Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

1 CHRONICLES 11:3KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 11:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:3 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:3 describes how all the elders of Israel gathered at Hebron and made a formal agreement with David, recognizing him as king over Israel, just as God had spoken through Samuel. This verse marks the moment when David is publicly anointed and accepted as king by the nation’s leaders.

The setting is Hebron, where the elders (the respected leaders of the tribes) come to David, who has already been chosen by God but is now officially recognized by the people. The verse highlights the making of a covenant—an agreement or promise—between David and the elders, done “before the LORD,” showing its seriousness. The anointing ceremony fulfills what God had promised through Samuel, connecting David’s kingship to God’s earlier word.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:3

  • בְּרִית (berit, “covenant”): This word means a binding agreement or promise. Here, it shows that David’s kingship was not just a political move but a solemn, public commitment between him and the people, witnessed by God.
  • מָשַׁח (mashach, “anointed”): This verb refers to the act of pouring oil as a sign of being chosen for a special role. Anointing David as king shows that his authority comes from God, not just from human decision.
  • דָּבָר (davar, “word”): This word means a message or command. The verse points out that David’s kingship is happening “according to the word of the LORD by Samuel,” stressing that this event is the fulfillment of God’s earlier promise.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s kingship was not self-appointed or merely a result of popular support; it was grounded in a covenant and God’s promise, making his rule legitimate in both human and divine eyes.
  • The mention of Samuel and God’s word ties David’s reign directly to earlier events in Israel’s history, showing continuity in God’s plan for the nation.
  • By describing the elders’ role, the verse emphasizes the unity of Israel’s leaders in accepting David, which is important for understanding how his reign began with broad support.

Where else these words appear

“Hebron” Hebrew H2275 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
  • Joshua 21:11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.
  • 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.

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the LORD had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying,
  • 1 Samuel 15:20 And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.