2 Samuel 5:16

KJV

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elishama {H476}, and Eliada {H450}, and Eliphalet {H467}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elishama, Elyada and Elifelet.

Berean Standard Bible

Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

American Standard Version

and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet.

Commentary

### 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](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel"), 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](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures Jerusalem"). 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](/2_samuel/5-13 "2 Samuel 5:13 - David Takes More Wives and Concubines"). Verses [2 Samuel 5:14-15](/2_samuel/5-14-15 "2 Samuel 5:14-15 - List of David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") list eleven sons, and verse [2 Samuel 5:16](/2_samuel/5-16 "2 Samuel 5:16 - Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet") 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](/2_samuel/5-13-16 "2 Samuel 5:13-16 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") 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](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"). 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](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elishama (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîyshâmâʻ_):** This name, derived from the Hebrew roots for "God" (El) and "to hear" (shama), translates to "God of hearing" or "My God has heard." It reflects a deep trust in God's attentiveness and responsiveness to prayer and human need. In the context of David's burgeoning kingdom, this name might signify a parental acknowledgment of God's answer to their prayers for progeny and the establishment of their royal line.
* **Eliada (Hebrew, _ʼElyâdâʻ_):** Composed of "El" (God) and "yada" (to know), this name means "God (is) knowing" or "God knows." It speaks to God's omniscience and sovereign knowledge, suggesting an acknowledgment of God's providential oversight in their lives and the unfolding of David's destiny. This name underscores the belief that God is fully aware of all circumstances, plans, and futures, providing comfort and guidance.
* **Eliphalet (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîypheleṭ_):** This name combines "El" (God) with "palat" (to escape, deliver), meaning "God of deliverance" or "God is deliverance." It points to God as the ultimate source of salvation and rescue, likely reflecting David's many personal experiences of divine deliverance from his enemies and adversities. Naming a son this way serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness in providing safety and victory, a foundational truth for the stability of David's nascent dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elishama":** This entry introduces the first of the three sons listed in this verse. The name, meaning "God of hearing," suggests a profound recognition of God's active involvement in the lives of David and his family. It reflects a theological conviction that God listens to and responds to His people, a theme consistent with David's own psalms and his intimate relationship with Yahweh. This name, like the others, contributes to the theological tapestry of David's household.
* **"and Eliada":** The second son mentioned, whose name "God is knowing," emphasizes divine omniscience and providential care. In a time of establishing a new capital and consolidating a kingdom, the acknowledgment that God is fully aware of all circumstances, plans, and futures would have been a source of comfort and guidance for David's household. The textual variation with "Beeliada" in [1 Chronicles 14:7](/1_chronicles/14-7 "1 Chronicles 14:7 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") points to the dynamic nature of ancient naming conventions or scribal transmission, but the core meaning remains consistent.
* **"and Eliphalet":** The final son in this list, bearing the name "God of deliverance," powerfully reiterates God's role as rescuer and protector. David's life was marked by numerous instances of divine deliverance from Saul, the Philistines, and other adversaries. Naming a son "God of deliverance" serves as a perpetual reminder of God's faithfulness in providing safety and victory, a foundational truth for the stability and security of David's nascent dynasty.

#### 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.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant and Promise of an Enduring Dynasty")
* [1 Chronicles 3:5-8](/1_chronicles/3-5-8 "Sons of David Born in Jerusalem and Their Lineage")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ, Son of David")

### 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
* **How does this seemingly simple list of names contribute to our understanding of God's faithfulness and His long-term plans for humanity?**
* **What does the meaning of these names ("God of hearing," "God is knowing," "God of deliverance") reveal about the spiritual atmosphere or hopes within David's household, and how might this inspire our own faith?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and appreciate God working through the "ordinary" details and relationships of our lives, just as He worked through the specific lineage of David?**

### 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](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David"). 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](/1_chronicles/3-5-8 "1 Chronicles 3:5-8 - Sons of David Born in Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 14:4-7](/1_chronicles/14-4-7 "1 Chronicles 14:4-7 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem"). 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:
* **Elishama** (אֱלִישָׁמָע) means "God of hearing" or "My God has heard," indicating a belief in God's attentiveness.
* **Eliada** (אֶלְיָדָע) means "God is knowing" or "God knows," emphasizing divine omniscience and providence.
* **Eliphalet** (אֱלִיפָלֶט) means "God of deliverance" or "God is deliverance," pointing to God as the source of salvation and rescue.
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](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, the Son of David"). He is the one who is "descended from David according to the flesh" ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Descended from David")) and the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - The Root and Offspring of David")), 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](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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 3:8

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.

1 Chronicles 14:7

And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.