2 Samuel - Chapter 5

2 Samuel 5.1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. 2 Samuel 5.2 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. 2 Samuel 5.3 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. 2 Samuel 5.4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 2 Samuel 5.5 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. 2 Samuel 5.6 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. 2 Samuel 5.7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. 2 Samuel 5.8 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. 2 Samuel 5.9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. 2 Samuel 5.10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. 2 Samuel 5.11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. 2 Samuel 5.12 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. 2 Samuel 5.13 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. 2 Samuel 5.14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, 2 Samuel 5.15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 2 Samuel 5.16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet. 2 Samuel 5.17 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. 2 Samuel 5.18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 2 Samuel 5.19 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. 2 Samuel 5.20 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. 2 Samuel 5.21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. 2 Samuel 5.22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 2 Samuel 5.23 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. 2 Samuel 5.24 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. 2 Samuel 5.25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

2 Samuel : Chapter 5

Uniting Israel under David: 2 Samuel Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of 2 Samuel represents a decisive turning point in the history of Israel, marking the unification of the kingdom under David's reign. This historical moment is marked by significant events, such as David's anointing as king of all Israel, the conquest of the holy city of Jerusalem, and decisive victories over the Philistines.

David's Unifying Leadership

This triumphant text highlights David's unifying leadership, as he, with wisdom and determination, successfully unites the tribes of Israel. His leadership is revealed through his strategic choices and his faith in divine blessing. The chapter highlights the importance of divine guidance in the process of governance, a valuable lesson for any spiritual leader. Jerusalem: An Eternal Capital The choice of Jerusalem as the capital is not trivial. This choice has profound historical and theological implications, placing the city at the heart of God's plan for his people. Jerusalem becomes not only a political center, but also a place of worship, testifying to God's presence among his people. David's Military Victories David's military victories, described in this chapter, are the result of his faith in God. Psalm 18:29 reminds us: "With your help I can attack a troop; with my God I can overcome walls." This statement testifies to the strength David draws from his relationship with the Lord, a source of inspiration for all who face challenges. Biblical Reflections on Kingship and Conquest We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of kingship and conquest present in this foundational chapter: Psalm 2:6: "I have I have established my king in Zion, on my holy mountain." This psalm evokes David's divine anointing.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:9 : "And David grew mighty and mighty, because the Lord of hosts was with him." A powerful summary of David's strength in 2 Samuel 5.
  • Proverbs 16:9 : "In his heart a man plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps." A reflection on divine direction in leadership.
  • Acts 13:22: "After he had rejected Saul, he made David king over them. He testified, 'I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I wish.'" This New Testament verse highlights David's character after God's own heart.

    • These passages remind us of the importance of faith and trust in God in moments of decision and conquest, while encouraging us to follow the good example of David, a man after God's own heart.