1 Chronicles 11:1 - Meaning and Application

David is brought into possession here. First, he receives the throne of Israel after ruling seven years in Hebron over Judah alone. Because he was related to them, had already served them well, and, above all, had been chosen by God (1 Chronicles 11:2), they anointed him as their king. He in turn promised to protect them, and they promised him loyal faith and obedience (1 Chronicles 11:3).

Notice three things. God’s plans will be carried out in the end, no matter what stands in the way. If God has said, “David will rule,” then opposition cannot stop it. Also, people who have long resisted truth and chased empty things may still, in time, come to see what gives them peace and return to the mercy meant for them. And between ruler and people there is a basic agreement that both should honor carefully. David could have claimed absolute power more than almost any other king, and he could likely have been trusted with it safely, yet he still made a covenant with the people and took the crown by law.

Second, David takes the stronghold of Zion, which the Jebusites had held until his time. Whether David already saw it as a good place for a royal city, or whether he knew God had promised it to him, one of his first great acts was to seize that fortress. Once he had it, he named it the city of David (1 Chronicles 11:7). This points to Psalm 2:6, “I have set my king on my holy hill of Zion.”

We can also see what strengthens resolve in hard tasks. One thing is opposition. When the Jebusites mocked David and said, “You will not come here,” he was stirred to take the place, whatever it cost. Another is the hope of honor. When David offered the leading command to the one who would first attack the fortress of Zion, Joab was moved by the promise and went up first, becoming chief. As has been said, if you take honor out of a soldier’s sight, you take away the spur that drives him on.