2 Samuel 5:3

“So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, etc.] Which either explains what is meant by the tribes coming to him, (<100501>2 Samuel 5:1); namely, coming by their elders as their representatives; or else the meaning is, that the messengers the tribes sent, when they returned and reported the favourable reception they had met with from David; the elders of the several tribes, the princes or principal men met, and came together to David in Hebron: and King David made a league with them before the Lord; the states of the nation; he entered into a covenant with them; he on his part promising to rule them in justice and judgment according to the laws, and they promising to yield a…”

“King David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord--(see on Sa1 10:17). This formal declaration of the constitution was chiefly made at the commencement of a new dynasty, or at the restoration of the royal family after a usurpation (Kg2 11:17), though circumstances sometimes led to its being renewed on the accession of any new sovereign (Kg1 12:4). It seems to have been accompanied by religious solemnities.”

“Before the Lord - Abiathar and Zadok the priests were both with David, and the tabernacle and altar may have been at Hebron, though the ark was at Kirjath-jearim. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A league - Whereby David obliged himself to rule them according to God's laws; and the people promised obedience to him. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 5:6”

“5:3 King David made a covenant that demanded the people’s loyalty, yet allowed them to maintain a sense of tribal privilege and individual dignity. It served as a constitution, containing stipulations obligating both the king and the people. • they anointed him king: While David had already been anointed by Samuel (1 Sam 16:13), this public ceremony demonstrated the people’s acceptance of David as king.”

“So all: Exo 3:16; Ch1 11:3 made: Sa1 11:15; Kg2 11:17; Ch2 23:16; Neh 9:38 before: Jdg 11:11; Sa1 23:18 anointed: Sa2 2:4; Sa1 16:13 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 5:4”