And he gathered together all the princes of Israel. — The form of the verb (the imperfect with waw conversive) implies that this was done in connection with the transfer of the kingdom to Solomon. The following Chapter s, therefore, relate to arrangements made by David towards the close of his life. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 26:30, “the fortieth year of the reign of David.”)
The princes of Israel. — Comp. 1 Chronicles 13:1; 1 Chronicles 15:25; 1 Chronicles 22:17. “The princes and the priests and the Levites” together constituted, in the conception of the chronicler, the three estates of the realm: the representatives of all spiritual and temporal authority. David consults with the national assembly in a matter of national concern.