What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:16? Elishama • After conquering Jerusalem and establishing it as his royal city (2 Samuel 5:6-10), David’s growing family serves as tangible evidence that “the LORD God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). • Elishama’s appearance in the list of sons born in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:14-16) highlights God’s blessing on David’s new beginning in the capital. The king who once fled from Saul is now settled, secure, and surrounded by children. • Cross references reinforce this theme of covenant favor: God later promises, “I will raise up your offspring after you … and I will establish his kingdom” (2 Samuel 7:12-13; cf. Psalm 89:3-4). Elishama’s birth is an early indicator that the promise of an enduring line is already in motion. • The placement of this son—midway through the Jerusalem-born group—shows the ongoing, uninterrupted flow of life in David’s house, contrasting earlier seasons of warfare and exile (1 Samuel 20:1; 2 Samuel 2:1-4). Eliada • The next name marks further multiplication of David’s lineage. Each successive child confirms what Scripture emphatically states: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3). • Eliada’s presence echoes earlier patriarchal narratives where sons signify covenant continuity (Genesis 15:4-6; Genesis 21:1-3). Just as Abraham’s promised child pointed to future blessing, so David’s expanding household points toward the ultimate Son who will reign forever (Luke 1:31-33). • 1 Chronicles 14:7 repeats Eliada’s inclusion, underscoring the chronicler’s interest in showing the legitimacy and prosperity of David’s royal line. • In the context of 2 Samuel 5, the name sits amid military victories (vv. 17-25) and administrative organization (v. 13), reminding readers that God’s favor touches both national security and family life. Eliphelet • The list concludes with Eliphelet, the last of eleven sons born to David in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:14-16). Scripture’s careful recordkeeping testifies to its historical reliability; every name, even one mentioned only briefly, is part of God’s accurate, Spirit-inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16). • Eliphelet’s birth bookends a season of blessing that began with Solomon (v. 14) and spans the entire section. This range—from the future temple builder to the lesser-known Eliphelet—shows that every child in David’s family enjoys the same covenant covering (2 Samuel 7:15). • 1 Chronicles 3:8 preserves Eliphelet in a parallel genealogy, confirming that the biblical writers shared a consistent, Spirit-guided view of David’s household. • By finishing the list here, the narrative pivots to David’s broader responsibilities, but not before underscoring that God’s promise of seed, land, and blessing is firmly rooted in everyday family realities (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Samuel 23:5). summary 2 Samuel 5:16 may seem like a simple roster—“Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet”—yet each name quietly proclaims that God’s covenant with David is alive and advancing. Elishama signals stability after years of turmoil, Eliada underscores God-given heritage, and Eliphelet caps a season of abundant favor. Together they affirm that every detail of Scripture is accurate, purposeful, and pointing forward to the ultimate Son of David who fulfills all God’s promises. |
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