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.

David Anointed King Over All Israel

Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.

In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. The LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’”

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel.

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, 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

The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, “Unless you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here”; thinking, “David can’t come in here.”

Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David.

David said on that day, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let him get up to the watercourse, and strike the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore they say, “The blind and the lame can’t come into the house.”

David lived in the stronghold, and called it the city of David. David built around from Millo and inward.

David grew greater and greater; for the LORD, the God of Hosts, was with him.

Hiram’s Alliance and David’s Household

Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house.

David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.

David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron; and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet.

Two Victories Over the Philistines

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.

Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hand?” The LORD said to David, “Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

David came to Baal Perazim, and David struck them there; and he said, “The LORD has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

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

The Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

When David inquired of the LORD, he said, “You shall not go up. Circle around behind them, and attack them over against the mulberry trees.

It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall stir yourself up; for then the LORD has gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.”

David did so, as the LORD commanded him, and struck the Philistines from Geba until you come 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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