2 Samuel 3:1

ยถ 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.

Now there was long {H752} war {H4421} between the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586} and the house {H1004} of David {H1732}: but David {H1732} waxed {H1980} stronger {H2390} and stronger {H2390}, and the house {H1004} of Saul {H7586} waxed {H1980} weaker {H1800} and weaker {H1800}.

The war between the house of Sha'ul and the house of David dragged on, but David grew stronger, while the house of Sha'ul became weaker.

Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

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

Commentary

2 Samuel 3:1 marks a pivotal summary of the ongoing power struggle in Israel following King Saul's death. This verse encapsulates the political and spiritual dynamics of the period, setting the stage for David's eventual undisputed reign over all Israel.

Context

After the tragic deaths of King Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:6), Israel was divided. David, already anointed by God (1 Samuel 16:13), was recognized as king by the tribe of Judah and established his capital in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4). Meanwhile, Abner, Saul's army commander, installed Saul's son, Ish-bosheth, as king over the rest of Israel, creating two rival kingdoms (2 Samuel 2:8-10). This verse describes the "long war" that ensued, a period of civil strife and political maneuvering between these two factions.

Key Themes

  • The Inevitability of God's Plan: Despite the prolonged conflict, the verse clearly states the outcome: David's house growing stronger and Saul's weaker. This reflects God's sovereign hand guiding the transition of power from Saul's rejected dynasty to David, the king after His own heart.
  • Gradual Ascension: The phrase "waxed stronger and stronger" (for David) and "waxed weaker and weaker" (for Saul's house) emphasizes a continuous, progressive process rather than a sudden shift. It highlights the divine patience and the organic nature of God's unfolding purposes.
  • Divine Favor: David's increasing strength was not merely due to military prowess or political skill, but fundamentally rooted in God's favor and blessing upon him. Conversely, the decline of Saul's house was a consequence of their previous disobedience and God's withdrawal of His blessing from that line.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the archaic but expressive verb "waxed," which means "to grow, to become." The repetition of "stronger and stronger" (Hebrew: ื—ึธื–ึทืง ื•ึฐื”ึนืœึตืšึฐ ื•ึฐื—ึธื–ึตืง, chazaq v'holekh v'chazeq) and "weaker and weaker" (Hebrew: ื“ึธึผืœึทืœ ื•ึฐื”ึนืœึตืšึฐ ื•ึฐื“ึธืœึตืœ, dalal v'holekh v'daleel) powerfully conveys a steady, undeniable progression. This linguistic structure underscores the divine momentum behind David's rise and the irreversible decline of Saul's lineage, illustrating a clear contrast and a predetermined trajectory.

Practical Application

This verse offers encouragement that even during periods of "long war" or prolonged struggle in life, God's ultimate plan will prevail. Just as David's strength grew steadily, sometimes God's work in our lives, or in the world, unfolds gradually, requiring patience and perseverance. It reminds us to trust in God's timing and His sovereignty, knowing that His purposes will be accomplished, even through difficult or uncertain times. Our focus should be on aligning ourselves with His will, much like David continually sought the Lord's guidance, rather than despairing over immediate circumstances. This narrative also serves as a reminder that those who oppose God's will ultimately weaken, while those who walk in His favor are strengthened (Psalm 1:3).

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 14:30 (6 votes)

    And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all [their] days.

  • 2 Samuel 2:17 (5 votes)

    And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

  • Job 8:7 (5 votes)

    Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

  • Proverbs 4:18 (5 votes)

    But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

  • Proverbs 4:19 (5 votes)

    The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

  • Ephesians 6:12 (4 votes)

    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

  • Psalms 84:7 (4 votes)

    They go from strength to strength, [every one of them] in Zion appeareth before God.