2 Samuel 3:5

Context of 2 Samuel 3:5

This verse is part of a specific list detailing the six sons born to David during his seven-and-a-half-year reign in Hebron, where he was king over Judah before becoming king over all Israel. The preceding verses (2 Samuel 3:2-4) name David's other sons born in Hebron: Amnon, Chileab (or Daniel), Absalom, Adonijah, and Shephatiah. This enumeration serves to establish the foundational lineage of David's royal house, highlighting the early stages of his dynasty. During this period, David's kingdom was still consolidating power, and there was ongoing conflict with the house of Saul, led by Abner. The birth of these sons underscores the stability and blessing upon David during this crucial transitional phase, laying the groundwork for the future Davidic dynasty. For more on David's anointing in Hebron, see 2 Samuel 2:4.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Establishment of David's Lineage: The primary purpose of this verse and the surrounding list is to record the heirs to David's throne. Each son represents a potential continuation of his royal line, a critical aspect of ancient Near Eastern kingship. This focus on lineage would later find its ultimate fulfillment in the Davidic Covenant, promising an eternal dynasty.
• Hebron as a Royal Nursery: Hebron served as David's first capital, and the birth of these sons there signifies the early growth and consolidation of his power base before he moved the capital to Jerusalem. It marks a period of significant expansion for David's personal and political life.
• Polygamy in Ancient Israel: The mention of "Eglah David's wife" is a factual statement reflecting the accepted practice of polygamy among kings and prominent figures in ancient Israelite society. While not endorsed as an ideal, it's presented as a historical reality of the time.

Linguistic Insights

The name Ithream (Hebrew: יִתְרְעָם, *Yitrĕ‘am*) is believed to mean "abundance of people" or "the remnant of the people." This name, while not carrying profound theological weight in this context, fits within the broader theme of the burgeoning family of David, which would eventually become the foundation of a great nation and royal line. Eglah's name (Hebrew: עֶגְלָה, *‘Eglah*) means "heifer" or "calf," a common ancient name that doesn't offer specific insights into her character or significance beyond her role as David's wife and mother to Ithream.

Related Scriptures

• A similar list of David's sons born in Hebron can be found in 1 Chronicles 3:1-4, which often provides parallel genealogical information.
• For the transition of David's reign from Hebron to Jerusalem, see 2 Samuel 5:3-5.

Practical Application

While a seemingly simple genealogical entry, 2 Samuel 3:5 reminds us of the meticulous detail with which biblical history records the lineage of key figures. It underscores the importance of family and succession in God's plan, particularly in establishing the line through which the Messiah would eventually come. For the modern reader, it highlights that even in the midst of political strife and personal complexities (like polygamy), God's overarching purpose for David's kingdom was being systematically fulfilled. It encourages us to see God's hand at work in the details of history, shaping circumstances to achieve His greater redemptive purposes.