2 Samuel 5:17

KJV

¶ But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard [of it], and went down to the hold.

KJV (with Strong's)

But when the Philistines {H6430} heard {H8085} that they had anointed {H4886} David {H1732} king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}, all the Philistines {H6430} came up {H5927} to seek {H1245} David {H1732}; and David {H1732} heard {H8085} of it, and went down {H3381} to the hold {H4686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the P'lishtim heard that David had been anointed king over Isra'el, all the P'lishtim went up in search of David. On learning of it, David went down to the stronghold.

Berean Standard Bible

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold.

American Standard Version

And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following his anointing as king over all Israel, David's newly consolidated kingdom immediately faced its first major external challenge. This verse records the swift and aggressive response of the Philistines, Israel's long-standing adversaries, who perceived David's unified reign as a direct threat to their regional dominance. In response to their mobilization, David, demonstrating strategic prudence, withdrew to a defensible stronghold to prepare for the impending conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the pivotal moment of David's anointing as king over all twelve tribes of Israel in Hebron, culminating in his establishment of Jerusalem as the capital city and the "City of David" ([2 Samuel 5:1-9](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1-9 - David Anointed King and Captures Jerusalem")). The Philistine reaction in [2 Samuel 5:17](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17 - Philistine Opposition to David's Kingship") thus marks the first major test of David's unified kingship and initiates a series of significant military encounters with the Philistines described in the subsequent verses ([2 Samuel 5:18-25](/2_samuel/5-18 "2 Samuel 5:18-25 - David's Victories Over the Philistines")). It sets the stage for David's military successes and the secure establishment of his reign, fulfilling God's promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful, technologically advanced (iron-working) people who had long dominated the coastal plains and exerted significant influence over Israelite territories, particularly during the period of the Judges and Saul's early reign ([1 Samuel 13:19-22](/1_samuel/13-19 "1 Samuel 13:19-22 - Philistine Control of Iron Technology")). They had previously viewed the fragmented Israelite tribes as a manageable threat, even using David as a vassal when he fled from Saul and resided in Ziklag ([1 Samuel 27:1-7](/1_samuel/27-1 "1 Samuel 27:1-7 - David's Sojourn in Ziklag")). David's anointing as king over a unified Israel, with a central capital like Jerusalem, represented an unprecedented consolidation of power that directly challenged Philistine hegemony. Their immediate military mobilization was a preemptive strike, aiming to crush the nascent unified kingdom before it could become an insurmountable force. The "hold" (Hebrew: _məṣûdāh'_) refers to a fortified place, often a natural cave system or a rocky outcrop, which was a common defensive strategy in the rugged terrain of ancient Israel.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 5:17](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17 - Philistine Opposition to David's Kingship") vividly illustrates the theme of **divine appointment meeting earthly opposition**. David's kingship was divinely ordained and established, yet it immediately encountered fierce resistance from external powers, highlighting that God's plans often face significant challenges in a fallen world. This verse also underscores the theme of **strategic leadership and prudence**, as David's decision to "go down to the hold" demonstrates not fear, but shrewd military wisdom and the importance of preparation in leadership. Finally, it emphasizes **the threat of a united Israel** to its enemies, confirming that the Philistines recognized the immense danger a strong, unified Israel under a capable leader like David posed to their regional dominance, signifying a fundamental shift in the balance of power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Philistines (Hebrew, _Pəlištîm'_):** This term refers to the people inhabiting the southwestern coast of Canaan, a formidable military and political power in the Iron Age. They were one of Israel's most persistent and dangerous adversaries throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their immediate and unified response to David's anointing underscores their strategic awareness and their determination to suppress any challenge to their regional supremacy.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _māšaḥ'_):** The verb "anointed" signifies the ritual act of pouring oil over someone, designating them for a special office, particularly kingship or priesthood. In David's case, it refers to his divine legitimation and public recognition as God's chosen king over all Israel ([2 Samuel 5:3](/2_samuel/5-3 "2 Samuel 5:3 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")). The Philistines' hearing of this act implies their understanding of its profound theological and political implications: David was not merely a tribal chief but a divinely sanctioned monarch uniting a formidable nation.
* **Hold (Hebrew, _məṣûdāh'_):** This noun, derived from a root meaning "to hunt" or "to lie in wait," refers to a fortress, stronghold, or a defensible position, often a natural refuge like a cave or a fortified hill. David had extensive experience using such "holds" during his years as a fugitive from Saul ([1 Samuel 22:4](/1_samuel/22-4 "1 Samuel 22:4 - David and His Family in the Hold")). His choice to withdraw to a _məṣûdāh'_ here indicates his strategic wisdom, his avoidance of a direct, unprepared confrontation, and his reliance on tactical positioning to gain an advantage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel":** This clause immediately establishes the cause-and-effect relationship. The Philistines, having an effective intelligence network, quickly learned of David's anointing and the unification of Israel under his rule. This news was not merely political gossip but a declaration of war from their perspective, as it signaled the rise of a formidable, divinely-backed power that directly threatened their long-held regional dominance.
* **"all the Philistines came up to seek David":** This phrase emphasizes the unified and aggressive nature of the Philistine response. "All the Philistines" indicates a full-scale military mobilization involving their confederacy of five city-states. Their objective was not merely to harass but to "seek David"—to confront him directly, engage him in battle, and presumably neutralize him and his nascent kingdom before it could fully consolidate its power and become an unstoppable force.
* **"and David heard [of it], and went down to the hold":** This final clause highlights David's swift and intelligent response. He received timely intelligence about the Philistine advance. His action, "went down to the hold," was a strategic retreat, not a panicked flight. It signifies his military acumen—choosing a defensible position to assess the threat, gather his forces, and plan his counter-attack, demonstrating prudence and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, setting David's anointing (a moment of divine blessing and national unity) immediately against the Philistines' aggressive opposition (a moment of earthly threat and conflict). This highlights the reality that divine favor does not exempt one from earthly struggles. There is also an element of **foreshadowing**, as this initial confrontation sets the stage for the recurring conflicts between David and the Philistines that will characterize much of his early reign, ultimately leading to Israel's dominance. Furthermore, a subtle **irony** can be observed: the Philistines, who once used David as a mercenary and vassal against Saul, now find him, as the unified king, to be their greatest and most formidable adversary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in David's reign underscores a profound theological truth: the establishment of God's kingdom and the advancement of His purposes in the world frequently encounter fierce opposition from the forces of darkness and human resistance. David's anointing was a divine act, yet it immediately provoked a hostile response, illustrating that God's chosen instruments and His divine will are often met with direct antagonism. This is not a sign of divine abandonment, but rather an indication of the spiritual warfare inherent in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, requiring both divine power and human strategic wisdom. The Philistine threat serves to test David's faith and leadership, ultimately revealing God's faithfulness to His anointed king.

* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Nations Rage Against God's Anointed")
* [John 15:18-20](/john/15-18 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred of Christ and His Followers")
* [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - The Spiritual Battle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Samuel 5:17 offers profound insights into the nature of pursuing God's call and the reality of spiritual opposition. Just as David's divine appointment was immediately met with earthly adversaries, so too can our steps of obedience and alignment with God's will draw resistance. This verse reminds us that God's favor does not guarantee an easy path, but rather equips us for the battles ahead. David's strategic retreat to "the hold" is a powerful metaphor for discerning wisdom: sometimes, the most courageous act is not immediate confrontation, but a strategic pause for prayer, seeking counsel, or fortifying our spiritual and emotional reserves. It teaches us to be prudent, not reckless, trusting that God will guide our timing and methods in the face of challenges, ultimately leading to His victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Philistines" (forms of opposition or resistance) do you encounter when you step out in faith or pursue God's calling in your life?**
* **How can you discern between a call to stand firm and a call to strategically "go down to the hold" (seek refuge, counsel, or pause) in the face of overwhelming opposition?**
* **In what ways does David's immediate challenge after his anointing remind us that divine favor does not exempt us from earthly conflict, but rather prepares us for it?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Philistines so threatened by David's anointing?**

Answer: The Philistines had long been the dominant power in the region, exercising significant military and economic control over the fragmented Israelite tribes. David's anointing as king over a unified Israel, with a central capital like Jerusalem, represented an unprecedented consolidation of power. This directly challenged their regional hegemony, threatening their trade routes, military influence, and control over strategic territories. They recognized that David, a proven warrior and leader, at the head of a united nation, posed an existential threat to their long-held supremacy, necessitating an immediate and decisive military response to preemptively crush this burgeoning power.

**What does "went down to the hold" signify about David's leadership?**

Answer: David's action of "going down to the hold" (Hebrew: _məṣûdāh'_, meaning a fortress or stronghold) signifies his strategic prudence and military wisdom. Rather than engaging recklessly in an immediate, potentially disadvantageous battle, David chose a defensible position. This allowed him to assess the Philistine threat, gather his forces, and plan his counter-attack from a position of strength. It demonstrated his reliance on both divine guidance and practical, experienced leadership honed during his years as a fugitive and guerrilla fighter. It was an act of wise preparation, not fear, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking in leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's anointing and immediate opposition in [2 Samuel 5:17](/2_samuel/5-17 "2 Samuel 5:17 - Philistine Opposition to David's Kingship") powerfully foreshadows the experience of Jesus, the ultimate Anointed One, the true King of Israel. Just as David was anointed and immediately faced the Philistines, Jesus, after His anointing by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, was immediately led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). Throughout His ministry, Jesus, the Son of David, consistently faced intense opposition from the spiritual "Philistines" of His day—the forces of sin, death, and the demonic, often manifested through human hostility and unbelief ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")). His "hold" was not a physical fortress, but often a retreat to prayer and communion with His Father ([Luke 5:16](/luke/5-16 "Luke 5:16 - Jesus Often Withdrew to Pray")), or a strategic avoidance of conflict until His appointed time ([John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Time Had Not Yet Come")). Ultimately, Jesus' victory over these spiritual adversaries was not achieved through military might, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, establishing a spiritual kingdom that no earthly or demonic power can overthrow ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). Believers, as those "anointed" with the Holy Spirit and called to follow Christ, also face opposition, but find their ultimate "hold" and strength in Him, the victorious King who has already conquered the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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 23:14

And David [was] then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines [was] then [in] Bethlehem.

1 Chronicles 11:16

And David [was] then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison [was] then at Bethlehem.

1 Chronicles 14:8

¶ And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard [of it], and went out against them.

1 Chronicles 14:9

And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Psalms 2:1

¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Psalms 2:5

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.