David Anointed King Of All Israel Series

David Anointed King of All Israel

2 Samuel 5:1-3

Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.…

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1. About twenty years had elapsed since David was anointed by Samuel, seven and a half years since he was anointed King of Judah. At length, at thirty-seven, his faith and patience were rewarded, every obstacle was removed from his path, and the Divine purpose concerning his royal destination was fulfilled. "In the fulness of time, at the right moment, in perfect vigor of mind and body, he grasped the supremacy offered to him, having passed through every outward stage of power and honor and every inward test of heavy trial and varied strife."

2. His anointing (performed by prophet or priest) took place at the insistence of the elders (ver. 3) as the representatives of all the tribes (ver. 1), according to the former summons of Abner (2 Samuel 3:17, 19, 21), and doubtless after consultation in their national assembly (1 Samuel 8:4); now desirous and even eager (after long resistance) to accomplish the purpose of God, having "learned by experience" the kind of king they needed, and being restricted by the pressure of circumstances.

3. "By his anointing by Samuel, he acquired jus ad regnum, a right to the kingdom; and by his present anointing, he had a jus in Regno, authority over the kingdom." It was not merely a designation but an inauguration to his office; a recognition and acceptance of his Divine appointment, as well as a symbol of his Divine endowment with all needful gifts (see 1 Samuel 10:1, 10; 1 Samuel 16:12); and it distinguished his person as sacred (1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Samuel 26:11) since he represented the authority and power of the Divine King of Israel. His anointing for the third; time marks one of the most incredible days of Israel's history (2 Samuel 2:4; 1 Samuel 9:28; 10:24; 11:15); and, in connection with it, observe –

I. THE REASONS ASSIGNED BY THE ELDERS FOR THEIR PROPOSAL.

1. His relationship. "Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh" (Genesis 29:14), expressive of their claims upon him and of his qualification to rule over them; to understand their wants, sympathize with their aspirations, and promote their welfare (Deuteronomy 17:15). "The elders speak as if they had not been very sure whether they were to regard David as a Hebrew, or as a naturalized Philistine; but now their doubts are gone, they dwell on his blood relationship to them as a conclusive evidence that he would be out and out a Hebrew - that, therefore, he was worthy of the Hebrew crown." So "in all things it behooved" the Captain of our salvation "to be made like unto his brethren" (Hebrews 2:17).

2. His proven ability and superior services (ver. 2) are indicative of his proper calling and the general esteem in which he was held (1 Samuel 16:5); "the bond of fellowship and love which had bound him to them, even under Saul, as a leader in their military undertakings."

3. His previous designation. "According to the word of the Lord by Samuel" (1 Chronicle 11:3), making it their duty to seek his leadership and undertake it. "Why should they refer to God's choice of David?

(1) Because, although they had known all along that David had been fore-appointed to the throne, they had yet been struggling against that arrangement; and so it was fitting now that they should express their repentance and declare their readiness to receive him in God's name, and as from God's hand.

(2) Because they wished to remind him and themselves that the royal king of their nation was Jehovah, and that he and they were in allegiance to him" (W.M. Taylor). He did not "take this honor unto himself" without being "called of God" and desired by the people. It sought him rather than he it. Moreover, the grounds for his acceptance of it were (as is not always the case with those who assume royal office) unselfish, patriotic, and devout.

II. THE COVENANT MADE BY THE KING WITH THE ELDERS. "And King David made a covenant with them before the Lord" (ver. 3). This covenant, agreement, or promise (whatever may have been its precise terms):

1. Expressed directly and chiefly an engagement, on his part, to rule over them according to the Divine will (Deuteronomy 17:16-20; 1 Samuel 10:25). He was by no means to be an absolute and irresponsible monarch, or "a king ruling arbitrarily as in heathen kingdoms, where at most a few nobles, the populace, or an imperfect oracular system limited his power;" but to be subject to the Law and the voice of prophecy.

2. Involved the obligation, on their part, to obey him according to the same will (2 Samuel 3:21). "The Law of God was the rule and square of his government, whereunto both prince and people are sworn; which was a bridle against his absolute power or their rebellious manners" (Guild).