Definition: Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we [are] thy bone and thy flesh.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 5:1. It's a really significant and symbolic passage about God’s covenant with David and the future of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that after David became king, God started to treat him like a member of his family. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “Then came all the tribes of Israel…” – This refers to all the descendants of Abraham and Isaac, the patriarchs of Judaism. It's a broad group, representing the entire nation of Israel. “…to David unto Hebron…” – “Hebron” was a specific location in Jerusalem that David had built a temple there. It’s a place of importance to him. “…and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.” – This is the core of the verse. "Behold" means "look!" David was speaking to King David, and he said something profound: “We are your bones and your flesh." What does this really mean? It’s a very poetic way of saying that God has chosen David as his representative, his leader, and ultimately, his family. It suggests several things: God’s Covenant: This wasn't just a casual agreement; it was a covenant , a binding promise made between God and David. Divine Union with David: It signifies that David is now part of God’s family, sharing in his life, death, and resurrection. He’s not just a king; he’s a spiritual embodiment of God's love and connection to humanity. God’s Presence: It conveys a sense of God's closeness and presence with David – that he is seen as more than just a ruler but as an integral part of God's plan for the nation. Important Context - It’s about the Future: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of God’s ultimate plan to establish his kingdom in Israel, and it’s a key moment where God begins to build a covenant relationship with David that will lead to the establishment of the entire nation. It's about the beginning of God’s reign over Israel. In short, it’s a beautiful and deeply symbolic statement about God’s love for David and his future role in establishing his kingdom. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Explore other biblical references related to this passage?