FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation 1 Chronicles 11:3
KJVTherefore 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.
Read it in context
David Anointed King of All Israel
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 11:1 (1 Chronicles 11:1 to 1 Chronicles 11:3).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
- 11:1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
- 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
- 11:3 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 11:1–12:40): David, Israel's elders, and the warriors and tribal groups joining him are described in the establishment of his kingship. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? David Anointed King of All Israel. Read 1 Chronicles 11:1 through 1 Chronicles 11:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in David Anointed King of All Israel (1 Chronicles 11:1 to 1 Chronicles 11:3). Start reading at 1 Chronicles 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cited: 1 Chronicles 11:1, 1 Chronicles 11:3, 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The genealogies extend past the exile.
Other accounts of this event
David becomes king over all Israel
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- David made 1 Sam 11:15 2 Kgs 11:17 2 Chr 23:3
- before Judg 11:11 1 Sam 23:18
- anointed 1 Sam 16:1,12-13 2 Sam 2:4 2 Kgs 23:30
- according 1 Sam 15:28 1 Sam 28:17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 11
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
David Conquers Jerusalem
1 Chronicles 11:4–9FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David’s Mighty Men
1 Chronicles 11:10–47FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
1 Chronicles 1:1 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 22:5
The people and their lines
1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44FocusGenealogy and restored community
Connection to the wholeThe genealogies place Israel and its worshiping community within an extended family history.
interpretation FocusSaul's end and support for David
Connection to the wholeThe account moves from Saul's death to David's accession and the gathering of supporters.
interpretation David's reign and the ark
1 Chronicles 13:1–20:8FocusWorship, promise, and victories
Connection to the wholeThe ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation Preparing for the temple
1 Chronicles 21:1–29:30FocusResources, service, and succession
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.