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Commentary on 2 Samuel 5 verses 11–16
11 ¶ And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
Here is, I. David's house built, a royal palace, fit for the reception of the court he kept and the homage that was paid to him, Sa2 5:11. The Jews were husbandmen and shepherds, and did not much addict themselves either to merchandise or manufactures; and therefore Hiram, king of Tyre, a wealthy prince, when he sent to congratulate David on his accession to the throne, offered him workmen to build him a house. David thankfully accepted the offer, and Hiram's workmen built David a house to his mind. Many have excelled in arts and sciences who were strangers to the covenants of promise. Yet David's house was never the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of the strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Isa 60:10.
II. David's government settled and built up, Sa2 5:12. 1. His kingdom was established, there was nothing to shake it, none to disturb his possession or question his title. He that made him king established him, because he was to be a type of Christ, with whom God's hand should be established, and his covenant stand fast, Psa 89:21-28. Saul was made king, but not established; so Adam in innocency. David was established king, so is the Son of David, with all who through him are made to our God kings and priests. 2. It was exalted in the eyes both of its friends and enemies. Never had the nation of Israel looked so great or made such a figure as it began now to do. Thus it is promised of Christ that he shall be higher than the kings of the earth, Psa 89:27. God has highly exalted him, Phi 2:9. 3. David perceived, by the wonderful concurrence of providences to his establishment and advancement, that God was with him. By this I know that thou favourest me, Psa 41:11. Many have the favour of God and do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it: but to be exalted to that and established in it, and to perceive it, is happiness enough. 4. He owned that it was for his people Israel's sake that God had done great things for him, that he might be a blessing to them and they might be happy under his administration. God did not make Israel his subjects for his sake, that he might be great, and rich, and absolute: but he made him their king for their sake, that he might lead, and guide, and protect them. Kings are ministers of God to their people for good, Rom 13:4.
III. David's family multiplied and increased. All the sons that were born to him after he came to Jerusalem are here mentioned together, eleven in all, besides the six that were born to him before in Hebron, Sa2 3:2, Sa2 3:5. There the mothers are mentioned, not here; only, in general, it is said that he took more concubines and wives, Sa2 5:13. Shall we praise him for this? We praise him not; we justify him not; nor can we scarcely excuse him. The bad example of the patriarchs might make him think there was no harm in it, and he might hope it would strengthen his interest, by multiplying his alliances, and increasing the royal family. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of these arrows. But one vine by the side of the house, with the blessing of God, may send boughs to the sea and branches to the rivers. Adam, by one wife, peopled the world, and Noah re-peopled it. David had many wives, and yet that did not keep him from coveting his neighbour's wife and defiling her; for men that have once broken the fence will wander endlessly. Of David's concubines, see Sa2 15:16; Sa2 16:22; Sa2 19:5. Of his sons, see Ch1 3:1-9.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–16. 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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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 5:16 concludes a concise list of King David's sons born to him in Jerusalem, specifically naming Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet. This seemingly brief enumeration is profoundly significant, serving as a vital record of David's expanding household and the foundational establishment of his royal dynasty in the newly conquered capital. It subtly underscores the divine blessing upon David's reign and the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping concerning the lineage through which God's covenant promises would unfold.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a pivotal section of 2 Samuel that details David's consolidation of power and the establishment of his kingdom. Following his anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron, as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:3, David strategically captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites, making it his capital and establishing it as the political and religious heart of his burgeoning kingdom, as detailed in 2 Samuel 5:7. The narrative then shifts to David's personal life in Jerusalem, noting his acquisition of more wives and concubines and the subsequent birth of additional sons, as introduced in 2 Samuel 5:13. Verses 2 Samuel 5:14-15 list eleven sons, and verse 2 Samuel 5:16 completes this specific enumeration with three more, bringing the total to fourteen sons born in Jerusalem in this account. This detailed family record immediately precedes the account of the Philistine attacks, highlighting the stability and growth of David's kingdom before external threats.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the number of male heirs was a crucial indicator of a king's strength, stability, and the potential for dynastic continuity. A large household and numerous sons were widely perceived as a tangible sign of divine favor and blessing, ensuring the perpetuation of the royal line. David's polygamy, though later leading to significant internal strife within his family, was a common practice among monarchs of the era, intended to secure alliances and produce many heirs. The meticulous recording of genealogies was also a vital cultural practice, establishing legitimacy, inheritance rights, and connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage, which held profound social and religious significance in Israelite society. Jerusalem, newly established as David's capital, was rapidly becoming the political and religious heart of the kingdom, a symbolic center for the unified tribes of Israel.
