2 Samuel 5 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

2 Samuel 5

David Anointed King of Israel

5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince¹ over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.²

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.

11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house. 12 And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

13 And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

David Defeats the Philistines

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.³ 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.

22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. 24 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the LORD commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.

Footnotes

[1] 5:2 Or leader
[2] 5:5 Dead Sea Scroll lacks verses 4–5
[3] 5:20 Baal-perazim means Lord of breaking through

Commentary

v1-3: Some months after the death of Ishbosheth. The elders of Israel came to David, to ask him to become king. He could have insisted that they crown him, but he waited for their initiative.

Since both Saul and Ishbosheth were dead, there could be no doubt that David was God's choice. David had been faithful in service, and now God gave him a greater responsibility. The lesson is that we be faithful in every task which God gives to us.

From this point to the end of chapter 10, David enjoyed consistent victory; the enemies from outside are repeatedly defeated, and he had "rest on every side" (1 Chr 22.18). Psalm 37 testifies to David's experience; he had waited on God, and God remained faithful (Ps 37.4-5, 7-8, 23-24).

v4-5: Summarising David's reign; seven and a half years in Hebron, and then 33 years in Jerusalem reigning over all Israel. The next incident is David's capture of Jerusalem, which became the capital city of Israel, and the centre of Hebrew worship.

v6-7: The Jebusites lived in Jerusalem, probably in Zion, rather than throughout the city. This seems to fit with the partial capture of Jerusalem in Judg 1.8.

v8: David allowed another to lead his army, taking the water shaft to enter the city. He had previously proved his own leadership ability. This incident allowed Joab to gain prestige and influence, 1 Chr 11.6. Although he was loyal to David, Joab did not share his spiritual attitude, and became a real problem. Although it is right to delegate authority and responsibility, it is important that others share our heart.

v9-10: victory in Zion was secured by the building of walls.

v11: Hiram became a friend of David, see 1 Kings 5.1.

v12: This act of the capture of Jerusalem established David as king over Israel.

v13-16: David showed a lack of caution over women, multiplying wives and concubines. Although David had testified, "make the blameless man" (Ps 37.37), he was not blameless in this respect. The names listed were born over a period of several years. The seeds of later problems were also sown, as some of David's sons rebelled against him. Sin tolerated today will bring problems tomorrow.

v17-25: The Philistines attacked Israel, on hearing the news that David had become king. They doubtless remembered his military victories during Saul's reign, and realised that once David was established as king, their own influence would be restricted.

Twice David sought the mind of the Lord, and obeyed His instructions. We see that God uses different methods to accomplish His purposes.

The Philistines carried images of Dagon, which proved useless. Earlier Israel had carried the ark of God (1 Sam 4), thinking that it would bring victory. victory comes only through faith in God.