2 Samuel 2:3

And his men that [were] with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

And his men {H582} that were with him did David {H1732} bring up {H5927}, every man {H376} with his household {H1004}: and they dwelt {H3427} in the cities {H5892} of Hebron {H2275}.

David brought the men up with him, each with his household; and they lived in the cities of Hevron.

David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 2:3

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the life of David, immediately following the tragic death of King Saul and his son Jonathan, as recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 1. After consulting the Lord (as seen in 2 Samuel 2:1), David moves from his temporary dwelling in Ziklag, a Philistine city where he had been living as a vassal (1 Samuel 30:1). His relocation to Hebron was a strategic and divinely guided step towards his eventual kingship over all Israel. Hebron, a significant and ancient city in the territory of Judah, was an ideal location to establish his initial base of power and rally support from his own tribe.

Key Themes and Messages

  • David's Prudent Leadership: David demonstrates responsible leadership by ensuring not only his loyal fighting men but also their entire households are safely brought to Hebron. This highlights his care for the welfare of his people beyond just their military service.
  • Establishment of a Base: By settling in Hebron, David establishes his first capital. This move is crucial for consolidating his support among the tribe of Judah, laying the groundwork for his anointing as their king, which occurs in the very next verse (2 Samuel 2:4).
  • Divine Guidance and Fulfillment: This act of moving to Hebron is a direct response to God's instruction, indicating that David's ascent to power is not merely a political maneuver but part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill His promise of a lasting dynasty through David.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bring up" (Hebrew: `alah`) often denotes a movement to a higher place, both literally (Hebron is in the hill country) and figuratively, signifying a progression or advancement. The emphasis on "every man with his household" underscores the comprehensive nature of this move, highlighting David's commitment to his followers' families, not just the warriors themselves. This detail paints a picture of a leader deeply invested in the stability and well-being of his community.

Practical Application

The account in 2 Samuel 2:3 offers valuable lessons for leadership today. It underscores the importance of:

  • Consulting God: David sought divine guidance before making a major move, emphasizing the wisdom of seeking God's will in significant decisions.
  • Caring for Dependents: True leadership extends beyond immediate tasks to the well-being of those under one's care, including their families and dependents.
  • Strategic Planning: David's move to Hebron was a calculated and divinely-approved step towards achieving a larger goal, demonstrating the value of thoughtful, strategic action in leadership and life. His reign in Hebron would last seven and a half years before he became king over all Israel in Jerusalem.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 30:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

  • 1 Chronicles 12:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now these [are] they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they [were] among the mighty men, helpers of the war.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:7 (3 votes)

    And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor.

  • 1 Samuel 27:2 (3 votes)

    And David arose, and he passed over with the six hundred men that [were] with him unto Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath.

  • 1 Samuel 27:3 (3 votes)

    And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, [even] David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's wife.

  • Joshua 21:11 (2 votes)

    And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron, in the hill [country] of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

  • Joshua 21:12 (2 votes)

    But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.