2 Samuel 3:4

KJV

And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fourth {H7243}, Adonijah {H138} the son {H1121} of Haggith {H2294}; and the fifth {H2549}, Shephatiah {H8203} the son {H1121} of Abital {H37};

Complete Jewish Bible

the fourth, Adoniyah the son of Haggit; the fifth, Sh'fatyah the son of Avital;

Berean Standard Bible

his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;

American Standard Version

and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 3:4 continues the vital enumeration of King David's sons born in Hebron, specifically naming Adonijah, born to Haggith, as the fourth son, and Shephatiah, born to Abital, as the fifth. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is a crucial record of the nascent Davidic dynasty, establishing the foundational lineage for the future kingdom of Israel and subtly foreshadowing the complex family dynamics and struggles for succession that would later characterize David's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a concise but highly significant genealogical list found in [2 Samuel 3:2-5](/2_samuel/3-2 "2 Samuel 3:2-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron"). This passage immediately follows the account of the prolonged civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David, culminating in Abner's defection to David and his subsequent assassination. The listing of David's sons here serves to underscore the consolidation of his power and the legitimacy of his reign in Hebron, even as the broader narrative moves towards his anointing as king over all Israel. It provides a formal record of the heirs to his throne, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern royal narratives, signifying stability and continuity. A parallel, though slightly condensed, list can also be found in [1 Chronicles 3:1-4](/1_chronicles/3-1 "1 Chronicles 3:1-4 - David's Sons in Hebron and Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's seven-and-a-half-year reign in Hebron (cf. [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "2 Samuel 5:5 - David's Reign in Hebron")) was a period of transition and consolidation. Hebron, a city with deep patriarchal roots (cf. [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Sarah's Burial in Hebron")), served as his initial capital in Judah. During this era, polygamy was a common practice among kings and powerful figures, often serving to forge alliances and produce numerous heirs to secure the dynastic future. The mothers mentioned, Haggith and Abital, would have been part of David's growing household, reflecting his increasing status and the establishment of his royal court. The detailed recording of sons by their mothers highlights the importance of maternal lineage in identifying and distinguishing heirs, especially in a polygamous society where rivalries could easily emerge.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by this verse, within its immediate context, is the **Establishment of the Davidic Dynasty**. The careful enumeration of David's sons born during his foundational reign in Hebron emphasizes the importance of legitimate succession and the divine promise of an enduring lineage (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Furthermore, the inclusion of Adonijah, who later attempts to usurp the throne, introduces a subtle **Foreshadowing of Future Conflict and Internal Strife** within David's own family. This foreshadowing underscores the recurring biblical theme that even divinely appointed leaders and their families are subject to human sin, ambition, and the tragic consequences thereof, as seen in subsequent events in [1 Kings 1](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Attempt to Usurp the Throne"). This tension between divine promise and human failing is a pervasive motif throughout the Deuteronomistic History.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adonijah (Hebrew, _ʼĂḏōnîyāh_):** This name literally means "My Lord is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is Lord." It is a theophoric name, common in ancient Israel, incorporating a divine element ("Yah" for Yahweh). The name itself suggests a devotion to God, yet the life of Adonijah, particularly his later attempt to seize the throne from David (cf. [1 Kings 1:5](/1_kings/1-5 "1 Kings 1:5 - Adonijah Exalts Himself")), stands in stark contrast to the meaning of his name, highlighting the irony of human ambition overriding divine lordship.
* **Shephatiah (Hebrew, _Šĕphaṭyāh_):** Meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh has defended," this name also includes the divine element "Yah." Like Adonijah, it reflects a parental acknowledgement of God's action in their lives, perhaps in the context of a difficult birth or a prayer answered. Unlike Adonijah, Shephatiah plays no significant role in the subsequent biblical narrative, remaining a background figure in David's numerous offspring.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;":** This clause formally introduces Adonijah as the fourth son born to David in Hebron. The inclusion of his mother's name, Haggith, is standard for genealogical lists of this period, serving to uniquely identify the son and acknowledge the mother's place within the royal household. This specific identification becomes critically important later when Adonijah makes his bid for the throne, establishing his legitimate claim as a son of David, albeit not the divinely chosen successor.
* **"and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;":** This parallel clause introduces Shephatiah as the fifth son, specifying his mother as Abital. The consistent pattern of naming the son and his mother reinforces the meticulous record-keeping of the royal lineage. While Shephatiah does not feature prominently in the historical narrative beyond this mention, his inclusion completes the record of David's sons born during this pivotal period in Hebron, demonstrating the growth and establishment of David's family and, by extension, his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in this verse and the surrounding passage is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary and theological tool in biblical narrative. Genealogies establish legitimacy, track lineage, demonstrate the fulfillment of promises (e.g., God's promise to Abraham of numerous descendants), and provide a framework for understanding historical progression. In this specific context, the genealogy serves to formalize David's burgeoning royal house in Hebron. Furthermore, the mention of Adonijah, though seemingly innocuous at this point, functions as a subtle yet potent example of **Foreshadowing**. The careful identification of this son, who will later become a significant antagonist in the succession narrative, prepares the reader for future dramatic events, adding a layer of dramatic irony to what appears to be a straightforward record. This also subtly highlights the **Irony** between the meaning of Adonijah's name ("My Lord is Yahweh") and his future rebellious actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while a simple record, underscores the divine hand in establishing and preserving the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. The meticulous recording of David's sons, even those who would later cause trouble, speaks to God's sovereignty over human history and His commitment to His covenantal promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. It reminds us that God works through real, often flawed, human families and political structures to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His patience and long-suffering. The presence of future contenders like Adonijah also highlights the enduring tension between divine election and human free will, ambition, and sin within the very family chosen for divine purposes.

