2 Samuel 5:15

KJV

Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

KJV (with Strong's)

Ibhar {H2984} also, and Elishua {H474}, and Nepheg {H5298}, and Japhia {H3309},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yivchar, Elishua, Nefeg, Yafia,

Berean Standard Bible

Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,

American Standard Version

and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:15 presents a concise yet significant enumeration of four of King David's sons—Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, and Japhia—born to him in Jerusalem. This verse is an integral part of a broader genealogical record detailing David's expanding family and the consolidation of his kingdom in the newly established capital. It subtly underscores the divine blessing upon David's reign, the burgeoning strength of his dynasty, and the meticulous nature of biblical history in tracing the lineage through which God's promises would unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of 2 Samuel that marks the zenith of David's rise to power. Immediately preceding this list, David has been anointed king over all Israel by the elders ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1 "David Anointed King")), and he has successfully captured the strategically vital city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital and the future spiritual center of the nation ([2 Samuel 5:6-10](/2_samuel/5-6 "David Conquers Jerusalem")). Following this, the text highlights Hiram, King of Tyre's, recognition of David and his aid in building David's palace ([2 Samuel 5:11-12](/2_samuel/5-11 "Hiram Builds David's Palace")). The listing of David's sons born in Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 5:13-16](/2_samuel/5-13 "Sons Born in Jerusalem")) serves as a testament to God's blessing and the stability of David's reign, preceding the Philistine attacks that challenge his newfound authority ([2 Samuel 5:17-25](/2_samuel/5-17 "David Defeats the Philistines")). This genealogical insertion reinforces the theme of dynastic establishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the strength and longevity of a king's reign were often symbolized by the size and vitality of his family, particularly the number of his sons. A large progeny was seen as a clear sign of divine favor and a guarantee of dynastic continuity. David, as a monarch, practiced polygamy, a common custom for kings of that era, which aimed to secure the succession and forge political alliances. The birth of these sons in Jerusalem, a city newly conquered and transformed into the political and religious heart of Israel, further emphasized the legitimacy and permanence of David's kingdom. This period represents the transition from a tribal confederacy to a centralized monarchy, with Jerusalem serving as a neutral capital that united both northern and southern tribes.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of David's sons in this chapter contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Davidic Dynasty and Succession**, emphasizing the importance of a clear lineage for the continuation of the monarchy, which would eventually lead to the Messiah. This directly relates to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "The Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7"), where God promises an enduring house and kingdom for David. Secondly, the abundance of sons signifies **Divine Blessing and Fruitfulness**, reflecting God's favor upon David and the prosperity granted to his newly established kingdom, a common motif where a large family symbolizes God's faithfulness (cf. [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Be Fruitful and Multiply")). Lastly, the inclusion of such detailed genealogies underscores the **Veracity and Meticulousness of Biblical Record-Keeping**, affirming the historical reality of God's work through specific individuals and families in the unfolding of salvation history, as seen in other extensive genealogies like those in [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ibhar (Hebrew, _yivḥār_):** Meaning "He chooses" or "Chosen one." This name, while perhaps coincidental, carries a subtle resonance with David himself, God's chosen king. It also foreshadows the divine election inherent in the Davidic line, which God specifically chose to establish His eternal kingdom.
* **Elishua (Hebrew, _ʾĕlīšūaʿ_):** Meaning "My God is salvation" or "God of opulence." This name is particularly interesting as it appears as "Elishama" (meaning "God has heard") in the parallel accounts of [1 Chronicles 3:6](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6 - David's Sons") and [1 Chronicles 14:5](/1_chronicles/14-5 "1 Chronicles 14:5 - David's Sons"). Such variations are common in ancient texts, reflecting possible scribal differences, alternative spellings, or even different names for the same individual (perhaps a birth name and a more commonly used name). Regardless, the meaning "My God is salvation" points to a theological truth central to Israel's identity and God's interaction with His people.
* **Japhia (Hebrew, _yāfīaʿ_):** Meaning "He will shine" or "Radiant." This name evokes imagery of light and prominence. While Japhia himself does not appear to play a significant role in the biblical narrative beyond his birth, the name itself carries a sense of hope and future glory, perhaps implicitly pointing to the ultimate "shining" of the Davidic line in the person of the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ibhar also":** This introduces the first of the four sons listed in this verse, indicating his place within the growing family of David born in Jerusalem. The Hebrew conjunction "waw" (ו) often translated as "and" or "also," connects him to the preceding list of sons (Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon in [2 Samuel 5:14](/2_samuel/5-14 "David's Sons Born in Jerusalem")).
* **"and Elishua":** The second son mentioned, whose name, "My God is salvation," carries significant theological weight, even if the individual's life is not detailed. His inclusion reinforces the theme of God's blessing on David's household.
* **"and Nepheg":** The third son, whose name "Sprout" or "Bud" metaphorically suggests new growth and vitality within the Davidic lineage. This imagery aligns with the idea of a flourishing dynasty.
* **"and Japhia":** The fourth and final son listed in this specific verse, whose name "He will shine" adds to the sense of promise and future significance for David's royal line, even if the individual son himself is not a prominent figure in the narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 5:15 is **Enumeration**, specifically a **Genealogy**. The verse is a straightforward listing of names, part of a larger catalog of David's sons born in Jerusalem. This **Enumeration** serves a crucial purpose: it provides a historical record of the royal lineage, emphasizing the growth and establishment of David's household. While seemingly simple, this **Genealogy** is not merely a dry list; it carries **Symbolism**. The very existence of numerous sons born to David in his new capital symbolizes the divine blessing, stability, and future continuity of his kingdom. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to make David's name great and establish his house. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" (implied in the Hebrew structure) creates a sense of steady progression and expansion, reinforcing the idea of a flourishing dynasty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 5:15, though a simple list of names, is deeply intertwined with the overarching theological narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the establishment of His kingdom. The meticulous record of David's lineage underscores the divine intention to build a lasting dynasty through him, culminating in the promise of an eternal throne (the Davidic Covenant in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "God's Covenant with David")). This verse, therefore, is not just about David's personal family growth but about the meticulous unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the royal line from which the Messiah would ultimately emerge. It speaks to God's attention to detail and His sovereign control over history, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of human genealogy, all for the grand purpose of salvation.

