1 Chronicles 11:9

KJV

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts [was] with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} waxed {H3212} greater {H1980} and greater {H1419}: for the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} was with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

David grew greater and greater, because ADONAI-Tzva'ot was with him.

Berean Standard Bible

And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.

American Standard Version

And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah of hosts was with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:9 serves as a pivotal statement summarizing the early, progressive, and divinely ordained success of King David, attributing his escalating power, influence, and dominion directly to the active and sovereign presence of "the LORD of hosts." This verse encapsulates the Chronicler's theological conviction that David's reign was not merely a human achievement but a clear manifestation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His chosen king and His covenant purposes for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within 1 Chronicles 11, a chapter dedicated to validating David's kingship and establishing Jerusalem as his capital. Immediately preceding this verse, David has been anointed king over all Israel by unanimous consent (1 Chronicles 11:1-3), and he has successfully captured the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites, renaming it the [City of David](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Zion") (1 Chronicles 11:4-8). The narrative flow emphasizes David's legitimate ascent to power, not through usurpation, but through divine appointment and popular acclaim. Verse 9 acts as a theological summation of these initial triumphs, providing the underlying reason for David's rapid consolidation of power and the establishment of his kingdom. It sets the stage for the subsequent accounts of David's mighty men and his military victories, all understood as flowing from this fundamental truth: God was with him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the success of a king was often attributed to the favor of his gods. However, for Israel, the relationship was covenantal and unique. David's rise occurred during a period of transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy. His capture of Jerusalem, a neutral city, was a brilliant strategic move, uniting the northern and southern tribes. The phrase "waxed greater and greater" reflects the geopolitical reality of David's expanding influence over surrounding nations, transforming Israel from a vulnerable collection of tribes into a regional power. The Chronicler, writing centuries later, emphasizes David's legitimacy and the divine hand in his success, likely to encourage a post-exilic community to remember God's faithfulness and the enduring promises to the Davidic line, even in times of national weakness. The historical context underscores that David's achievements were not merely military prowess or political acumen but were supernaturally empowered.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to 1 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Presence as the Catalyst for Success**. David's increasing greatness is explicitly attributed to the fact that "the LORD of hosts was with him," underscoring that true and lasting prosperity for God's people originates from His active favor and empowering presence, not solely from human effort or strategic brilliance. This echoes themes seen in the lives of figures like Joseph ([Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2-3 - The Lord Was With Joseph")) and Moses ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Promise to Moses")), where God's "being with" someone guarantees success. Secondly, it emphasizes **Progressive Growth and Influence**. The phrase "waxed greater and greater" (Hebrew: *halak we-gadel*) signifies a continuous and expanding trajectory of strength, prominence, and dominion, portraying David's reign as one of consistent expansion and consolidation of power, a testament to God's sustained blessing. Thirdly, the title "**LORD of hosts**" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) underscores **God's Sovereignty and Power**. This powerful designation for God emphasizes His role as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies and all creation, highlighting His omnipotence and His ability to ensure victory and prosperity for those He supports, as famously declared by David himself before facing Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration to Goliath")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **waxed greater and greater (Hebrew, _halak we-gadel'_):** This idiomatic phrase, literally "went and grew" or "went and became great," denotes a continuous, progressive, and sustained increase in power, influence, and stature. It is not a static state but an ongoing process of expansion and development. The repetition of the idea of "greatness" emphasizes the remarkable and undeniable nature of David's ascent, portraying it as a trajectory of ever-increasing success rather than a series of isolated achievements. It signifies a divinely orchestrated and unstoppable momentum in his reign.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Sabaoth'_):** This is one of the most majestic and powerful titles for God in the Old Testament. "Yahweh" is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existence and faithfulness. "Sabaoth" (צבאות) means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both the celestial armies (angels) and the earthly armies of Israel. The title conveys God's supreme authority and omnipotence as the commander of all forces, both spiritual and physical. It highlights His ability to intervene decisively in human affairs, to fight on behalf of His people, and to ensure the fulfillment of His purposes. In the context of David's military and political expansion, this title emphasizes that his success was not merely human might but the direct result of the Almighty God, the General of all creation, being on his side.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David waxed greater and greater":** This clause describes the observable reality of David's reign. It speaks to his increasing military strength, political authority, territorial control, and personal renown. The "So" indicates a direct consequence of what precedes it – his anointing and the capture of Jerusalem – but also sets up the divine explanation that follows. It paints a picture of a king whose influence was not diminishing but constantly expanding, a clear sign of divine favor and blessing.
* **"for the LORD of hosts [was] with him":** This is the explanatory clause, providing the theological rationale for David's extraordinary success. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, *ki*) establishes a direct causal link. David's greatness was not due to his own inherent abilities alone, nor to chance, but because the omnipotent, covenant-keeping God, the "LORD of hosts," actively accompanied, empowered, and favored him. This phrase encapsulates the core theological message of the Chronicler: God's active presence is the ultimate source of true prosperity and success for His chosen servants and people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Causality** is central, explicitly linking David's increasing greatness to the direct presence of the LORD. The structure "A: for B" clearly establishes B as the reason for A. **Hyperbole** is suggested in "waxed greater and greater," emphasizing the extraordinary and continuous nature of David's growth beyond typical human achievement, hinting at its divine origin. The use of the **Divine Epithet** "LORD of hosts" is a powerful form of **Theological Naming**, invoking God's supreme authority, military might, and sovereign control over all creation. This specific title, often associated with warfare and warfare and divine intervention, underscores the supernatural backing behind David's military and political victories. The verse also functions as a **Theological Summary**, condensing complex historical and political developments into a concise statement about divine agency and human flourishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the foundational biblical principle that true and lasting success, particularly in the service of God's kingdom, is not merely a product of human effort, talent, or strategy, but primarily a result of God's active presence and favor. David's escalating greatness serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that when God is "with" His chosen instruments, their endeavors are supernaturally empowered and prosper. This divine partnership elevates human leadership from mere political maneuvering to a sacred calling, where God's omnipotence ensures the fulfillment of His purposes through obedient vessels. It underscores the sovereignty of God over all earthly affairs, including the rise and fall of nations and kings, and highlights that His presence is the ultimate source of authority, protection, and victory.