* [Genesis 10:1-32](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")
* [Ruth 4:18-22](/ruth/4-18 "Ruth 4:18-22 - The Genealogy of David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane details of a genealogical list, such as the naming of David's fourth and fifth sons, hold profound spiritual lessons. They remind us that God is intimately involved in the details of human history, meticulously weaving together individual lives and family lines to accomplish His grand design. This passage invites us to consider the significance of our own lineage—not just biologically, but spiritually—and how we contribute to the ongoing story of God's work in the world. It also serves as a subtle caution: even those born into positions of privilege or divine promise, like Adonijah, are not exempt from the temptations of ambition and rebellion. Our heritage does not guarantee our faithfulness. We are called to live out our faith actively, humbly submitting to God's will rather than pursuing our own agendas, even when our names might suggest divine favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture, including this one, speak to God's sovereignty and His attention to detail in human history?**
* **What lessons can be drawn from the contrast between the meaning of Adonijah's name ("My Lord is Yahweh") and his later actions?**
* **In what ways might our own "lineage" or background (family, culture, church) influence our spiritual journey, for good or ill?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to look for deeper theological significance even in seemingly ordinary or factual biblical texts?**

### FAQ
**Why are the mothers of David's sons listed in this genealogy?**

Answer: The listing of mothers alongside sons in biblical genealogies, especially for royal figures, served several crucial purposes. Firstly, in a polygamous society, it was essential to distinguish between sons who shared the same father but had different mothers, clearly identifying each individual heir. Secondly, it could indicate the status or origin of the mother, which might have implications for the son's standing or potential alliances. For instance, Amnon's mother, Ahinoam of Jezreel, might connect David to a specific region. Thirdly, it provided a more complete and accurate record for dynastic purposes, ensuring the legitimacy and clarity of the royal line. The mothers were integral to the identity and claims of their sons within the royal household.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 3:4 appears to be a simple historical record of David's family, it contributes to the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ. The very act of listing David's sons underscores the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, from which the Messiah was promised to come. The covenant God made with David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") promised an eternal kingdom and an enduring throne through his offspring. Every son born to David, including Adonijah and Shephatiah, was a link in this divinely ordained chain, however imperfect. Ultimately, the true and final fulfillment of this promise is found not in any of David's immediate sons, but in Jesus, the "son of David" (cf. [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus Descended from David")), who perfectly embodies the meaning of "My Lord is Yahweh." Unlike Adonijah, who sought to usurp the throne through human ambition, Jesus, the rightful King, humbly came to serve and to establish a spiritual kingdom that is truly eternal and unshakeable (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, even these seemingly minor details contribute to the unfolding tapestry of salvation history, pointing forward to the ultimate Son who would perfectly fulfill all the promises made to His father David.

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

1 Kings 1:5

¶ Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

1 Kings 1:18

And now, behold, Adonijah reigneth; and now, my lord the king, thou knowest [it] not:

1 Kings 2:13

And Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably.

1 Kings 2:25

And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell upon him that he died.