2 Samuel 3:5

KJV

And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sixth {H8345}, Ithream {H3507}, by Eglah {H5698} David's {H1732} wife {H802}. These were born {H3205} to David {H1732} in Hebron {H2275}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and the sixth, Yitre'am, whose mother was 'Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hevron.

Berean Standard Bible

and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.

American Standard Version

and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse concludes the list of six sons born to David during his seven-and-a-half-year reign in Hebron, specifically naming Ithream, born to Eglah. It serves as a crucial genealogical record, meticulously establishing the early foundation of David's royal household in his initial capital, underscoring the burgeoning stability and divine blessing upon his nascent kingdom before he became king over all Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Samuel 3:5 is the concluding verse in a short but significant genealogical list (2 Samuel 3:2-5) that enumerates the six sons born to David during his time as king in Hebron. This list immediately follows the account of the ongoing civil war between the house of David and the house of Saul, led by Abner (2 Samuel 3:1). The detailed naming of David's heirs underscores the stability and legitimacy of his nascent kingdom, even amidst conflict. It sets the stage for the subsequent narrative, which focuses on Abner's defection to David and his eventual assassination, paving the way for David's undisputed reign over all Israel, as described later in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel"). The inclusion of this lineage highlights the establishment of David's dynasty as a foundational element of the narrative, providing a sense of continuity and divine purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period described, David reigned in Hebron as king over the tribe of Judah for seven and a half years ([2 Samuel 2:11](/2_samuel/2-11 "2 Samuel 2:11 - David's Reign in Hebron")). Hebron, an ancient city with deep historical and religious significance (e.g., Abraham's burial place), served as his first capital. The birth of multiple sons to various wives, as listed in these verses, was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings. It served not only to produce heirs for dynastic succession but also often to solidify political alliances and demonstrate the king's virility and divine favor. The mention of "Eglah David's wife" reflects the accepted practice of polygamy in ancient Israelite society, a historical reality of the time, though not presented as an ideal. This period was crucial for David's consolidation of power before his eventual move to Jerusalem and his anointing as king over all Israel, as recounted in [2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes. Primarily, it emphasizes the **establishment of David's lineage** and the **founding of his royal dynasty**. The meticulous record of his sons born in Hebron highlights the divine blessing and fruitfulness upon David's house, a visible sign of God's faithfulness to His promises. Secondly, it underscores **Hebron's significance** as the initial cradle of David's kingdom, where his personal family and political power base began to grow, marking a pivotal phase in the fulfillment of God's plan for David. Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **divine purpose amidst human realities**, as God works through the historical and cultural norms of the time, including polygamy, to bring about His overarching plan for David's kingdom, which would eventually lead to the promise of an eternal dynasty in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ithream (Hebrew, _Yithrᵉʻâm'_):** From the Hebrew words for "excellence" and "people," meaning "excellence of people." While Ithream is a relatively obscure figure in biblical narrative, his name, like those of his brothers, fits within the broader theme of the burgeoning family of David. This growing family would eventually become the foundation of a great nation and the royal line through which the Messiah would come, symbolizing the excellence and divine favor upon David's progeny.
* **Eglah (Hebrew, _ʻEglâh'_):** This name, identical to the Hebrew word for "heifer" or "calf," identifies one of David's wives and the mother of Ithream. While the name itself doesn't offer specific theological insights into her character, her inclusion is vital for establishing the legitimacy of Ithream within the royal lineage. In ancient genealogies, the mother's identity was crucial for an heir's legal and social standing.
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** Meaning "seat of association." Hebron was David's first capital, a place of significant strategic and historical importance, particularly as a city of refuge and a burial site for patriarchs. The emphasis on these sons being "born to David in Hebron" firmly roots the initial phase of David's dynastic establishment in this ancient city, highlighting the period of his kingdom's early formation and consolidation of power through alliances and family growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sixth, Ithream,"**: This phrase introduces the final son in the list of David's children born in Hebron, completing the enumeration of his initial heirs. The specific numbering emphasizes the systematic record-keeping of the royal lineage, ensuring that all heirs born during this foundational period are accounted for, even those who do not play a prominent role in later narratives. This meticulous detail underscores the importance of dynastic succession.
* **"by Eglah David's wife."**: This clause identifies Ithream's mother, Eglah, explicitly stating her status as "David's wife." This detail is crucial in ancient genealogies for establishing the legitimacy and legal standing of an heir within the royal household. While Eglah is not as well-known as other wives, her inclusion validates Ithream's place in the Davidic line, confirming his rightful claim as a son of the king.
* **"These were born to David in Hebron."**: This concluding statement serves as a summary for the entire preceding list (2 Samuel 3:2-5). It firmly situates the births of all six sons within David's initial reign in Hebron, emphasizing this period as the foundational stage of his kingdom's development and the establishment of his dynastic succession before the capital moved to Jerusalem. It highlights Hebron as the cradle of David's family and early political power.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Samuel 3:5, and indeed the entire list of verses ([2 Samuel 3:2-5](/2_samuel/3-2-5 "2 Samuel 3:2-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")), is **Enumeration** or **Genealogy**. This systematic listing of David's sons born in Hebron serves to establish and validate his royal lineage, a critical aspect of ancient Near Eastern kingship and a testament to the divine blessing upon his house. The **Repetition** of the phrase "born to David in Hebron" (or similar phrasing in the preceding verses) acts as a structural device, emphasizing the specific period and location of these foundational births and reinforcing the legitimacy of David's burgeoning dynasty. While subtle, the establishment of this robust lineage also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing towards the later Davidic Covenant and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through the Messiah, who would descend from this very line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous record of David's sons in Hebron, culminating with Ithream, underscores God's active involvement in establishing David's dynasty according to His divine plan. It demonstrates the divine commitment to the covenant with David, even working through human means and cultural practices like polygamy, which, while not God's ideal, were part of the historical reality through which His purposes unfolded. This detailed lineage is not merely historical trivia but a profound testament to God's faithfulness in preparing the way for the ultimate King, the Messiah, who would descend from David's line. The births signify the initial blossoming of the royal house, a visible sign of God's blessing and the fulfillment of His promise to make David a great name and establish his throne, laying the groundwork for the enduring Davidic covenant.