Key Themes: The listing of David's sons in 2 Samuel 5:13-16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Primarily, it underscores the Dynastic Establishment of David's house, a critical step towards the fulfillment of God's unconditional covenant promise to David that his "house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever," as powerfully declared in 2 Samuel 7:16. Secondly, it highlights Divine Blessing and Favor, as a numerous progeny was a clear sign of God's approval and prosperity upon David's reign, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of royal success. Lastly, these verses contribute to the theme of Biblical Genealogy and Redemptive History, meticulously documenting the lineage through which the promised Messiah, the ultimate "Son of David," would eventually come, as seen in the opening of the New Testament, particularly in Matthew 1:1.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Samuel 5:16, and indeed in the broader list it completes, is Enumeration or List. This technique serves to meticulously document and establish the completeness of David's family in Jerusalem, emphasizing the rapid growth and stability of his household. The simple, repetitive structure ("and X, and Y, and Z") highlights each individual son, giving them specific recognition within the dynastic record. Furthermore, the use of Onomastics (the study of names) is profoundly significant. Each name is not merely an identifier but carries a rich theological meaning, reflecting the parents' faith, hopes, or experiences with God. These names collectively form a subtle theological statement, underscoring God's attributes—His hearing, knowing, and delivering—as central to the identity and destiny of David's family. The inclusion of these names also serves a crucial Genealogical purpose, meticulously tracing the lineage that would eventually lead to the Messiah, thereby connecting this seemingly simple list to the grand narrative of redemptive history.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple list of names in 2 Samuel 5:16 is far from trivial; it is deeply embedded in the theological fabric of the Old Testament, particularly concerning God's covenant faithfulness and the establishment of His kingdom. The birth of these sons signifies the flourishing of David's household, directly contributing to the fulfillment of God's promise to build David "a house" (a dynasty) that would endure forever. Each son represents a further step in the perpetuation of the royal line, which was crucial for the eventual advent of the Messiah. The very meanings of their names—"God of hearing," "God is knowing," "God of deliverance"—underscore a profound theological conviction within David's family, reflecting their reliance on and acknowledgment of God's active presence and sovereign care in their lives and the affairs of the kingdom. This meticulous record-keeping emphasizes God's precision in working through human history and specific lineages to achieve His redemptive purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet in 2 Samuel 5:16 serves as a powerful reminder that even the seemingly "minor" details in Scripture are imbued with divine purpose and contribute to the grand narrative of God's faithfulness. This verse, part of a genealogical list, highlights God's meticulous attention to the specifics of human lineage, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises through concrete individuals and families. For us today, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the entirety of God's Word, recognizing that every name, every place, and every detail has its place in His unfolding plan. It underscores that God works not just through grand, miraculous events, but also through the ordinary, the familial, and the generational, building His kingdom one life and one family at a time. We are called to trust in God's long-term purposes, knowing that He is sovereign over every detail of our lives, just as He was over David's lineage. This verse also invites us to consider the spiritual significance of our own family lines and the legacy of faith we are building, recognizing how our individual stories intersect with God's larger redemptive work.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these names listed, and what is their significance?
Answer: These names are listed as part of a comprehensive record of King David's sons born in Jerusalem. Their significance is multi-faceted: primarily, they document the establishment and growth of David's royal dynasty, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to David that his "house and your kingdom shall endure forever" as found in 2 Samuel 7:16. In ancient Israel, a large family, especially with many sons, was seen as a sign of divine blessing and a guarantee of dynastic continuity. Furthermore, this meticulous record-keeping contributes to the broader biblical genealogy that traces the lineage leading to the Messiah, demonstrating God's precise and purposeful work through history.
Are these sons mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?
Answer: Yes, these sons, along with others of David, are mentioned in parallel genealogical lists in the book of 1 Chronicles. For example, Elishama, Eliada (appearing as Beeliada in one instance), and Eliphalet (with slight variations in spelling for the latter) appear in 1 Chronicles 3:5-8 and 1 Chronicles 14:4-7. These parallel accounts confirm the historical accuracy and importance of these individuals within the biblical record of David's family, highlighting the consistency of the sacred texts.
What do the names Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet mean?
Answer: The names carry significant theological meaning, reflecting the faith and experiences of David's family:
Collectively, these names reflect a deep trust in and acknowledgment of God's character and providence within David's royal family, highlighting His attributes as one who hears, knows, and delivers.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly straightforward enumeration of David's sons in 2 Samuel 5:16, while establishing his earthly dynasty, ultimately points forward to the ultimate Son of David, Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of these names and lineages throughout the Old Testament is not merely historical documentation but a crucial thread in the tapestry of redemptive history, ensuring that the promised Messiah would indeed descend from the royal line of David. Every son born to David, including Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet, served as a link in the human chain through which God's eternal King would eventually come. Jesus, the true and everlasting heir of David's throne, fulfills the Davidic Covenant in its entirety, as prophesied by the angel Gabriel to Mary in Luke 1:32-33. He is the one who is "descended from David according to the flesh" (Romans 1:3) and the "Root and the Offspring of David" (Revelation 22:16), establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never end. Thus, this verse, like all genealogies in Scripture, subtly but powerfully testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in preparing the way for the advent of His Son, the King of Kings, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).