* [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2-3 - The Lord Was With Joseph")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")
* [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration to Goliath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 11:9 offers a timeless and profoundly encouraging principle for believers today: our true and enduring success in life, ministry, and all our endeavors is ultimately rooted in the active, empowering presence of God. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from relying solely on our own abilities, resources, or strategic plans, to cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with the "LORD of hosts." When we acknowledge His sovereignty and seek His presence above all else, we invite His supernatural favor to empower our efforts, overcome our obstacles, and lead us into a trajectory of spiritual and practical fruitfulness that extends beyond our natural capacities. It calls us to live with a confident dependence on God, trusting that His "being with us" is the ultimate guarantee of purpose, protection, and progressive impact, transforming our lives into living testimonies of His faithfulness and power, much like David's.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking "greater and greater" impact or growth? How much are you relying on your own strength versus the presence of the "LORD of hosts"?**
* **What does it practically mean for the "LORD of hosts" to be "with" you in your daily life and work? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence?**
* **How might acknowledging God as the ultimate source of your success change your perspective on achievements, failures, and future aspirations?**
* **Considering David's example, what specific steps can you take to ensure that your pursuits are aligned with God's purposes, inviting His empowering presence?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler emphasize "the LORD of hosts was with him" so strongly in relation to David's greatness?**

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in writing was not merely to recount history, but to provide a theological interpretation of Israel's past, particularly for the post-exilic community. By repeatedly emphasizing that David's success stemmed directly from "the LORD of hosts [being] with him," the Chronicler achieves several crucial objectives. Firstly, it legitimizes David's kingship as divinely ordained, not merely a political coup. Secondly, it highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially the Davidic covenant, offering hope and reassurance to a community that had experienced exile and loss. Thirdly, it establishes a foundational theological principle: true prosperity and national strength for Israel (and by extension, for God's people in any era) are always contingent upon God's active presence and favor, not human might or political alliances. This emphasis serves as both an encouragement and a challenge, reminding the audience that their future well-being depends on their relationship with the sovereign God, the "LORD of hosts," who controls all things and fights for His people, just as He did for David ([2 Chronicles 15:2](/2_chronicles/15-2 "2 Chronicles 15:2 - The Lord Is With You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 11:9 celebrates the earthly reign of King David, its profound truth finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's "waxing greater and greater" due to the LORD's presence foreshadows the unparalleled and eternal reign of the Messiah, the true Son of David. Jesus, the incarnate God, perfectly embodies the truth that "the LORD of hosts [is] with him," for He is [God with us, Emmanuel](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us"). His entire ministry, from His miraculous birth to His triumphant resurrection, was empowered by the perfect union of the Father and the Spirit, demonstrating a divine presence far exceeding that experienced by David. Christ's kingdom, unlike David's, is not limited by geography or time; it is an [ever-increasing kingdom](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - Of the Increase of His Government"), over which He has been given [all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ"). David's greatness was a shadow of Christ's supreme dominion and universal Lordship, for in Christ, [all the fullness of God dwells bodily](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:2-9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ"), and through Him, God is actively working to [reconcile all things to Himself](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ"). Thus, David's success, rooted in God's presence, points to the ultimate King whose reign is eternal, whose power is absolute, and whose presence guarantees the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 3:1

¶ Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Esther 9:4

For Mordecai [was] great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

1 Chronicles 9:20

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, [and] the LORD [was] with him.

2 Samuel 5:10

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