2 Samuel 5:21

KJV

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there they left {H5800} their images {H6091}, and David {H1732} and his men {H582} burned {H5375} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The P'lishtim had left their idols there, so David and his men took them away.

Berean Standard Bible

There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away.

American Standard Version

And they left their images there; and David and his men took them away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse concludes the account of David's initial victory over the Philistines at Baal-perazim, highlighting the complete rout of Israel's enemies and the subsequent decisive action taken by King David. It underscores not only a military triumph but also a profound theological victory, as the Philistines abandoned their idols, which David and his men then destroyed by fire, symbolizing the utter futility of pagan worship in the face of the Lord's supreme power and David's unwavering commitment to God's covenant commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Lord's decisive intervention on behalf of David against the Philistines at Baal-perazim, where God "broke forth" upon David's enemies like "a breakthrough of waters," giving the place its name ([2 Samuel 5:20](/2_samuel/5-20 "2 Samuel 5:20 - The Breakthrough at Baal-perazim")). The narrative preceding this victory details David's anointing as king over all Israel by the elders ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1-5 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Anointed King Over All Israel")), his strategic capture of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as his capital ([2 Samuel 5:6-10](/2_samuel/5-6-10 "2 Samuel 5:6-10 - David Conquers Jerusalem")), and the Philistine response to his ascendancy, viewing him as a significant threat ([2 Samuel 5:17-18](/2_samuel/5-17-18 "2 Samuel 5:17-18 - Philistines Attack David")). David's consistent practice of inquiring of the Lord before battle ([2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David Inquires of the Lord")) is crucial, demonstrating his absolute reliance on divine guidance rather than human strategy alone. Verse 21, therefore, serves as the concluding act of this initial victory, emphasizing not just the military success but also the spiritual dimension of the triumph and David's immediate obedience to God's law regarding idolatry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable, long-standing enemy of Israel, occupying the fertile coastal plain and frequently clashing with the Israelites, particularly during the periods of the Judges and King Saul's reign. Their religion involved the worship of various deities, including Dagon (mentioned in [1 Samuel 5:2-5](/1_samuel/5-2-5 "1 Samuel 5:2-5 - Dagon's Fall Before the Ark")) and Baal, often represented by physical idols or images. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the gods of the defeated nation were often considered vanquished along with their armies. Leaving behind cultic objects was a profound sign of utter defeat and abandonment, as these items were believed to embody the power and presence of their deities. David's action of burning the idols was not merely an act of desecration but a direct fulfillment of Mosaic Law, which explicitly commanded the destruction of the idols and altars of pagan nations upon entering the promised land ([Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols")). This act solidified Israel's monotheistic identity and God's exclusive claim to worship, demonstrating David's commitment to covenant fidelity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Victory over Idolatry**. The Philistine idols, abandoned in their panicked flight, are dramatically revealed as utterly powerless before the Lord, who granted David the decisive "breakthrough" at Baal-perazim. This underscores the profound futility of worshipping created things rather than the omnipotent Creator, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")). Another significant theme is **David's Obedience and Faithfulness to the Covenant**. His immediate and decisive action to burn the idols demonstrates his commitment to God's covenant commands and his role as a righteous king who purifies the land of pagan influence, setting a crucial precedent for his reign. Finally, the theme of **Divine Vindication and the Establishment of God's Kingdom** is powerfully evident. The destruction of the idols visually confirms the Lord's supremacy and His active involvement in establishing David's kingdom, signifying that this was not merely a human victory but a divinely orchestrated one, securing the spiritual purity of the land under God's chosen king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Images (Hebrew, _ʻâtsâb'_):** This plural noun (עֲצַבִּים, _‘ăṣabbîm_) refers specifically to idols, cultic images, or carved figures used in pagan worship. According to H6091, it means "an (idolatrous) image." The root of this word, _‘āṣab_, is often associated with concepts of pain, grief, sorrow, or labor, implying the burdensome, toilsome, and ultimately futile nature of idolatry. Their abandonment by the Philistines underscores their inherent powerlessness and worthlessness, especially when contrasted with the breakthrough granted by the living God. David's destruction of them further emphasizes their nullity and the complete rejection of their influence.
* **Left (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** The verb (עָזַב, _ʻâzab_) means "to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc." (H5800). In this context, it describes the Philistines' desperate act of abandoning their idols. This act of "leaving" or "forsaking" their cultic objects underscores the haste and completeness of their rout. It signifies their utter defeat and the perceived failure of their gods to protect them, leading them to relinquish these sacred items in their flight. This abandonment highlights the impotence of the idols and the Philistines' desperation.
* **Burned (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** The verb (נָשָׂא, _nâsâʼ_) primarily means "to lift" or "to carry," but as the provided Strong's data (H5375) indicates, it has a wide variety of applications, including "burn" in certain contexts. In this specific instance, the KJV translates it as "burned," which aligns with the broader meaning of "carrying away" or "removing" something, here by means of fire. This act of burning signifies total destruction, rendering the objects completely unusable and demonstrating a complete and irreversible rejection of the pagan deities they represented. It was a public declaration of the Lord's absolute supremacy and David's obedience to the Mosaic Law regarding the destruction of idols.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there they left their images":** This clause describes the immediate and desperate consequence of the Philistine defeat at Baal-perazim. In their hasty and panicked retreat from the battlefield, the Philistines abandoned their cultic objects, their "images." This act signifies their utter rout and desperation, as well as the perceived failure of their gods to protect them. In ancient warfare, deities were often carried into battle, and their abandonment was a profound symbol of their impotence and the defeat of their worshippers. It highlights the futility of relying on false gods when confronted by the power of the living God.
* **"and David and his men burned them":** This second clause details David's decisive and obedient response to the abandoned idols. Rather than taking them as spoils of war, leaving them, or attempting to integrate them, David and his men actively destroyed them by fire. This action was a direct fulfillment of God's command in the Mosaic Law to utterly destroy the idols of the nations ([Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Idols"), [1 Chronicles 14:12](/1_chronicles/14-12 "1 Chronicles 14:12 - David Burns the Idols")). It demonstrates David's unwavering commitment to the Lord and his role as a righteous king who purges the land of idolatry, ensuring that God alone is worshipped in Israel and preventing any future temptation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the "images" or idols symbolize the false gods and the pagan worldview of the Philistines. Their abandonment by the fleeing Philistines powerfully symbolizes the utter defeat and powerlessness of these deities in the face of the Lord God of Israel. David's subsequent act of burning them is also highly symbolic, representing the complete and irreversible rejection of idolatry and the purification of the land from pagan defilement. The stark contrast between the Philistines' reliance on their impotent gods and David's steadfast reliance on the living God, who grants the "breakthrough" at Baal-perazim ([2 Samuel 5:20](/2_samuel/5-20 "2 Samuel 5:20 - The Breakthrough at Baal-perazim")), creates a strong **thematic contrast** that highlights the supremacy of Yahweh. Furthermore, the swift, decisive action of David and his men provides a sense of **resolution** to the battle narrative, concluding the account of this initial victory with a clear theological statement about God's supremacy and David's faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological truth that the God of Israel is supreme over all other gods and idols. The Philistine images, abandoned in their flight, serve as tangible proof of the futility and powerlessness of pagan deities in the face of the living Lord, who actively intervenes on behalf of His people. David's immediate and obedient destruction of these idols underscores the covenantal demand for exclusive worship of Yahweh and the imperative for Israel to purge itself of all pagan defilement. This act is not merely a military clean-up but a theological declaration, affirming God's sovereignty and setting a precedent for David's reign as one committed to upholding God's law and establishing a kingdom where the Lord alone is glorified. It highlights the ongoing spiritual battle against idolatry, both external and internal, and the necessity of decisive action to remove anything that competes with God for ultimate allegiance, emphasizing that true victory is always God's victory, leading to His exclusive worship.

