord's guidance. In 2 Samuel 2:1 , it is recorded: "Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, 'Should I go up to one of the cities of Judah?' The LORD answered, 'Go up.' David asked, 'Where should I go?' 'To Hebron,' replied the LORD." This divine direction underscores David's reliance on God's will in his decisions.

David, along with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel, and his men, moved to Hebron. This city, located in the territory of Judah, held historical and spiritual significance as the burial place of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Anointing as King of Judah

In Hebron, the men of Judah came to anoint David as their king. 2 Samuel 2:4 states, "Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and anointed David king over the house of Judah." This anointing marked the beginning of David's reign, albeit initially limited to the tribe of Judah. It was a significant step in the fulfillment of God's promise to David and the establishment of his dynasty.

David's anointing by Judah was not only a political act but also a spiritual affirmation of his God-given role as leader. His kingship was characterized by a commitment to justice, righteousness, and the worship of Yahweh, setting a standard for future kings of Israel.

David's Reign in Hebron

David reigned in Hebron over Judah for seven and a half years (2 Samuel 2:11). During this period, he consolidated his power and built alliances, while the house of Saul, led by Saul's son Ish-bosheth, ruled over the other tribes of Israel. The division between Judah and the rest of Israel eventually led to conflict, but David's leadership and God's favor would ultimately unite the kingdom.

David's time in Hebron was marked by strategic and diplomatic efforts to strengthen his position. He reached out to the people of Jabesh-gilead, who had shown loyalty to Saul, by blessing them for their kindness and offering them his support (2 Samuel 2:5-7). This gesture demonstrated David's political acumen and his desire to unify the nation under his rule.

Significance

David's anointing as king in Hebron is a pivotal moment in biblical history, symbolizing the transition from the rule of Saul to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. It highlights the themes of divine election, covenant faithfulness, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" in the New Testament.

David's journey to Hebron and his anointing by Judah serve as a testament to his faithfulness and obedience to God's will, setting the stage for his eventual reign over all Israel and his enduring legacy as a man after God's own heart.

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2 Samuel 2:1-4,11
And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said to him, Go up. And David said, Where shall I go up? And he said, To Hebron.
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2 Samuel 5:5
In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.
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1 Kings 2:11
And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
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1 Chronicles 3:4
These six were born to him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.
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1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.
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Library

The Image of Self.
... This is David anointed King over all Israel. ... David paces idly through the halls,
he sees the tapestries and paintings, but he regards them not, "My sin is ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lx the image of self.htm

The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil
... he felt bound to go with Achish to fight against Israel. ... his men that were with him
did David bring up ... is a Hebron wherein Jesus reigns as anointed King, and he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the statute of david for.htm

Six Cities
... It was in Hebron David was anointed king over Israel. ... their song, and sing, "Hosannah
to the Son of David! ... for children still, Though now as King He reigneth ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... Verily the God of Israel whom this book reveals is a ... middle of the story of the reign
of King Ahaziah; the ... birth of Samuel down to the end of David's reign, so ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... In his time, in the fifteenth year, Israel was carried away ... ten days; and from the
reign of David, according to ... Vaphres king of Egypt, and to the king of the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... God's vengeance for the many evils they had inflicted on Israel. ... Achish, for example,
King of Gath ... pillaging tribes, owing to the intervention of David and his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... I repent of having anointed Saul to be king;" [2863] and ... ruled over by the descendants
of David, were named ... the statements made to us regarding Israel, and its ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I ... of this world; so the whale is called,
king over all ... said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel" (Amos 7 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... he found justifying righteousness; for it was that which Israel sought and ... 'Set thou,'
said David, 'a wicked ... by faith he believed Christ to be King, and that ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm