2 Samuel5

All the tribes of Israel came to Hebron and anointed David king over all Israel, recognizing him as their leader and the one chosen by the Lord. David then conquered the Jebusite stronghold of Zion, establishing Jerusalem as his capital and the City of David. The Lord was with David, causing him to grow great and establishing his kingdom. David also achieved two significant victories over the Philistines, each time after inquiring of the Lord for divine guidance.

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David Anointed King Over All Israel

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.

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

The Capture of Jerusalem

Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.”

Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”

So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward.

And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

Hiram’s Alliance and David’s Household

Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.

And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.

These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,

Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

Two Victories Over the Philistines

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.

Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim.

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

Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.

As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has marched out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”

So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Study Notes for 2 Samuel 5

Verse 1

After seven years ruling only Judah, the Northern tribes recognize David’s legitimacy based on kinship ('bone and thy flesh') and political necessity. This moment marks the true unification of the nation.

Verse 2

The elders cite David’s past military leadership under Saul and, crucially, God’s divine promise. The term 'feed my people' uses shepherd imagery, designating David as the divinely appointed ruler and caretaker of Israel.

Verse 3

The making of a 'league' (covenant) formalized the political agreement, binding the king and the people together with divine sanction. This third anointing establishes David as monarch over the combined kingdom.

Verse 4

David’s forty-year reign is a significant number in biblical chronology, often symbolizing a complete era or generation. He began ruling at the height of his physical strength.

Verse 6

Jerusalem (Jebus) was strategically located on the border between Judah and Benjamin, making it the ideal neutral capital. The taunt about the 'blind and the lame' suggests the Jebusites felt their city was impregnable.

Verse 7

The 'strong hold of Zion' refers to the citadel on the eastern ridge of the city. Its capture relocated the national center away from tribal lands, solidifying David’s universal rule.

Verse 8

The 'gutter' (*tsinnor*) is widely believed to be the water shaft (perhaps Warren’s Shaft, an underground tunnel) used to access the city’s water supply, providing a hidden entry point for David's forces, likely led by Joab (1 Chr 11:6).

Verse 9

The city of David became the common designation for the Jerusalem fortress. David's subsequent building efforts, including filling in the area of Millo (a defensive structure or earthwork), expanded and secured the new capital.

Verse 10

This verse summarizes David's success, attributing his growing power and status directly to the presence and favor of 'the LORD God of hosts' (Yahweh Sabaoth), emphasizing divine backing.

Verse 11

Hiram, King of Tyre, provided essential resources (cedar) and skilled workers. This alliance established David’s kingdom as a recognized international power, capable of undertaking major royal construction.

Verse 12

David understands that his exaltation is not for personal glory but is a divine act of covenant faithfulness 'for his people Israel’s sake.' His kingdom is established to bless the nation.

Verse 13

Expanding the royal harem was a common practice for ancient Near Eastern kings to demonstrate wealth, secure alliances, and ensure succession, though this eventually led to moral and familial strife for David.

Verse 14

This list includes Nathan and Solomon, two of the most significant sons. Nathan is the ancestor of the messianic line traced through Mary (Luke 3:31), while Solomon succeeded David as king.

Verse 17

The Philistines viewed David’s unification of Israel as an immediate threat to their regional dominance. Their aggressive mobilization forced David to respond quickly to secure his newly established kingdom.

Verse 19

David’s immediate action upon hearing of the threat is to 'enquire of the LORD,' establishing a pattern of seeking divine counsel before military action, contrasting with Saul’s later failures.

Verse 20

Baal-perazim means 'Lord of breakthroughs.' David attributes the massive victory entirely to Yahweh, who burst through the enemy lines like a sudden, unstoppable flood.

Verse 21

The enemy leaving their idols behind indicates the swiftness of the defeat and the impotence of their gods. The burning of the images symbolizes Yahweh’s decisive triumph over pagan deities.

Verse 23

When the Philistines attack again, David again seeks guidance. God commands a different, flanking strategy, teaching David that reliance on God requires fresh obedience and not simply repeating previous successful tactics.

Verse 24

The sound in the treetops signaled the movement of God’s invisible army (or angelic forces) going ahead of David’s troops. This was the cue for David to strike, ensuring the victory was clearly understood as God’s doing.

Verse 25

David's immediate obedience to the specific, unconventional command results in a complete victory, securing the western flank and cementing Israel's freedom from Philistine control.

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2 Samuel5

David Anointed King Over All Israel

The Capture of Jerusalem

Hiram’s Alliance and David’s Household

Two Victories Over the Philistines

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