* [Deuteronomy 7:25](/deuteronomy/7-25 "Deuteronomy 7:25 - Command to Burn Idols")
* [Isaiah 44:9-20](/isaiah/44-9-20 "Isaiah 44:9-20 - The Folly of Idolatry")
* [Psalm 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalm 115:4-8 - The Powerlessness of Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of David and his men burning the Philistine idols offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today. While we may not encounter physical statues to burn, the principle remains profoundly relevant: true victory in our lives often requires a decisive and uncompromising rejection of anything that seeks to usurp God's rightful place. Modern "idols" can be subtle – the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, comfort, approval from others, or even relationships that become ultimate rather than cherished gifts from God. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, to identify those things we cling to, those sources of security or identity that subtly or overtly compete with our devotion to Christ. The act of "burning" symbolizes a complete and irreversible severance, a commitment to purge our lives of anything that diminishes God's glory or hinders our spiritual walk. It reminds us that our spiritual breakthroughs, like David's at Baal-perazim, must be followed by acts of purification, ensuring that our hearts and lives are wholly devoted to the One who grants true victory and deserves our exclusive worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images" or false gods, perhaps subtle ones, might be present in my own life, competing for my ultimate allegiance and devotion to God?**
* **What decisive "burning" or purging action might God be calling me to take to remove these idols and fully surrender to Him?**
* **How does my response to spiritual victories reflect my commitment to God's supremacy and my obedience to His commands, as David's action did?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Philistines leave their images behind?**

