What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:13? After he had arrived from Hebron • David’s seven-year reign in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1-4) ends with the elders of Israel anointing him king over the united nation (2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:3). • Moving to Jerusalem, recently captured from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-9), secures a neutral, centrally located capital that unifies north and south. • The Lord confirms this transition: “David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel” (2 Samuel 5:12). • The historical narrative is literal and accurate; Scripture records God’s sovereign guidance even in the details of geography and timing (Psalm 37:23). David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem • In the ancient Near East, royal marriages often strengthened political alliances (1 Kings 3:1). David’s growing household marks his expanding influence. • Yet the law had warned kings, “He must not take many wives, lest his heart turn away” (Deuteronomy 17:17). Scripture reports David’s choice without approving it, allowing us to see both God’s blessing and the seeds of future trouble (2 Samuel 11; 12:10-12). • Earlier, David had already taken wives in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2-5) and Abigail from Carmel (1 Samuel 25:39-43). Jerusalem simply adds to that list (1 Chronicles 14:3). • The narrative underscores human weakness, even in a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), while magnifying the Lord’s faithfulness. And more sons and daughters were born to him • Children are presented as divine blessing: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3). David’s new sons—listed in 2 Samuel 5:14-16 and 1 Chronicles 3:5-8—expand the royal line promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:6) and Judah (Genesis 49:10). • Solomon, born later to Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:24-25), will carry the messianic line (Matthew 1:6), demonstrating that God works through complicated family histories. • At the same time, multiple heirs lead to rivalry and sorrow: Amnon’s sin (2 Samuel 13:1-19), Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15–18), and Adonijah’s coup attempt (1 Kings 1). The text prepares us to see why divine wisdom later insists on monogamy for leaders (1 Timothy 3:2). • Still, the covenant stands: “I will establish your offspring after you… and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). summary 2 Samuel 5:13 literally records three linked facts: David’s move from Hebron to Jerusalem, his addition of more wives and concubines, and the birth of further children. Each detail highlights God’s providential elevation of David, exposes the king’s human frailty, and sets the stage for both blessing and conflict in Israel’s history. Through it all, the Lord’s covenant purposes march forward, reminding us that His faithfulness outshines our shortcomings. |
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