Hebron is located in southern Israel, an important city for Abraham and his descendants. While Saul was still reigning, some people from his tribe of Benjamin left him. They publicly identified with David, who was happy to receive them with honor (1 Chr. 12:18). From other parts of the country, faithful Israelite soldiers also arrived to help David. Once Saul had died, God showed David to move to Hebron to be anointed and crowned as the new king (2 Sam. 2:1–4).

Gradually, many more came to the “king after God’s own heart” in order to transfer the kingdom to David (1 Chr. 12:23). Representing the various tribes, they made a long trip for this purpose, and arrived in battle-array (vv. 36–37). They were well trained, loyal to God and to His chosen king on this wonderful occasion to have things set right for all of Israel (v. 38). This chapter records three times that they came “to make David king” (vv. 31, 38).

Their unity was according to God’s thoughts, as they arrived with one heart and mind. This oneness was confirmed and enjoyed in the activities that followed. “They were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them” (v. 39). The Lord desires for us real unity and joy, while we are in a world marked by adversity, trials, and afflictions. Paul knew this joy, even as a prisoner of Rome. Praying for the believers at Philippi, he wrote them to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” (Phil. 1:27). May it be so!