2 Samuel 7:9

KJV

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest {H1980}, and have cut off {H3772} all thine enemies {H341} out of thy sight {H6440}, and have made {H6213} thee a great {H1419} name {H8034}, like unto the name {H8034} of the great {H1419} men that are in the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have been with you wherever you went; I have destroyed all your enemies ahead of you; and I am making your reputation great, like the reputations of the greatest people on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like the greatest in the land.

American Standard Version

and I have been with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee; and I will make thee a great name, like unto the name of the great ones that are in the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 7:9 stands as a profound declaration within the Davidic Covenant, where God, through the prophet Nathan, recounts His unwavering faithfulness and transformative work in King David's life. It encapsulates God's constant presence, His decisive victories over David's adversaries, and His divine establishment of David's reputation, promising a legacy far surpassing that of any earthly ruler and setting the stage for an enduring dynasty rooted in divine decree rather than human might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of God's direct response to King David's noble, yet presumptuous, desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord, as detailed in [2 Samuel chapter 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). David, now securely settled in his palace, felt a compelling urge to construct a magnificent house for the Ark of the Covenant, which still resided in a tent. Initially, the prophet Nathan affirmed David's intention, but God quickly intervened, revealing that He did not require David to build Him a house. Instead, God declared His intention to build David a "house" – not a physical structure, but an enduring dynasty and an everlasting kingdom. Verse 9 specifically serves as a retrospective, a divine recounting of God's past actions and faithfulness towards David, reminding the king of the divine hand that had guided him from obscurity to prominence, thus laying the groundwork for the future promises of the Davidic Covenant that follow in [2 Samuel 7:11-16](/2_samuel/7-11-16 "2 Samuel 7:11-16 - Promises of the Davidic Covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a period of significant consolidation and expansion for Israel. Having unified the tribes, established Jerusalem as the capital, and subdued many surrounding enemies, David had brought unprecedented stability and prosperity. In the ancient Near East, a king's "name" (שֵׁם, _shem_) was synonymous with his reputation, authority, and lasting legacy. Rulers typically achieved a "great name" through military conquest, architectural feats, or political prowess. However, for David, this verse emphasizes that his greatness was not self-made but divinely bestowed. God's promise to make David's name "like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth" would have resonated deeply, signifying an unparalleled status that transcended mere human achievement and was directly tied to divine favor and election. This context underscores the unique nature of God's covenant with David, distinguishing it from typical suzerain-vassal treaties of the time.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [2 Samuel chapter 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") is God's **unilateral covenant faithfulness** and **sovereign initiative**. God's promise to David is unconditional, flowing from His own character and purposes, not from David's merit or plans. The verse highlights **divine presence and guidance**, encapsulated in "I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest," echoing similar promises made to patriarchs like Jacob ([Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")) and leaders like Joshua ([Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua")). It also underscores **divine protection and victory**, as God "cut off all thine enemies," demonstrating that true security and triumph come from the Lord, not from human strength ([Psalm 18:32](/psalms/18-32 "Psalm 18:32 - God as My Strength")). Finally, the theme of **divine establishment of a lasting legacy** is paramount, as God promises to make David's "great name," which ultimately points to the enduring nature of the Davidic dynasty and its future fulfillment in the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wentest (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This word, a primitive root, signifies "to walk" or "to go" in a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In the context of "whithersoever thou wentest," it emphasizes God's active presence and guidance throughout David's entire journey, encompassing his movements, endeavors, and life's progression. It points to God's continual accompaniment, ensuring David's path was directed and secured by divine hand.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root means "to cut (off, down or asunder)" and by implication, "to destroy or consume." While often used for covenant-making, here it powerfully conveys God's decisive and complete action in eradicating David's adversaries. It signifies a thorough and final removal of threats, demonstrating God's sovereign power to bring an end to opposition and secure peace for His chosen one.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** This primitive word denotes an "appellation" or "mark of individuality," implying honor, authority, and character. To "make a great name" (with "great," H1419, meaning "great in any sense") for David signifies God's divine elevation of his reputation, status, and lasting legacy. It is not merely fame, but a divinely established renown and authority that sets David apart and secures his unique position in God's redemptive plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest":** This clause emphasizes God's constant, intimate, and active presence in David's life. From his humble beginnings as a shepherd, through his anointing by Samuel, his flight from Saul, and his rise to kingship, God's guiding hand was ever-present. This divine companionship was the ultimate source of David's success and protection, highlighting that his achievements were not solely due to his own skill or might, but to God's faithful accompaniment.
* **"and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight":** This phrase underscores God's role as David's divine warrior and protector. God supernaturally intervened to defeat David's formidable foes, including the Philistines, Amalekites, and other surrounding nations. The phrase "out of thy sight" conveys the completeness and decisiveness of these victories, implying that God removed every obstacle and threat that stood in David's path, securing peace and establishing his kingdom.
* **"and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth":** This final clause declares God's elevation of David's status and reputation. Unlike other powerful rulers who achieved fame through their own conquests or political maneuvering, David's "great name" was divinely bestowed. It signifies not merely temporary renown but a lasting legacy, authority, and honor that surpassed that of any contemporary monarch. This promise is foundational to the Davidic Covenant, establishing David's dynasty as uniquely chosen and blessed by God, setting the stage for an eternal kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. It is primarily a **Divine Monologue**, where God Himself speaks directly, through Nathan, to David, lending immense authority and weight to the pronouncements. The phrase "cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and decisiveness of God's victories on David's behalf, suggesting a complete eradication of threats. There is a clear **Contrast** established between David's humble origins (implied by God's recounting of His past actions) and the "great name" and elevated status God has bestowed upon him, highlighting divine grace over human merit. The entire passage is steeped in **Covenant Language**, as it forms the core of the Davidic Covenant, a foundational theological agreement. Finally, the comparison "like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth" employs a form of **Simile** or **Comparison**, yet with an ironic twist, as David's divinely given greatness ultimately transcends that of any human ruler, pointing to a unique, divinely established legacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 7:9 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His sovereign initiative in establishing His purposes through chosen individuals. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, not merely observing from a distance but actively guiding, protecting, and elevating. The promise of a "great name" for David echoes God's earlier promise to Abraham, linking David's destiny to the broader redemptive narrative and God's plan to bless humanity through a chosen lineage. This verse underscores that true greatness and lasting legacy are not achieved through human effort or ambition, but are divinely bestowed, flowing from God's gracious election and His active work in history. It highlights the theme of divine election, where God chooses and empowers individuals for His purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs and the establishment of kingdoms.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make His Name Great")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "God's Promise Never to Leave or Forsake")
* [Psalm 18:32](/psalms/18-32 "God Equips for Battle and Makes My Way Blameless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 7:9 offers profound encouragement and a robust foundation for faith in the lives of believers today. Just as God intimately accompanied David through every season of his life, from the sheepfolds to the throne, this verse assures us of God's constant, active, and guiding presence in our own journeys. We can find solace and strength in the knowledge that God is "with us whithersoever we go," providing comfort in uncertainty, wisdom in decision-making, and strength in weakness. Furthermore, the divine promise to "cut off all thine enemies" reminds us that our battles, especially spiritual ones, are ultimately God's to fight. We are called to trust in His sovereign power to overcome obstacles, defeat spiritual adversaries, and clear the path for His purposes in our lives. Finally, the promise of a "great name" challenges our worldly metrics of success and significance, reminding us that our true value and lasting legacy are not found in human accolades or achievements, but in being known by God and living out the divine calling He has placed upon us, thereby bringing glory to His own name. This fosters a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and confident trust in God's past faithfulness as a guarantee for His future provision and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's past faithfulness in your life, similar to David's experience, strengthen your trust for future challenges?**
* **In what specific areas or "battles" in your life do you need to surrender control to God, trusting Him to "cut off" the obstacles or enemies that hinder you?**
* **How does the concept of God making your "name great" (in His eyes, through His purposes) challenge or reshape your understanding of personal significance and success?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God making David's "name great"?**

