King David made a league with them; whereby he obliged himself to rule them according to God's laws; and the people promised fidelity and obedience to him. Before the Lord; either,
1. Before the ark, which might be here, though that be not mentioned in this place. Or,
2. Before the priest clothed with the ephod; whereby he was in a manner put into God's presence. Or rather,
3. In the congregation of the mighty, or magistrates, where God used to be present, Psalms 82:1; in the public assembly now met together in God's name and fear, and as in his presence, to call upon him, to appeal to him as the witness and judge of their transactions. Compare Judges 11:11 1 Samuel 23:18. They anointed David; either by a prophet, or the priest, to whom this office belonged. See 2 Samuel 2:4.