And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
Over Gilead - used in a loose sense for the land beyond Jordan. Their declaration in favour of the only remnant of Saul's house was soon followed by the adherence of the other tribes of Israel.
Ashurites - the tribe of Asher, in the extreme north.
Jezreel - the extensive valley bordering on the central tribes.
Over all Israel. David neither could nor would force matters, but was content to wait God's time, and Over all Israel. David neither could nor would force matters, but was content to wait God's time, and studiously avoided any collision with the rival king until hostilities were threatened from that quarter.