2 Samuel 5:10

Translation
King James Version
And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And David H1732 went H3212 on H1980, and grew great H1419, and the LORD H3068 God H430 of hosts H6635 was with him.
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Complete Jewish Bible
David grew greater and greater, because ADONAI the God of Armies was with him.
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Berean Standard Bible
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.
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American Standard Version
And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah, the God of hosts, was with him.
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World English Bible Messianic
David grew greater and greater; for the LORD, the God of Hosts, was with him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And Dauid prospered and grewe: for the Lord God of hostes was with him.
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Young's Literal Translation
and David goeth, going on and becoming great, and Jehovah, God of Hosts, is with him.
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See also
2 Samuel 3:1Psalms 46:11Romans 8:31Luke 2:52Isaiah 9:7Daniel 2:44Daniel 2:45
See on the biblical-era map
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of David
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of David View full PDF
David Captures and Defends Jerusalem
David Captures and Defends Jerusalem View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,143 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

2 Samuel 5:10 serves as a profound theological statement summarizing King David's ascendant reign, attributing his continuous progress and escalating influence directly to the active, sovereign presence of God. Following his anointing as king over all Israel and the strategic capture of Jerusalem, this verse encapsulates the divine affirmation of David's leadership, underscoring that his increasing greatness was not merely the result of human skill or military prowess, but fundamentally because "the LORD God of hosts was with him," signifying God's unwavering favor and powerful backing.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows David's pivotal triumph in capturing the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, which he then established as the capital of his united kingdom, renaming it the City of David. Prior to this, David had been anointed king over all Israel, uniting the northern tribes with Judah, where he had already reigned for seven and a half years in Hebron, as detailed in 2 Samuel 5:1-5. Verse 10 acts as a theological explanation and summary of the preceding narrative, providing the divine rationale for David's rapid success and setting the stage for the consolidation and expansion of his kingdom, which culminates in the foundational Davidic Covenant in chapter 7. It marks a clear transition from the civil strife and fragmented kingdom under Saul to the divinely sanctioned and progressively powerful reign of David.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: David's ascension to the throne of a united Israel occurred within a complex geopolitical landscape, characterized by various regional powers and persistent tribal skirmishes. The capture of Jerusalem was a masterstroke, as it was a neutral city, strategically located between the territories of Judah and the northern tribes, and inherently defensible. This move solidified David's political and military position, providing a central hub for his burgeoning kingdom. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's success was invariably attributed to the favor of his deity. For Israel, this meant their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, the covenant God. The title "LORD God of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) would have resonated deeply in a warrior society, emphasizing God's supreme authority over all armies, both earthly and celestial, thereby legitimizing David's military victories and political authority as divinely ordained, rather than mere human achievement.
  • Key Themes: The central theme of 2 Samuel 5:10 is the Divine Presence and Favor as the ultimate source of David's success. The phrase "the LORD God of hosts was with him" is a recurring biblical motif signifying God's active partnership and blessing, reminiscent of God's promise to Joshua. This divine presence leads to Progressive Greatness, indicating a continuous, escalating increase in David's power, influence, and renown, suggesting a divinely orchestrated expansion of his kingdom. This verse also strongly underscores the Legitimacy of David's Reign, contrasting it with the troubled and ultimately rejected reign of Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. God's active presence confirms David as His chosen leader, fulfilling earlier prophetic declarations and paving the way for the establishment of an enduring dynasty, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the unconditional promises of the Davidic Covenant.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • went on (Hebrew, hâlak', H1980): This primitive root signifies to walk, to go, or to journey, encompassing a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, it denotes David's continuous, dynamic progression and advancement. It implies a steady, unfolding journey of increasing influence and authority, suggesting that David's rise was not a static achievement but a divinely guided, ongoing trajectory of development.
  • grew great (Hebrew, gâdôwl', H1419): This adjective, derived from the verb meaning "to be great," describes David's state of becoming large, powerful, significant, or renowned. Applied to David, it encompasses the expansion of his personal stature, his political power, his military strength, and the increasing scope of his kingdom. It emphasizes a divinely enabled increase in all aspects of his kingship, highlighting a greatness that is not merely human but divinely sanctioned and empowered.
  • LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the personal, covenant name of God, often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Its inclusion here underscores that the divine presence with David is not a generic deity, but the specific, covenant-keeping God of Israel.
  • God (Hebrew, ʼĕlôhîym', H430): This is a plural noun used to refer to the supreme God, highlighting His majesty, power, and sovereignty as Creator and ruler of all. When used in conjunction with "LORD" (Yahweh), it forms a powerful composite title that emphasizes both God's personal relationship with His people and His ultimate authority over all creation.
  • hosts (Hebrew, tsâbâʼ', H6635): This term refers to a mass of persons or things, especially an organized army or military force. It can denote earthly armies or, more profoundly, the celestial armies of angels. When combined with "LORD God," the title "LORD God of hosts" (Yahweh Elohim Ts'va'ot) proclaims God as the supreme, omnipotent Commander who controls all forces, both spiritual and physical. For David, this meant the invincible power of God was actively on his side, ensuring victory and establishing his kingdom against all opposition.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And David went on,": This phrase emphasizes the continuous and progressive nature of David's journey as king. It signifies an ongoing process of advancement, marked by strategic decisions, military victories, and political consolidation. This "going on" is implicitly guided by divine providence, indicating a steady, purposeful movement towards his destiny and the fulfillment of God's plan for his reign.
  • "and grew great,": This clause describes the outcome of David's continuous progress. His greatness encompasses not only his personal stature and renown but also the expansion of his kingdom, his military strength, and his political influence. This growth is presented as a direct result of the divine favor and presence that accompanies him, distinguishing it from mere human ambition or achievement and underscoring its supernatural origin.
  • "and the LORD God of hosts [was] with him.": This is the climactic and explanatory clause of the verse, providing the ultimate reason for David's success and greatness. The presence of "the LORD God of hosts" signifies God's active, enabling, and empowering involvement in David's life and reign. This divine title underscores God's omnipotence and His role as the supreme commander of all forces, assuring David of invincible backing and the divine legitimacy of his kingship. It is the theological anchor for all of David's achievements, making it clear that his success was not due to his own might but to God's sovereign hand.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Climax, where the statement "the LORD God of hosts [was] with him" serves as the ultimate explanation and theological pinnacle for David's preceding progress and greatness. This structural arrangement highlights divine agency as the primary cause of David's success. There is also a strong element of Divine Affirmation or Theological Summary, as the verse succinctly encapsulates the divine favor on David's reign, validating his kingship as God's chosen instrument. The phrase "the LORD was with him" is a recurring Motif throughout Scripture, often associated with individuals divinely chosen and blessed (e.g., Joseph, Joshua), lending a sense of continuity and established pattern to David's experience. Finally, the pairing of "went on" and "grew great" functions as a form of Merism, encompassing the full spectrum of David's development, from his continuous journey to the expansive outcome of his reign, illustrating a comprehensive and divinely orchestrated advancement.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Samuel 5:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that true and lasting success, particularly in leadership and kingdom building, is fundamentally rooted in the active presence and favor of God. David's greatness is not presented as a result of his own inherent abilities alone, but as a direct consequence of "the LORD God of hosts" being with him. This underscores God's sovereignty over human affairs and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The title "God of hosts" emphasizes His omnipotence and His ability to command all forces, ensuring the triumph of His chosen instruments. This divine partnership legitimizes David's reign and sets the trajectory for the establishment of a lasting dynasty, which ultimately points to the Messiah.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The truth that "the LORD God of hosts was with him" offers profound encouragement and a vital reorientation for believers today. In a world that often defines greatness by worldly metrics of power, wealth, or fame, this verse reminds us that true progress and enduring significance, from a biblical perspective, flow from God's active presence in our lives. Our endeavors, whether in our personal callings, families, or communities, are blessed and empowered when we acknowledge and rely on the God who commands all "hosts"—all forces in heaven and on earth. This means cultivating a deep relationship with Him, seeking His will, and trusting in His strength rather than our own. When God is with us, our influence can grow not for our own glory, but for His kingdom purposes, enabling us to overcome challenges and fulfill the unique purpose for which we have been called, reflecting His light in a broken world.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does understanding "the LORD God of hosts" impact your view of God's power and His active involvement in your daily life?
  • In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge God's presence as the true source of progress and strength, rather than relying solely on your own efforts?
  • What does "growing great" mean for a follower of Christ in today's world, and how might this differ from or align with worldly definitions of success?

