2 Samuel 5:5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

In Hebron {H2275} he reigned {H4427} over Judah {H3063} seven {H7651} years {H8141} and six {H8337} months {H2320}: and in Jerusalem {H3389} he reigned {H4427} thirty {H7970} and three {H7969} years {H8141} over all Israel {H3478} and Judah {H3063}.

In Hevron he ruled over Y'hudah seven years and six months; then in Yerushalayim he ruled thirty-three years over all Isra'el and Y'hudah.

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

Commentary

Second Samuel 5:5 provides a concise summary of King David's reign, detailing the duration and locations of his rule. It states that David reigned in Hebron over Judah for seven years and six months, and subsequently, in Jerusalem, he reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. This verse marks a significant transition point in David's life and the history of ancient Israel, culminating in his unified kingship.

Context

This verse follows the period of civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David. After Saul's death, David was initially anointed king over only the tribe of Judah in Hebron. For seven and a half years, two kingdoms existed: David's rule from Hebron and Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, ruling over the rest of Israel from Mahanaim. Upon Ish-bosheth's assassination and the subsequent appeal of the elders of Israel, David was finally anointed king over all Israel in Hebron. Shortly after, David captured the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, making it his new capital, which became known as the City of David. This strategic move unified the northern and southern tribes geographically and politically, serving as a neutral site.

Key Themes

  • The Unification of Israel: The verse highlights the completion of the process by which David became king over a unified nation. His move from Hebron to Jerusalem symbolizes the transition from a tribal king to the sovereign of all twelve tribes, fulfilling God's long-term plan for the kingdom.
  • God's Timing and Providence: David's journey to the throne was long and arduous, marked by exile, civil war, and political maneuvering. This verse underscores that despite the challenges, God's promise to David was ultimately fulfilled, establishing his reign for a total of forty years (combining the Hebron and Jerusalem periods).
  • The Significance of Jerusalem: The establishment of Jerusalem as the capital was a pivotal moment. It became not just a political center but also a spiritual one, the future site of the Temple, and inextricably linked to the Davidic covenant and the lineage of the Messiah.

Practical Application

David's reign, as summarized in this verse, offers insights into God's faithfulness and the process of leadership. It teaches us that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing, often through periods of waiting, struggle, and gradual development. Just as David had to patiently wait for the full realization of his kingship, believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances are challenging or the path is unclear. The eventual unification under David illustrates the power of God to bring unity out of division and establish His purposes through chosen leaders.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 2:11 (5 votes)

    And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

  • 1 Chronicles 3:4 (4 votes)

    [These] six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.

  • 1 Kings 2:11 (3 votes)

    And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.