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Commentary on 2 Samuel 3 verses 1–6
Here is, I. The struggle that David had with the house of Saul before his settlement in the throne was completed, Sa2 3:1. 1. Both sides contested. Saul's house, though beheaded and diminished, would not fall tamely. It is not strange between them, but one would wonder it should be a long war, when David's house had right on its side, and therefore God on its side; but, though truth and equity will triumph at last, God made for wise and holy ends prolonged the conflict. The length of this war tried the faith and patience of David, and made his establishment at last the more welcome to him. 2. David's side got ground. The house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker, lost places, lost men, sunk in its reputation, grew less considerable, and was foiled in every engagement. But the house of David grew stronger and stronger. Many deserted the declining cause of Saul's house, and prudently came into David's interest, being convinced that he would certainly win the day. The contest between grace and corruption in the hearts of believers, who are sanctified but in part, may fitly be compared to this recorded here. There is a long war between them, the flesh lusted against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh; but, as the work of sanctification is carried on, corruption, like the house of Saul, grows weaker and weaker; while grace, like the house of David, grows stronger and stronger, till it come to a perfect man, and judgment be brought forth unto victory.
II. The increase of his own house. Here is an account of six sons he had by six several wives, in the seven years he reigned in Hebron. Perhaps this is here mentioned as that which strengthened David's interest. Every child, whose welfare was embarked in the common safety, was a fresh security given to the commonwealth for his care of it. He that has his quiver filled with these arrows shall speak with his enemy in the gate, Psa 127:5. As the death of Saul's sons weakened his interest, so the birth of David's strengthened his. 1. It was David's fault thus to multiply wives, contrary to the law (Deu 17:17), and it was a bad example to his successors. 2. It does not appear that in these seven years he had above one son by each of these wives; some have had as numerous a progeny, and with much more honour and comfort, by one wife. 3. We read not that any of these sons came to be famous (three of them were infamous, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah); we have therefore reason to rejoice with trembling in the building up of our families. 4. His son by Abigail is called Chileab (Sa2 3:3), whereas (Ch1 3:1) he is called Daniel. Bishop Patrick mentions the reason which the Hebrew doctors give for these names, that his first name was Daniel - God has judged me (namely, against Nabal), but David's enemies reproached him, and said, "It is Nabal's son, and not David's," to confute which calumny Providence so ordered it that, as he grew up, he became, in his countenance and features, extremely like David, and resembled him more than any of his children, upon which he gave him the name of Chileab, which signifies, like his father, or the father's picture. 5. Absalom's mother is said to be the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, a heathen prince. Perhaps David thereby hoped to strengthen his interest, but the issue of the marriage was one that proved his grief and shame. 6. The last is called David's wife, which therefore, some think, was Michal, his first and most rightful wife, called here by another name; and, though she had no child after she mocked David, she might have had before.
Thus was David's house strengthened; but it was Abner that made himself strong for the house of Saul, which is mentioned (Sa2 3:6) to show that, if he failed them, they would fall of course.
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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. 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). 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.
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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Samuel 3:5, and indeed the entire list of verses (2 Samuel 3:2-5), 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.
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
FAQ
Who was Eglah, and why is she mentioned specifically?
Answer: Eglah is identified in 2 Samuel 3:5 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, 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), 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. 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). 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, Jesus, who is explicitly identified as a descendant of David in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 1:1 and Romans 1:3). 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). 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.