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; Shammua, 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 inquired 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 inquired 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.
David Becomes King of Israel
2 Samuel Chapter 5 marks a significant turning point in the history of Israel, as David is anointed king over all of Israel after having previously ruled over Judah. This chapter highlights the unification of the tribes of Israel and David’s establishment as a central figure in their governance.
David’s Anointing
In verses 1-5, the elders of Israel come to David at Hebron, acknowledging his leadership and the divine choice of him as king. This moment is crucial as it represents the collective will of the tribes coming together to recognize David’s rightful place as their leader.
- David’s previous reign over Judah lasted seven and a half years.
- The elders emphasize David’s past leadership during battles and his role in uniting the tribes.
- David’s anointing signifies God’s covenant and promise to him as king.
David Captures Jerusalem
Verses 6-10 describe David’s military conquest of Jerusalem, which was held by the Jebusites. This conquest is significant for several reasons:
- Jerusalem becomes the political and spiritual capital of Israel.
- David’s successful siege demonstrates his military prowess and strategic thinking.
- The capture of Jerusalem symbolizes the beginning of a new era for Israel, as it becomes a unified nation under David’s rule.
David’s Establishment of a Kingdom
Following the conquest, verses 11-12 detail David’s establishment of his kingdom and the construction of his palace. This is a critical moment as it shows David not only as a warrior but also as a builder and leader:
- David receives support from Hiram, king of Tyre, who sends materials and craftsmen to assist in building his palace.
- This alliance with Tyre signifies David’s growing influence and recognition beyond Israel.
- David’s acknowledgment of God’s favor in establishing his kingdom reflects his faith and dependence on divine guidance.
David’s Family and Growth
In verses 13-16, the chapter lists David’s children born in Jerusalem, highlighting the growth of his household and the establishment of a royal lineage. This aspect of the chapter emphasizes:
- The importance of lineage and succession in the monarchy.
- David’s role as a father and leader within his family and kingdom.
- The significance of Jerusalem as a place of unity and growth for the nation of Israel.
Philistine Opposition
Verses 17-25 recount the Philistines’ response to David’s rise to power. They perceive David as a threat and seek to confront him. This section is important for understanding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines:
- The Philistines gather to search for David, indicating his rising prominence and the fear he instills in his enemies.
- David’s inquiry of God for guidance before engaging in battle demonstrates his reliance on divine direction.
- David’s victory over the Philistines, attributed to God’s intervention, reinforces the theme of divine support in David’s reign.
Conclusion
Chapter 5 of 2 Samuel encapsulates the transition of David from a regional leader to the king of a united Israel. It highlights themes of divine appointment, military success, and the establishment of a legacy. David’s reliance on God, his strategic acumen, and his ability to unite the tribes mark the beginning of a pivotal era in Israel’s history.
