And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.
David ruled over Israel for a total of forty years: he ruled for seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
This verse records that David had a long and complete reign of forty years as king over Israel, ruling from two different capitals during his kingship.
📚 Historical Context
David first became king over just the tribe of Judah in Hebron after Saul's death, while the other tribes initially followed Saul's son. After about seven years, all the tribes united under David's rule, and he moved the capital to Jerusalem, which he had conquered from the Jebusites. This verse appears in the account of David's final instructions before his death, summarizing his entire reign.
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