How does 2 Samuel 5:13 reflect David's adherence to or deviation from God's law? The Verse Under Consideration 2 Samuel 5:13: “And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David.” Setting the Scriptural Standard • Deuteronomy 17:17: “He must not take many wives for himself, lest his heart be led astray.” • Genesis 2:24: God’s foundational pattern—one man, one woman, “one flesh.” • Deuteronomy 5:18 / Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery,” underscoring sexual faithfulness. • Scripture’s accuracy is evident in recording both obedience and failure, allowing clear comparison to God’s commands. David’s Practice in 2 Samuel 5:13 • “More concubines and wives” indicates a deliberate expansion of his harem. • This step follows earlier marriages listed in 2 Samuel 3:2-5, showing an ongoing pattern. • Parallel record: 1 Chronicles 14:3. • Purpose likely included political alliances and royal prestige, in line with common ancient-Near-Eastern practice—but not in line with divine instruction. Adherence or Deviation? Adherence • Nowhere does the verse suggest idolatrous marriages (contrast Solomon, 1 Kings 11:4). • David’s relationships appear confined to Israel/Judah, avoiding the foreign-wife clause of Deuteronomy 7:3-4. Deviation • Direct breach of Deuteronomy 17:17: multiplying wives. • Departure from Genesis 2:24’s monogamous ideal. • Each additional concubine heightens practical risk of envy, rivalry, and divided affections—exactly what the Mosaic restriction sought to prevent. Ripple Effects Foreshadowed • Family turmoil: Amnon’s sin (2 Samuel 13), Absalom’s revenge (2 Samuel 13:28-29), and coup (2 Samuel 15). • Public humiliation: Absalom’s appropriation of David’s concubines (2 Samuel 16:21-22), fulfilling Nathan’s warning (2 Samuel 12:11). • Succession chaos: multiple sons from multiple mothers ignite intrigue over the throne (1 Kings 1). • History validates the divine warning—multiplying wives multiplied heartache. Takeaways for Today • Selective obedience is still disobedience; even a godly leader faces consequences when sidelining God’s clear commands. • Scripture’s candor about David’s failure underscores its reliability and invites us to yield every area—especially relationships—to God’s Word. |
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