2 Samuel 5:3

2 Samuel 5:3 Meaning and Explanation

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

King James Version (KJV)

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The elders make a covenant with David before the LORD, and anoint him king over all Israel.

What Does 2 Samuel 5:3 Mean?

The recognition becomes formal. The elders representing the nation enter into a covenant with David, sworn in the presence of the LORD, and then anoint him king. This is David's third anointing, after Samuel anointed him privately and Judah crowned him at Hebron.

The covenant is made "before the LORD," binding king and people together under God's witness, not merely human agreement. The anointing with oil sets David apart as the LORD's chosen one. The Hebrew word behind "anointed" gives us Messiah, and every anointed king of Israel pointed forward to the true Anointed One, in whom the kingdom would never pass away.

2 Samuel 5:3 in the Original Language

mashach (מָשַׁח), 'anointed' -- to consecrate by pouring oil; the root of Messiah, the Anointed One.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 5:3

What does 2 Samuel 5:3 mean?

The elders make a covenant with David before the LORD, and anoint him king over all Israel.

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