2 Samuel 3:5
and his sixth was Ithream, by David's wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.
and his sixth was Ithream,

Ithream was David’s sixth son born during the years of his reign in Hebron. His name means “abundance of people” or “advantage of the people,” fitting the period in which David’s household and kingdom were increasing. Though Scripture records no later deeds of Ithream, his inclusion establishes the breadth of David’s family during the formative years of his rule over Judah.

1Ch 3:2-3 the third was Absalom the son of Maacah…
1Ch 3:1 These were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron:…

by David’s wife Eglah.

Eglah is named among David’s wives only in the record of his sons. Nothing further is revealed concerning her background or role in David’s court. Her place in the genealogy confirms that Ithream belonged to David’s recognized royal household. The growing number of David’s wives and sons displayed royal strength in the ancient world, yet it also created competing claims within the family that would later bring grief and disorder to David’s house.

1Ch 14:3-4 And David took more wives in Jerusalem…
2Sa 5:13-16 After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more wives…

These sons were born to David in Hebron.

Hebron served as David’s capital for seven and a half years while he ruled Judah before becoming king over all Israel. The city was deeply connected with the patriarchs, for Abraham dwelt there and the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives was nearby. David’s sons born in Hebron marked the beginning of a dynasty through which God would establish His covenant purposes, even as the failures and conflicts within David’s family showed the need for the greater Son of David, the righteous King who would reign forever.

1Ch 3:4 These six sons were born to David in Hebron…
2Sa 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
- The anointed king of Israel, who is in the process of consolidating his rule over the nation.

2. Hebron
- The city where David reigned as king over Judah for seven and a half years before becoming king over all Israel.

3. Ahinoam
- One of David's wives, the mother of Amnon, David's firstborn.

4. Abigail
- Another of David's wives, the widow of Nabal, and the mother of Chileab.

5. Maacah
- The daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and the mother of Absalom.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Family Dynamics
Understanding the family dynamics in David's life helps us see the impact of personal relationships on leadership and governance. David's multiple marriages and the resulting family tensions had significant consequences for his reign.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite the complexities and imperfections in David's family, God used him to fulfill His purposes for Israel. This reminds us that God can work through our imperfections to accomplish His will.

The Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
The mention of David's wives highlights the significant, though often understated, roles women played in biblical history. Their influence and actions often had profound effects on the unfolding of God's plan.

Consequences of Polygamy
David's multiple marriages led to rivalries and conflicts among his children, illustrating the biblical principle that departing from God's design for marriage can lead to strife and discord.

Legacy and Influence
The legacy we leave is often shaped by our family relationships and decisions. David's life encourages us to consider how our actions today will impact future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the family dynamics in David's life, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:5, reflect the challenges of leadership and governance?

2. In what ways does the account of David's wives and children illustrate the consequences of polygamy and its impact on family relationships?

3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the midst of the complexities and imperfections of David's family?

4. What lessons can we learn from the roles of women like Ahinoam, Abigail, and Maacah in the biblical account, and how can these lessons be applied today?

5. How does the legacy of David's family, as seen in the lives of his children, challenge us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions and relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 25
This chapter provides background on Abigail, one of David's wives mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:5, highlighting her wisdom and role in David's life.

2 Samuel 13
This chapter details the tragic events involving Amnon and Absalom, two of David's sons mentioned in this verse, showing the consequences of David's family dynamics.

Genesis 36
This chapter lists the descendants of Esau, providing a broader context for understanding the genealogies and family lines in the Old Testament.
The House of DavidB. Dale 2 Samuel 3:1-5
A Long WarC. M. Fleury, A. M.2 Samuel 3:1-39
Perpetual WarJ. Irons.2 Samuel 3:1-39
Progress and Termination of the Civil WarW. G. Blaikie, M. A.2 Samuel 3:1-39
People
Abigail, Abishai, Abital, Abner, Absalom, Adonijah, Ahinoam, Aiah, Amnon, Asahel, Benjamin, Benjamites, Chileab, Dan, David, Eglah, Gibeon, Haggith, Ishbosheth, Ithream, Jezreel, Jezreelitess, Jizreelitess, Joab, Laish, Maacah, Maachah, Michal, Nabal, Ner, Paltiel, Phaltiel, Rizpah, Saul, Shephatiah, Talmai, Zeruiah
Places
Bahurim, Beersheba, Bethlehem, Carmel, Dan, Geshur, Gibeon, Hebron
Topics
Birth, Born, David, David's, Eglah, Hebron, Ithream, Ith're-am, Sixth, Sons, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 3:1-5

     5732   polygamy

Library
The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The King.
We have now to turn and see the sudden change of fortune which lifted the exile to a throne. The heavy cloud which had brooded so long over the doomed king broke in lightning crash on the disastrous field of Gilboa. Where is there a sadder and more solemn story of the fate of a soul which makes shipwreck "of faith and of a good conscience," than that awful page which tells how, godless, wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody sword, and died a suicide's death,
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

A Believer's Privilege at Death
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Hope is a Christian's anchor, which he casts within the veil. Rejoicing in hope.' Rom 12:12. A Christian's hope is not in this life, but he hash hope in his death.' Prov 14:42. The best of a saint's comfort begins when his life ends; but the wicked have all their heaven here. Woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.' Luke 6:64. You may make your acquittance, and write Received in full payment.' Son, remember that
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Morning of Good Friday.
The pale grey light had passed into that of early morning, when the Sanhedrists once more assembled in the Palace of Caiaphas. [5969] A comparison with the terms in which they who had formed the gathering of the previous night are described will convey the impression, that the number of those present was now increased, and that they who now came belonged to the wisest and most influential of the Council. It is not unreasonable to suppose, that some who would not take part in deliberations which were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Growth in Grace
'But grow in grace.' 2 Pet 3:38. True grace is progressive, of a spreading and growing nature. It is with grace as with light; first, there is the crepusculum, or daybreak; then it shines brighter to the full meridian. A good Christian is like the crocodile. Quamdiu vivet crescit; he has never done growing. The saints are not only compared to stars for their light, but to trees for their growth. Isa 61:1, and Hos 14:4. A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went backwards, nor Joshua's
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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