The covenant refers to some kind of an agreement made between David and the representatives (elders) of the tribes. This contract was made before the Lord, meaning that it was a formal contract and likely involved ratification by members of the priesthood.1 The covenant would have stipulated the rights and obligations of both parties toward one another.2
3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.