II Samuel 5: David Consolidates His Kingdom
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
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.
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.
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
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.
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.
Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
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.
So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.
And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
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.
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.
And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
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.
The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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.
And David came to Baal–perazim, 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 Baal–perazim.
And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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.
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.
And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
II Samuel 5 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing the rise of David to become king over all Israel and his strategic establishment of Jerusalem as the nation's capital. This chapter reveals God's sovereign hand in elevating David and highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's timing and methods. Let's delve into the significance of these events.
David Anointed King Over All Israel (II Samuel 5:1-5)
After years of waiting and enduring hardship, the moment finally arrives for David to ascend to the throne of all Israel. The chapter opens with representatives from all the tribes of Israel approaching David in Hebron (II Samuel 5:1). This is a significant step, demonstrating a unified desire for David's leadership. They acknowledge three crucial factors that legitimize David's claim:
- Kinship: They recognize themselves as being of the same "flesh and blood" as David (II Samuel 5:1), emphasizing their shared heritage as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and therefore, brothers. This speaks to the importance of unity within the nation.
- Military Leadership: They acknowledge David's past leadership in battle, noting that he had previously led Israel's armies, even during Saul's reign. He was a proven military hero, a revered leader.
- Divine Appointment: Most importantly, they recognize God's calling and anointing upon David (II Samuel 5:2). They recall God's promise that David would "shepherd my people Israel, and you will be their ruler." This recognition of God's sovereignty is paramount.
This wasn't the first time David had been anointed. The men of Judah, his own tribe, had previously anointed him as king (II Samuel 2:4). However, this anointing by all the elders of Israel signifies a unified kingdom under David's rule (II Samuel 5:3). It had been a long and arduous journey since Samuel first anointed the young shepherd to replace Saul (I Samuel 16:11-13). David's story is a testament to trusting in the Lord and waiting for His perfect timing. Though David was imperfect, his willingness to pursue God's purpose in God's way serves as a powerful example for us. David was truly a man after God's own heart, a kingdom man. At the age of thirty, David began his reign, ruling over Judah for seven years and six months, and then over all Israel for thirty-three years (II Samuel 5:4-5). This forty-year reign marked the beginning of the Davidic dynasty, a lineage through which the Messiah, the Son of David, would eventually come (Matthew 1:1).
Conquering Jerusalem (II Samuel 5:6-10)
With the kingdom united, David sets his sights on establishing a new capital: Jerusalem. Until this point, he had been ruling from Hebron. Jerusalem, strategically located on the border between Benjamin and Judah (neutral territory between the tribes of Saul and David), was intended to be a unifying center. It was a city that would eventually become known as the holy city, the location of God’s temple.
The Jebusites, who inhabited Jerusalem, felt secure in their seemingly impregnable fortress. They mocked David, claiming that even the blind and lame could defend the city (II Samuel 5:6). The city was easily defensible on three sides, an important feature in the ancient world. However, David, with God's help, devised a plan to infiltrate the city through its water shaft (II Samuel 5:8). According to I Chronicles 11:6, Joab successfully led the attack through this access point and was rewarded with the command of David's army.
David successfully conquered Jerusalem and the stronghold of Zion, renaming it the City of David (II Samuel 5:7, 9). Verse 9 suggests that David either filled in the area between the hills to level the city or built embankments to protect Jerusalem on its vulnerable northern side.
David's power grew steadily, but the key to his success was that "the LORD God Almighty was with him" (II Samuel 5:10). Earthly strength is futile without divine support. David's power stemmed from the fact that the heavenly armies were fighting on his behalf.
David's Growing Influence and Victories (II Samuel 5:11-25)
With David firmly established in his capital, neighboring kingdoms began to acknowledge his growing influence. King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys, supplies, and builders to construct a palace for David, fostering peaceful relations (II Samuel 5:11). Unfortunately, David also took more concubines and wives (II Samuel 5:13), a violation of God's law (Deuteronomy 17:17) that would later bring him sorrow.
The Philistines, however, viewed David's rise with hostility. They sought to challenge his authority and bring him down (II Samuel 5:17-18). David, seeking divine guidance, inquired of the Lord, who assured him of victory (II Samuel 5:19).
In two subsequent battles, God granted David decisive victories over the Philistines, employing different strategies each time. In the first battle, the Israelites overwhelmed the Philistines like a "bursting flood" (II Samuel 5:20). In the second encounter, God instructed David to wait for a specific sign: "the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees" (II Samuel 5:24). Upon hearing this sound, David was to attack, knowing that the Lord would go before him, leading the heavenly armies into battle.
This passage underscores a crucial principle: when God leads the way, we have no reason to fear. However, we must follow His instructions precisely. God clears the path, but victory is contingent upon obedience. David followed the Lord's commands meticulously, and the battle was won (II Samuel 5:25).
II Samuel 5 serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all. He elevates leaders according to His plan and equips them for success. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance, obeying His commands, and trusting in His timing. David's story, though marked by imperfections, stands as a testament to the power of faith and obedience in the life of a leader and a nation. This chapter provides encouragement for believers today to seek God's will in all aspects of life, trusting that He will lead them to victory when they follow His ways.
Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
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.
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.
David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
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.
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.
Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
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.
So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.
And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
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.
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.
And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
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.
The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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.
And David came to Baal–perazim, 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 Baal–perazim.
And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
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.
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.
And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
II Samuel 5 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing the rise of David to become king over all Israel and his strategic establishment of Jerusalem as the nation's capital. This chapter reveals God's sovereign hand in elevating David and highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's timing and methods. Let's delve into the significance of these events.
David Anointed King Over All Israel (II Samuel 5:1-5)
After years of waiting and enduring hardship, the moment finally arrives for David to ascend to the throne of all Israel. The chapter opens with representatives from all the tribes of Israel approaching David in Hebron (II Samuel 5:1). This is a significant step, demonstrating a unified desire for David's leadership. They acknowledge three crucial factors that legitimize David's claim:
- Kinship: They recognize themselves as being of the same "flesh and blood" as David (II Samuel 5:1), emphasizing their shared heritage as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and therefore, brothers. This speaks to the importance of unity within the nation.
- Military Leadership: They acknowledge David's past leadership in battle, noting that he had previously led Israel's armies, even during Saul's reign. He was a proven military hero, a revered leader.
- Divine Appointment: Most importantly, they recognize God's calling and anointing upon David (II Samuel 5:2). They recall God's promise that David would "shepherd my people Israel, and you will be their ruler." This recognition of God's sovereignty is paramount.
This wasn't the first time David had been anointed. The men of Judah, his own tribe, had previously anointed him as king (II Samuel 2:4). However, this anointing by all the elders of Israel signifies a unified kingdom under David's rule (II Samuel 5:3). It had been a long and arduous journey since Samuel first anointed the young shepherd to replace Saul (I Samuel 16:11-13). David's story is a testament to trusting in the Lord and waiting for His perfect timing. Though David was imperfect, his willingness to pursue God's purpose in God's way serves as a powerful example for us. David was truly a man after God's own heart, a kingdom man. At the age of thirty, David began his reign, ruling over Judah for seven years and six months, and then over all Israel for thirty-three years (II Samuel 5:4-5). This forty-year reign marked the beginning of the Davidic dynasty, a lineage through which the Messiah, the Son of David, would eventually come (Matthew 1:1).
Conquering Jerusalem (II Samuel 5:6-10)
With the kingdom united, David sets his sights on establishing a new capital: Jerusalem. Until this point, he had been ruling from Hebron. Jerusalem, strategically located on the border between Benjamin and Judah (neutral territory between the tribes of Saul and David), was intended to be a unifying center. It was a city that would eventually become known as the holy city, the location of God’s temple.
The Jebusites, who inhabited Jerusalem, felt secure in their seemingly impregnable fortress. They mocked David, claiming that even the blind and lame could defend the city (II Samuel 5:6). The city was easily defensible on three sides, an important feature in the ancient world. However, David, with God's help, devised a plan to infiltrate the city through its water shaft (II Samuel 5:8). According to I Chronicles 11:6, Joab successfully led the attack through this access point and was rewarded with the command of David's army.
David successfully conquered Jerusalem and the stronghold of Zion, renaming it the City of David (II Samuel 5:7, 9). Verse 9 suggests that David either filled in the area between the hills to level the city or built embankments to protect Jerusalem on its vulnerable northern side.
David's power grew steadily, but the key to his success was that "the LORD God Almighty was with him" (II Samuel 5:10). Earthly strength is futile without divine support. David's power stemmed from the fact that the heavenly armies were fighting on his behalf.
David's Growing Influence and Victories (II Samuel 5:11-25)
With David firmly established in his capital, neighboring kingdoms began to acknowledge his growing influence. King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys, supplies, and builders to construct a palace for David, fostering peaceful relations (II Samuel 5:11). Unfortunately, David also took more concubines and wives (II Samuel 5:13), a violation of God's law (Deuteronomy 17:17) that would later bring him sorrow.
The Philistines, however, viewed David's rise with hostility. They sought to challenge his authority and bring him down (II Samuel 5:17-18). David, seeking divine guidance, inquired of the Lord, who assured him of victory (II Samuel 5:19).
In two subsequent battles, God granted David decisive victories over the Philistines, employing different strategies each time. In the first battle, the Israelites overwhelmed the Philistines like a "bursting flood" (II Samuel 5:20). In the second encounter, God instructed David to wait for a specific sign: "the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees" (II Samuel 5:24). Upon hearing this sound, David was to attack, knowing that the Lord would go before him, leading the heavenly armies into battle.
This passage underscores a crucial principle: when God leads the way, we have no reason to fear. However, we must follow His instructions precisely. God clears the path, but victory is contingent upon obedience. David followed the Lord's commands meticulously, and the battle was won (II Samuel 5:25).
II Samuel 5 serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all. He elevates leaders according to His plan and equips them for success. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance, obeying His commands, and trusting in His timing. David's story, though marked by imperfections, stands as a testament to the power of faith and obedience in the life of a leader and a nation. This chapter provides encouragement for believers today to seek God's will in all aspects of life, trusting that He will lead them to victory when they follow His ways.