2 Samuel Chapter 5

At a Glance

  • Chapter 5 marks a pivotal turning point: David is finally acknowledged as king over all Israel.
  • Historical & Literary Context.
  • 2 Samuel 5 sits squarely in the early monarchy phase, showing the transition from tribal confederation toward centralized kingship under David.
  • - Divine sanction of leadership: The anointing in Hebron and the LORD’s blessing underscore that David’s rule rests on God’s endorsement.
  • - Covenant faithfulness and unity: The tribes’ declaration affirms shared identity and the desire for a unified kingdom under Yahweh.

CHAPTER REFERENCE

Chapter Overview

Chapter 5 marks a pivotal turning point: David is finally acknowledged as king over all Israel. The chapter begins with the tribes recognizing their kinship with David—“Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh”—and recounting his past leadership, including his role in uniting Israel under the LORD’s guidance. The elders come to Hebron to anoint David as king over Israel, sealing a covenant between David, the people, and Yahweh. David’s reign begins at age 30 and will span four decades, with a dual geography: seven-plus years in Hebron over Judah and 33 years over all Israel from Jerusalem. The narrative quickly transitions to military and political consolidation. David captures Jerusalem (the Jebusite stronghold) by exploiting a dare about the “blind and the lame,” a line rooted in perspective on security and disability that reveals David’s cunning strategic mind. He then establishes Zion as the city of David and forms a capital with architectural and political significance. This chapter also reports divine affirmation of David’s kingship: the LORD’s blessing accompanies his rise, and royal alliances begin with foreign powers (Hiram of Tyre). The thematic arc centers on legitimacy, divine sponsorship, and political consolidation. The chapter ends with David’s expanding royal family and the social realities of kingship—marriage, progeny, and the symbols of nation-building.

Historical & Literary Context

2 Samuel 5 sits squarely in the early monarchy phase, showing the transition from tribal confederation toward centralized kingship under David. Composed in a traditional historical-chronicle style, the chapter balances political milestones with theological interpretation: the people’s covenant recognition and Yahweh’s blessing signal God’s presence in ongoing political development. The narrative framework emphasizes that David’s ascent is not merely personal ambition but the fulfillment of divine promise and national destiny. The Jebusite conquest of Jerusalem as a strategic move also ties into broader concerns about city, sanctuary, and governance—foreshadowing Jerusalem’s future central role in the biblical storyline.

Key Themes

- Divine sanction of leadership: The anointing in Hebron and the LORD’s blessing underscore that David’s rule rests on God’s endorsement.

- Covenant faithfulness and unity: The tribes’ declaration affirms shared identity and the desire for a unified kingdom under Yahweh.

- Spatial politics and the making of a capital: The capture and transformation of Jerusalem symbolize centralization, governance, and national identity.

- Strategic leadership and wisdom: David’s handling of military threats and political alliances demonstrates a nuanced approach to power.

- Growth of the royal household: The chapter hints at the dynastic dimension of David’s reign, including marriage and succession.

Modern Application

For contemporary readers, 2 Samuel 5 offers lessons on governance grounded in divine calling and communal consensus. It emphasizes the importance of legitimacy built through transparent, satisfying, and inclusive processes—people recognizing the leader not through force alone but through covenantal affirmation and demonstrated competence. The Jerusalem purchase and fortification symbolize the need for wise infrastructure and a stable center for national life, reminding leaders today that a strong ‘capital’—whether in a city, institution, or community—requires prudent planning, credible leadership, and service-oriented public trust. The alliance with Tyre invites reflection on the role of foreign partners in national life, challenging readers to consider how spiritual commitments interact with diplomacy and material support. The chapter also invites believers to cultivate humility in leadership, remembering that ultimate blessing comes from God and that every leadership decision should aim at justice, mercy, and the flourishing of the people.

Cross-References: 1 Samuel 16–17 (David’s selection and kingship), 2 Samuel 3 (contested kingship), Psalm 110 (Messianic king imagery).

Recommended Personas: Jesus (fulfillment of Davidic kingship), Moses (leadership and covenant law), and Paul (the channeling of God’s call into mission and community building).

Chapter Text

1

Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2

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.

3

So 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.

4

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

6

And 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.

7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

8

And 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.

9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

11

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

12

And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.

13

And 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.

14

And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

15

Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

16

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

17

But 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.

18

The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

19

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.

20

And 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.

21

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

22

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

23

And 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.

24

And 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.

25

And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

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