Answer: The Philistines left their images behind because they were in a state of complete rout and desperate flight from the battlefield at Baal-perazim. In ancient warfare, it was common for armies to carry their gods or cultic objects into battle, believing they would grant victory and protection. To abandon these objects was a profound sign of utter defeat, humiliation, and the perceived failure of their deities to protect them. It meant they fled so quickly and in such disarray that they couldn't even retrieve what they considered sacred, underscoring the decisive nature of David's victory, which God granted as a "breakthrough of waters" ([2 Samuel 5:20](/2_samuel/5-20 "2 Samuel 5:20 - The Breakthrough at Baal-perazim")). This act of abandonment highlighted the impotence of their gods in the face of the Lord's power.

**Why was it important for David to burn the idols, rather than just leaving them or taking them as spoils?**

Answer: David's decision to burn the idols was crucial for several reasons, primarily rooted in the Mosaic Law and Israel's covenant with God. [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Command to Destroy Pagan Altars and Images") explicitly commanded the Israelites to "break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire, and hew down the graven images of their gods." This act was not merely about desecration but about preventing any temptation for Israel to adopt pagan practices or acknowledge the legitimacy of false gods. By burning them, David demonstrated his unwavering obedience to God's commands, purified the land of pagan defilement, and publicly affirmed the Lord's exclusive sovereignty over Israel. It was a clear statement that the God of Israel alone was worthy of worship, and that His power far surpassed that of any human-made deity or idol. This action is also recounted in [1 Chronicles 14:12](/1_chronicles/14-12 "1 Chronicles 14:12 - David Burns the Idols"), emphasizing its significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decisive act of David burning the Philistine idols in [2 Samuel 5:21](/2_samuel/5-21 "2 Samuel 5:21 - David Burns the Idols") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete victory over all forms of idolatry and spiritual bondage achieved through Jesus Christ. Just as David, a king after God's own heart, purged the land of physical idols, Christ, the true and greater King, purges the hearts of His people from the spiritual idols that enslave them. The Philistine gods, revealed as powerless and abandoned, point to the profound futility of any power or allegiance apart from God. In the New Covenant, Christ's death on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent the ultimate "breakthrough" against the powers of sin, death, and the spiritual forces that hold humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Through faith in Him, believers are freed from the worship of anything that takes God's rightful place—be it self, wealth, comfort, human approval, or any created thing. The Old Testament call to "burn" idols finds its profound fulfillment in the New Testament call to "put to death" the sinful desires and practices that constitute idolatry in our hearts ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things")). Christ enables us, through the indwelling power of His Holy Spirit, to live lives of exclusive devotion to the one true God, proving the absolute supremacy of His kingdom over all false gods and worldly systems.

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

Deuteronomy 7:5

But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire.

1 Chronicles 14:11

So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

1 Chronicles 14:12

And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire.

Isaiah 46:1

¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

Isaiah 46:2

They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

Jeremiah 43:12

And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

Isaiah 37:19

And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.