1. 2 Samuel 5:1 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Did all the people from all the tribes of Israel go to Hebron?

2 Samuel 5:1 (ESV)

1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh.

Most likely only the representatives of the tribes went to Hebron, specifically the elders (2 Samuel 5:3).1 According to 1 Chronicles 12:23–40 there were numerous men who joined the ranks of David’s army at Hebron when he was crowned as king. This event included a great feast (1 Chronicles 12:40). The emphasis is on the fact that there is national unity and complete support for David (see further Joshua 24:1; 1 Samuel 10:20).2