1-2 Before long all the tribes of Israel approached David in Hebron and said, “Look at us—your own flesh and blood! In time past when Saul was our king, you were the one who really ran the country. Even then God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel and you’ll be the prince.’”

All the leaders of Israel met with King David at Hebron, and the king made a treaty with them in the presence of God. And so they anointed David king over Israel.

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4-5 David was thirty years old when he became king, and ruled for forty years. In Hebron he ruled Judah for seven and a half years. In Jerusalem he ruled all Israel and Judah for thirty-three years.

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In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns.(A) And the Lord said(B) to you, ‘You will shepherd(C) my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.(D)’”

When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant(E) with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed(F) David king over Israel.

David was thirty years old(G) when he became king, and he reigned(H) forty(I) years.

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