Answer: The phrase "great name" (שֵׁם גָּדוֹל, _shem gadol_) in the ancient Near East signified more than just fame or popularity. It conveyed lasting reputation, authority, and a secure, enduring legacy. For God to declare that He would make David's name great meant that David's status, influence, and the continuity of his lineage would be divinely established and maintained, not dependent on human effort or political maneuvering. This promise set David apart from other rulers, whose greatness was often fleeting, and underscored the unique, covenantal relationship God had with him, ultimately pointing to the eternal nature of the Davidic dynasty. It also echoes God's earlier promise to Abraham in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham to Make His Name Great"), linking David's destiny to the broader redemptive plan.

**How does "I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest" relate to God's presence today?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's constant, active, and guiding presence in David's life, from his humble beginnings to his kingship. For believers today, this promise of divine presence is profoundly fulfilled through the Holy Spirit and the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise of Presence")). The Holy Spirit indwells believers, serving as a constant guide, comforter, and source of power ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, David's experience serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the intimate, abiding presence God offers to all who believe in Him.

**Does this verse imply that God will remove all our personal enemies?**

Answer: While God certainly provides protection for His people, the primary context of "cut off all thine enemies" for David was the literal military and political adversaries threatening the nascent kingdom of Israel. For believers today, this promise can be understood in a broader, spiritual sense. God indeed protects us from spiritual enemies (sin, death, and the devil) and empowers us to overcome obstacles and temptations. It signifies God's sovereign power to clear paths, grant victory over spiritual darkness, and secure our ultimate well-being in Christ, rather than guaranteeing a life free from all opposition or personal conflict. Our ultimate victory is found in Christ's triumph on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Samuel 7:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise that God "was with thee whithersoever thou wentest" foreshadows the very nature of the Incarnation, where God truly became "God with us" ([Immanuel](/isaiah/7-14 "Prophecy of Immanuel")), dwelling among humanity in the person of Jesus. Just as God empowered David to "cut off all thine enemies," Jesus, the greater Son of David, decisively defeated the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Moreover, the promise to "make thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth" finds its supreme realization in Jesus, whose name is "above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Jesus' Exaltation and Supreme Name")), to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Jesus' Authority")). David's earthly kingdom and "great name" were but a shadow of the eternal, universal kingdom established by Christ, whose reign knows no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, 2 Samuel 7:9 is not merely a historical account but a prophetic declaration pointing to the divine presence, decisive victory, and unparalleled glory of the Messiah.

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 5:10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts [was] with him.

1 Chronicles 17:8

And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that [are] in the earth.

2 Samuel 8:6

Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

Psalms 113:7

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

Psalms 113:8

That he may set [him] with princes, [even] with the princes of his people.

1 Samuel 18:14

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD [was] with him.

Psalms 18:37

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.