1 Chronicles 11:1
Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
Original Language Analysis
כָֽל
H3605
כָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Then all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Then all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַצְמְךָ֥
Behold we are thy bone
H6106
עַצְמְךָ֥
Behold we are thy bone
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
9 of 11
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
Historical Context
Hebron, located in Judah's heartland, was where David reigned seven years over Judah before becoming king over all Israel (c. 1003 BC). As Abraham's burial place, Hebron symbolized covenant continuity and divine promise being fulfilled in David's kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our spiritual kinship as God's family transform our relationships?
- What does Israel's unity under David teach about the Church's unity under Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
We are thy bone and thy flesh (עַצְמְךָ וּבְשָׂרְךָ)—This covenant formula invokes kinship solidarity, the same phrase Laban used with Jacob (Gen 29:14). The tribal elders at Hebron recognize David as family, not foreign conqueror. This language becomes foundational for understanding the Church as Christ's body (Eph 5:30).
Chronicles omits the seven-year civil war between David and Ish-bosheth (2 Sam 2-4), presenting immediate national unity. This editorial choice emphasizes that David's kingship represents God's ordained plan, not political maneuvering. The Chronicler's idealized portrait encourages post-exilic Israel to seek united worship around God's chosen leader.