* [1 Chronicles 3:1-4](/1_chronicles/3-1-4 "1 Chronicles 3:1-4 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham of a Great Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple genealogical entry invites us to consider the profound ways God works through the ordinary, and sometimes imperfect, details of human history to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The meticulous recording of David's lineage, even of a lesser-known son like Ithream, reminds us that every life, every family, and every historical moment plays a part in God's grand narrative. It encourages us to trust that God is sovereignly orchestrating events, even when circumstances seem chaotic or morally ambiguous (like the practice of polygamy). For us today, it prompts reflection on the importance of our own lineage—not just physical, but spiritual—and how our lives contribute to the unfolding of God's kingdom. It also highlights the value God places on details and records, suggesting that our own stories, however humble, are significant in His eyes, and that His faithfulness extends through generations, often in ways we cannot fully comprehend. This verse ultimately calls us to find our place within God's larger story, recognizing that even the seemingly small details of our lives are woven into His magnificent tapestry of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this detailed genealogical record encourage your faith in God's meticulous plan for history?**
* **In what ways can we see God working through imperfect human circumstances to achieve His perfect will, as exemplified by David's family?**
* **What does the emphasis on lineage in the Bible teach us about the long-term impact of our lives and choices?**

### FAQ
**Who was Eglah, and why is she mentioned specifically?**

Answer: Eglah is identified in [2 Samuel 3:5](/2_samuel/3-5 "2 Samuel 3:5 - Ithream Born to Eglah") as one of David's wives and the mother of Ithream, the sixth son born to David in Hebron. While less prominent in the biblical narrative than wives like Michal, Abigail, or Bathsheba, her specific mention is crucial for establishing Ithream's legitimacy within David's royal lineage. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the mother's identity was vital for establishing the legal and social standing of an heir. The Bible's meticulous record-keeping, as seen here and in parallel genealogies like those in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Descendants"), ensures the precise tracing of the royal line, which was essential for dynastic succession and the future promises connected to David's house.

**Why is the list of sons born in Hebron important?**

Answer: This list ([2 Samuel 3:2-5](/2_samuel/3-2-5 "2 Samuel 3:2-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")), concluding with Ithream, is important because it records the foundational phase of David's royal dynasty. These are the sons born during his initial seven-and-a-half-year reign as king over Judah in Hebron. The birth of multiple male heirs signified divine blessing and the consolidation of power, laying the groundwork for the future Davidic kingdom. It precedes David's move to Jerusalem and his anointing as king over all Israel, as detailed in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel"). The existence of these heirs was critical for the stability and continuation of the nascent monarchy, demonstrating that God was actively building David's house even amidst political strife and preparing the way for the fulfillment of His covenant promises to David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 3:5 appears as a simple genealogical entry, its true Christ-centered fulfillment lies in its contribution to the meticulously preserved lineage of David, through whom the Messiah would ultimately come. The birth of Ithream, alongside his brothers, signifies the initial blossoming of the royal house from which God promised an eternal dynasty (as seen in the [Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")). This verse, therefore, is a subtle but vital thread in the grand tapestry of redemptive history, pointing towards the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ. Though Ithream himself is not a prominent figure, his inclusion reinforces the divine faithfulness to establish a royal line that would eventually culminate in the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"), Jesus, who is explicitly identified as a descendant of David in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")). The meticulous record of David's sons in Hebron underscores God's sovereign hand in preparing the way for the incarnation, ensuring that the promised seed of Abraham and David would indeed arrive to establish an everlasting kingdom (as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Every name in this ancient list serves as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

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.