FAQ

Why is the title "LORD God of hosts" important here?

Answer: The title "LORD God of hosts" (Hebrew: Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym tsâbâʼ) is profoundly significant because it reveals God's character and power in a way that directly relates to David's success. Yᵉhôvâh is God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises. ʼĕlôhîym highlights His supreme power as Creator and sovereign ruler. Tsâbâʼ means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both celestial armies (angels) and earthly forces. Therefore, "LORD God of hosts" portrays God as the supreme, omnipotent Commander of all spiritual and physical forces. His presence "with David" meant that the all-powerful, faithful God, who controls all armies and destinies, was actively on David's side, guaranteeing his victories, legitimizing his reign, and ensuring his progressive greatness. This title underscores that David's achievements were not merely human, but divinely empowered and secured.

How does David's "greatness" relate to God's promises?

Answer: David's "greatness" in 2 Samuel 5:10 is a direct fulfillment and continuation of God's promises made to His people, particularly the Abrahamic Covenant. God had promised Abraham that He would make his name great and his descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). David, as a descendant of Abraham and a chosen king, embodies this promise. His growing greatness signifies the establishment and consolidation of the nation of Israel under a divinely appointed king, paving the way for the specific Davidic Covenant where God promises an eternal dynasty through David's lineage. Thus, David's personal greatness is inextricably linked to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel and ultimately, for all humanity.

Does this verse imply that all success is a sign of God's favor?

