2 Samuel 5:10

KJV

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts [was] with him.

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

David grew greater and greater, because ADONAI the God of Armies was with him.

Berean Standard Bible

And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

American Standard Version

And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah, the God of hosts, was with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:10 serves as a profound summary statement regarding King David's rise to power, attributing his escalating influence and renown directly to the active, enabling 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 reign, underscoring that his continuous progress and increasing greatness were not merely the result of human skill or military might, but fundamentally because "the LORD God of hosts was with him," signifying God's sovereign backing and unwavering favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's significant 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](/2_samuel/5-9 "2 Samuel 5:9 - David Captures Jerusalem"). 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 ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")). Verse 10 acts as a theological explanation and summary of the preceding narrative, providing the divine rationale for David's success and setting the stage for the consolidation and expansion of his kingdom, culminating in the pivotal [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") in chapter 7. It marks a clear transition from the civil strife of Saul's fragmented kingdom to the divinely sanctioned and progressively powerful reign of David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's ascension to the throne of a united Israel occurred in a geopolitical landscape dominated by various regional powers and constant tribal skirmishes. The capture of Jerusalem was a masterstroke, as it was a neutral city, centrally located between Judah and the northern tribes, and easily defensible. This strategic move solidified his political and military position. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's success was often attributed to the favor of his deity. For Israel, this meant the unique 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, not merely 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](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - 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 ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection")). God's 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 [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant Promise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went on (Hebrew, _halakh'_):** This verb signifies movement, progression, or walking, often implying a continuous, unfolding journey or process. In this context, it suggests David's ongoing advancement and development, not a static state of greatness but a dynamic, divinely guided trajectory of increasing influence and authority. It highlights the active nature of his growth.
* **grew great (Hebrew, _gadal'_):** This verb means to become large, great, powerful, or significant. When applied to David, it denotes an expansion in his stature, power, wealth, and military strength. It encompasses both his personal renown and the increasing scope of his kingdom, emphasizing a divinely enabled increase in all aspects of his kingship.
* **LORD God of hosts (Hebrew, _Yahweh Elohim Ts'va'ot'_):** This profound divine title combines three significant elements. **_Yahweh_** is the personal, covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and active presence in the lives of His people. **_Elohim_** is a general term for God, highlighting His power as Creator and sovereign ruler. **_Ts'va'ot_** (hosts/armies) refers to organized bodies, most often celestial armies (angels) but also earthly forces. When combined, "LORD God of hosts" proclaims God as the supreme, all-powerful Commander who controls all forces, both spiritual and physical. For David, it meant the invincible power of God was actively on his side, ensuring victory and establishing his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David went on,"**: This phrase emphasizes the continuous and progressive nature of David's journey as king. It's not a singular event but 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 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 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.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. 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 structure highlights divine agency as the primary cause. 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.

### 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.

* [Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2 "Joseph's Prosperity Due to God's Presence")
* [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua's Commission and God's Promise of Presence")
* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise of Presence")

### 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.

#### 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: _Yahweh Elohim Ts'va'ot_) is profoundly significant because it reveals God's character and power in a way that directly relates to David's success. _Yahweh_ is God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises. _Elohim_ highlights His supreme power as Creator and sovereign ruler. _Ts'va'ot_ 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](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). 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](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The 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](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")), and the suffering of the righteous ([Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's Response to Suffering")). 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](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"). The divine presence that enabled David's ascent points directly to **Immanuel**, "God with us," in the person of Jesus ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus, Immanuel")). 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. Jesus' "going on and growing great" is seen in His [exaltation to the right hand of the Father](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation") and the continuous expansion of His spiritual kingdom across the earth, a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). 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](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), enabling them to participate in the ongoing work of His kingdom and experience true spiritual greatness in Him.

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

2 Samuel 3:1

¶ Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Luke 2:52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Daniel 2:45

Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.