1 Chronicles 11:9

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:9 serves as a concise yet profound summary of King David's early reign, highlighting the divine source of his escalating success and influence.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse appears immediately after David's anointing as king over all Israel and his strategic capture of Jerusalem, which he established as his capital and called the City of David. The narrative in 1 Chronicles focuses on David's legitimate kingship and the divine hand guiding his rule. "So David waxed greater and greater" indicates a continuous and progressive increase in his power, authority, and prosperity, both militarily and politically. This growth was not a sudden event but a sustained process, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, which began with his anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence as the Catalyst for Success: The core message is crystal clear: David's remarkable and sustained rise was directly attributed to the fact that "the LORD of hosts was with him." This underscores that true and lasting success for God's people comes from His active presence and favor, not merely human effort or military might.
  • Progressive Growth and Influence: The phrase "waxed greater and greater" (Hebrew: halak we-gadel, literally "went and grew") emphasizes an ongoing trajectory of increasing strength, prominence, and dominion. It portrays David's reign as one of consistent expansion and consolidation of power.
  • God's Sovereignty and Power: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful designation for God, emphasizing His role as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies and all creation. This title highlights God's 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).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "waxed greater and greater" beautifully captures the dynamic nature of David's growth, implying a continuous and expanding influence. The Hebrew, as noted above, conveys a progressive action. The divine title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is more than just a name; it conveys God's supreme authority, His command over all spiritual and earthly forces, and His unwavering ability to act on behalf of His chosen ones. This title often appears in contexts of warfare, divine judgment, and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Practical Application

This verse offers a timeless principle for believers today: the ultimate source of genuine success, influence, and resilience in life's endeavors is the enduring presence and blessing of God. It encourages a reliance on divine power rather than solely on personal strength, talent, or strategy. For leaders, aspiring leaders, or anyone seeking to make a lasting impact, the passage underscores the importance of cultivating a relationship with God, trusting in His guidance, and acknowledging that His favor is the foundation for sustained growth and overcoming obstacles. When the LORD is with us, like a branch abiding in the vine, our efforts bear fruit that endures.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 3:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 41:14 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 5:10 (4 votes)

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