History · Chapter 5 of 24

2 Samuel 5

All the tribes come to Hebron and anoint David king over Israel, acknowledging him as the shepherd God appointed. David captures the Jebusite stronghold of Zion, makes it the city of David, and grows greater as the LORD is with him. Hiram of Tyre builds him a palace. When the Philistines attack, David inquires of the LORD and defeats them twice as God directs.

What happens in 2 Samuel 5

All the tribes of Israel gather to David at Hebron, calling him their own flesh and recalling that even under Saul it was David who led Israel, and that God had promised he would shepherd his people. The elders anoint David king over all Israel; he is thirty years old and will reign forty years. David marches on Jerusalem, held by the Jebusites, who taunt that even the blind and lame could keep him out. David takes the stronghold of Zion, names it the city of David, and builds it up.

He grows ever greater because the LORD God of hosts is with him. Hiram, king of Tyre, sends cedar and craftsmen to build David a palace, and David perceives that God has established his kingdom for Israel's sake. More sons are born to him in Jerusalem. When the Philistines spread out in the Valley of Rephaim, David inquires of the LORD, is told to attack, and wins at Baal-perazim. When they return, God directs a different tactic, and David again defeats them from Geba to Gezer.

2 Samuel 5 in context

This chapter marks the climax of David's long rise: at last he reigns over the united kingdom. The capture of Jerusalem, a neutral city between north and south, gives Israel a new political and spiritual center that will become the city of God.

David's repeated inquiring of the LORD before battle continues to mark his reign. His growing power is explicitly credited to God's presence, and his kingship is framed as service to God's people, not self-exaltation.

Main themes of 2 Samuel 5

2 Samuel 5 (KJV)

1Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. 2Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. 3So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. 4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah. 6And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. 7Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. 8And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. 9So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. 10And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. 11And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. 12And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake. 13And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David. 14And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, 15Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 16And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet. 17But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold. 18The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 19And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. 20And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim. 21And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. 22And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 23And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 24And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 25And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

Verses to carry from 2 Samuel 5

“Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.”2 Samuel 5:2

“And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.”2 Samuel 5:10

“And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.”2 Samuel 5:19

Reflection

David's greatness is repeatedly traced to one thing: the LORD was with him. And before each battle he asked God afresh rather than leaning on past success. Where are you tempted to rely on yesterday's guidance or your own strength? True greatness in God's kingdom flows from his presence and from a habit of seeking him again today, in the very situation you think you already understand.

A prayer from 2 Samuel 5