שמואל ב, פרק ה׳, פסוק א׳

Following the collapse of Saul’s dynasty, a fractured nation experiences a profound moment of national unity. Representatives from across the Israelites travel to Hebron to crown David, offering him their absolute loyalty. This historic gathering even includes members of the tribe of Benjamin, who have finally abandoned any hope of restoring Saul's royal line. The exact timing of this national reunion is a matter of discussion. It may have occurred immediately following the assassination of Ish-bosheth [אברבנאל]. Alternatively, this gathering might have taken place only after a five-year transitional period during which the throne over Israel sat completely vacant [רד״ק].

When pledging their allegiance to David, the tribes appeal to a deep sense of shared history and brotherhood. The primary approach among commentators is that the tribes want to ensure David does not view them as outsiders. They ask him not to consider only the tribe of Judah, whom he already rules, as his true family. By declaring that they are all descendants of the same patriarch, they emphasize that despite David belonging to Judah, every tribe of Israel is equally related to him.

Beyond simple family ties, this declaration also serves as an expression of spiritual submission. The tribes carefully phrase their loyalty by stating that they are his bone and flesh, rather than saying he is theirs. In doing so, they compare themselves to a physical body, while equating David to the soul that breathes life into it. This imagery acknowledges David’s superior spiritual standing and leadership. Just as a physical body naturally yields to the direction of its soul, the tribes commit themselves to following David with complete devotion [אלשיך].