Representatives from all the tribes come to David at Hebron. They identify themselves as his own flesh and blood and recall that even during Saul’s reign David had led Israel in battle.

They also recognize the divine calling associated with David: he is to shepherd Israel and become its ruler.

The elders make a covenant with David before the LORD, and they anoint him king over Israel. David is thirty years old when he begins to reign and will rule for forty years in total.

David then turns toward Jerusalem, still held by the Jebusites. The inhabitants mock the possibility that he can capture the stronghold.

David nevertheless takes the fortress of Zion, which becomes known as the City of David. Jerusalem now becomes the center of his kingdom.

David builds up the city, and Hiram of Tyre sends cedar and craftsmen to construct a palace.

The narrator summarizes David’s growing position by saying that he becomes increasingly powerful because the LORD God of hosts is with him.

David recognizes that his kingship has been established for the sake of Israel. The long period between anointing and accession has ended, and the shepherd, warrior, fugitive, and rival to Saul now rules a united kingdom from a newly established capital.