Answer: While 2 Samuel 5:10 clearly links David's success to God's favor, it's crucial to understand this within the broader biblical narrative. Not all worldly success is a direct sign of God's favor or approval. The Bible also speaks of the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:3-12), and the suffering of the righteous (Job 1:21). In David's case, his "greatness" was specifically tied to his role as God's chosen king, fulfilling divine purposes and covenant promises. For believers today, true biblical "greatness" or success is measured not by worldly accumulation, but by faithfulness to God, alignment with His will, and the fruit of His Spirit in our lives, even amidst trials. The core message is that when God is truly "with" us in our obedience and pursuit of His kingdom, our efforts are blessed in ways that serve His eternal purposes, whether or not they align with worldly definitions of success.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The progressive greatness of David, empowered by "the LORD God of hosts" being with him, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as Israel's greatest king, foreshadows the eternal reign of the true King of kings and Lord of lords. The divine presence that enabled David's ascent points directly to Immanuel, "God with us," in the person of Jesus, as prophesied in Matthew 1:23. The God of hosts who was with David is the same God who empowered Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, enabling Him to cast out demons, heal the sick, and ultimately conquer sin and death through His resurrection. Jesus' "going on and growing great" is seen in His exaltation to the right hand of the Father and the continuous, unstoppable expansion of His spiritual kingdom across the earth, a kingdom that will have no end, as declared in Luke 1:33. Furthermore, just as God's presence was the source of David's power, Christ promises His perpetual presence to His followers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to participate in the ongoing work of His kingdom and experience true spiritual greatness in Him, for His glory.

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Commentary on 2 Samuel 5 verses 6–10

If Salem, the place of which Melchizedec was king, was Jerusalem (as seems probable from Psa 76:2), it was famous in Abraham's time. Joshua, in his time, found it the chief city of the south part of Canaan, Jos 10:1-3. It fell to Benjamin's lot (Jos 18:28), but joined close to Judah's, Jos 15:8. The children of Judah had taken it (Jdg 1:8), but the children of Benjamin suffered the Jebusites to dwell among them (Jdg 1:21), and they grew so upon them that it became a city of Jebusites, Jdg 19:11. Now the very first exploit David did, after he was anointed king over all Israel, was to gain Jerusalem out of the hand of the Jebusites, which, because it belonged to Benjamin, he could not well attempt till that tribe, which long adhered to Saul's house (Ch1 12:29), submitted to him. Here we have,

I. The Jebusites' defiance of David and his forces. They said, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither, Sa2 5:6. They sent David this provoking message, because, as it is said afterwards, on another occasion, they could not believe that ever an enemy would enter into the gates of Jerusalem, Lam 4:12. They confided either, 1. In the protection of their gods, which David, in contempt, had called the blind and the lame, for they have eyes and see not, feet and walk not. "But," say they, "these are the guardians of our city, and except thou take these away (which thou canst never do) thou canst not come in hither." Some think they were constellated images of brass set up in the recess of the fort, and entrusted with the custody of the place. They called their idols their Mauzzim, or strong-holds (Dan 11:38) and as such relied on them. The name of the Lord is our strong tower, and his arm is strong, his eyes are piercing. Or, 2. In the strength of their fortifications, which they thought were made so impregnable by nature or art, or both, that the blind and the lame were sufficient to defend them against the most powerful assailant. The strong-hold of Zion they especially depended on, as that which could not be forced. Probably they set blind and lame people, invalids or maimed soldiers, to make their appearance upon the walls, in scorn of David and his men, judging them an equal match for him. Though there remain but wounded men among them, yet they should serve to beat back the besiegers. Compare Jer 37:10. Note, The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh.

II. David's success against the Jebusites. Their pride and insolence, instead of daunting him, animated him, and when he made a general assault he gave this order to his men: "He that smiteth the Jebusites, let him also throw down into the ditch, or gutter, the lame and the blind, which are set upon the wall to affront us and our God." It is probable they had themselves spoken blasphemous things, and were therefore hated of David's soul. Thus Sa2 5:8 may be read; we fetch our reading of it from Ch1 11:6, which speaks only of smiting the Jebusites, but nothing of the blind and the lame. The Jebusites had said that if these images of theirs did not protect them the blind and the lame should not come into the house, that is, they would never again trust their palladium (so Mr. Gregory understands it) nor pay the respect they had paid to their images; and David, having gained the fort, said so too, that these images, which could not protect their worshippers, should never have any place there more.

III. His fixing his royal seat in Sion. He himself dwelt in the fort (the strength whereof, which had given him opposition, and was a terror to him, now contributed to his safety), and he built houses round about for his attendants and guards (Sa2 5:9) from Millo (the town-hall, or state-house) and inward. He proceeded and prospered in all he set his hand to, grew great in honour, strength, and wealth, more and more honourable in the eyes of his subjects and formidable in the eyes of his enemies; for the Lord God of hosts was with him. God has all creatures at his command, makes what use he pleases of them, and serves his own purposes by them; and he was with him, to direct, preserve, and prosper him, Those that have the Lord of hosts for them need not fear what hosts of men or devils can do against them. Those who grow great must ascribe their advancement to the presence of God with them, and give him the glory of it. The church is called Sion, and the city of the living God. The Jebusites, Christ's enemies, must first be conquered and dispossessed, the blind and the lame taken away, and then Christ divides the spoil, sets up his throne there, and makes it his residence by the Spirit.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–10. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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