42. Near of kin to us. Judah rightly claimed a special hold on David, inasmuch as he belonged to their tribe (see 12). But they wanted to make it plain that he had shown them no special favoritism. Such a statement from the men of Judah is a striking testimony to the fairness of David’s government. He endeavored to treat all tribes alike, giving to none the excuse that others were being accorded special favors denied to them.