2 Samuel 3:2

And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

And unto David {H1732} were sons {H1121} born {H3205}{H3205} in Hebron {H2275}: and his firstborn {H1060} was Amnon {H550}, of Ahinoam {H293} the Jezreelitess {H3159};

Sons were born to David in Hevron. His firstborn was Amnon, whose mother was Achino'am from Yizre'el;

And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;

And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his first-born was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Samuel 3:2 (KJV)

This verse offers a concise but significant detail about King David's personal life during his early reign in Hebron, providing insight into the foundational years of his monarchy.

Context

At this point in the narrative of 2 Samuel, David has been anointed king over the tribe of Judah and has established his capital in Hebron. However, the rest of Israel remains under the nominal rule of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, leading to a period of civil war between the house of David and the house of Saul. Amidst this political and military struggle, the verse shifts focus to David's growing family, highlighting the domestic aspects of his nascent kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Establishment of Royal Lineage: The birth of sons to David in Hebron signifies the formal establishment of his royal household and the beginning of his dynasty. This was crucial for succession and the stability of the emerging monarchy.
  • Hebron as a Capital: Hebron, a historically significant city and a city of refuge, served as David's first capital for seven and a half years (2 Samuel 5:5). The births here solidify its importance as the initial seat of David's power.
  • Introduction of Amnon: As David's firstborn son, Amnon held a position of significant privilege and expectation. His introduction here, along with his mother Ahinoam, foreshadows later tragic events and complexities within David's family, which are extensively detailed later in the book of 2 Samuel.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Hebron" (Hebrew: חֶבְרוֹן, Chevrōn) is derived from a root meaning "association" or "confederacy," aptly describing David's early base where he gathered support from various tribes. "Jezreelitess" (Hebrew: יִזְרְעֵאלִית, Yizrĕ‘ēlîṯ) indicates Ahinoam's origin from Jezreel, a significant city and fertile valley in the northern part of Israel, suggesting David's connections or alliances extending beyond Judah.

Related Scriptures

This verse is part of a list of David's sons born in Hebron. For a more comprehensive list, you can refer to 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, which parallels this information. The concept of a firstborn son, though often carrying special rights, was sometimes superseded by divine choice, as seen in David himself being chosen over his elder brothers.

Practical Application

Even amidst political turmoil and the arduous process of unifying a kingdom, David's personal life continued, marked by the responsibilities and joys of family. This verse reminds us that life's foundational elements, like family and lineage, progress even during periods of significant external challenge. It also subtly introduces the complexities and future sorrows that would plague David's household, demonstrating that even divinely chosen leaders face the realities of human relationships and their consequences.

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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

  • 1 Chronicles 3:1

    ¶ Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:

  • 1 Chronicles 3:4

    [These] six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.

  • Genesis 49:3

    Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

  • Genesis 49:4

    Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

  • 1 Samuel 25:42

    And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

  • 1 Samuel 25:43

    David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives.

  • 2 Samuel 13:1

    ¶ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name [was] Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
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