* [1 Chronicles 3:5-8](/1_chronicles/3-5 "David's Sons in Jerusalem") – Provides a parallel and slightly more extensive list of David's sons born in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of these records for chronicling the royal lineage.
* [Psalm 127:3](/psalm/127-3 "Children are a Heritage from the Lord") – Affirms the cultural and theological understanding that children, especially sons, are a heritage and blessing from the Lord, directly applicable to David's burgeoning family.
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") – Demonstrates the ultimate theological significance of biblical genealogies, tracing the lineage of Jesus Christ back through David, affirming His rightful claim as the promised Son of David.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of seemingly minor details like a list of names in Scripture reminds us of God's profound attention to every aspect of His creation and His plan. Just as each son in David's lineage played a part, whether prominent or obscure, in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, so too does every individual have a unique and vital role in God's grand narrative. This verse invites us to consider our own place within the ongoing story of God's people. It encourages us to appreciate the heritage of faith passed down through generations and to recognize that even in our ordinary lives, we contribute to a larger divine purpose. Our lives, our families, and our legacies are not insignificant in the eyes of a God who meticulously records every detail for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of genealogies in Scripture, like this one, deepen your appreciation for God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways does this verse, highlighting the growth of David's family, symbolize God's blessing and fruitfulness in your own life or community?**
* **Considering that many of these sons are not individually prominent in the narrative, what does this suggest about the value God places on every individual, regardless of their public profile or perceived impact?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific sons listed, and what is their importance?**

Answer: These sons, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, and Japhia, are listed as part of a comprehensive record of David's children born in Jerusalem, following his establishment as king over all Israel and the capture of the city. Their importance lies primarily in their contribution to the royal lineage of David, ensuring the continuity of the dynasty from which the Messiah would eventually come. While these four individuals do not feature prominently in later narratives, their inclusion underscores the divine blessing on David's house and the meticulous nature of the biblical record, which traces the unfolding of God's promises through specific historical figures. This list is crucial for understanding the historical and dynastic context of the Davidic kingdom, as seen in parallel accounts in [1 Chronicles 3:5-8](/1_chronicles/3-5 "David's Sons") and [1 Chronicles 14:4-7](/1_chronicles/14-4 "David's Sons").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 5:15, with its seemingly simple list of David's sons, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. The meticulous recording of David's progeny, including these four sons, serves as a vital link in the genealogical chain that ultimately leads to the promised Messiah. God's covenant with David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant") promised an enduring house and kingdom, a promise that could only be fulfilled through a continuous lineage. Every name in David's family tree, no matter how obscure, contributes to the historical authenticity and divine orchestration of this lineage. Jesus, repeatedly identified as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 9:27](/matthew/9-27 "Two Blind Men Call on Jesus"), [Luke 18:38](/luke/18-38 "Blind Bartimaeus Cries Out")), is the ultimate heir to David's throne, the one through whom God's eternal kingdom is established. The very names listed, such as "Elishua" (My God is salvation) and "Japhia" (He will shine), subtly echo the salvific and glorious nature of the Messiah, who is indeed God's salvation and the radiant light of the world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "Jesus, the Light of the World")). Thus, this verse, while a historical record, is a testament to God's faithful preservation of the messianic line, culminating in the eternal reign of Christ, the true King of Israel.

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

1 Chronicles 14:5

And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

1 Chronicles 3:6

Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,