2 Samuel 5

In this chapter, David finally becomes the king of all Israel after years of conflict. The chapter recounts David’s anointing as king, his capture of Jerusalem, and his military victories over the Philistines. These events signify the consolidation of David’s reign and the establishment of Jerusalem as both the political and spiritual center of Israel.

2 Samuel 5:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, “Indeed we are your bone and your flesh.
2 Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’”
3 Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel.
4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

David’s kingship over all Israel was solidified when all the tribes recognized his leadership. Even while Saul was king, David had proven himself as a leader of the people. God had already promised that David would shepherd Israel, and now this promise was fulfilled. The elders formally recognized this by anointing David as king. He began his reign at thirty and ruled for forty years, first over Judah and then over the united kingdom of Israel.

2 Samuel 5:6-8 (NKJV)
6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, “You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you,” thinking, “David cannot come in here.”
7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David).
8 Now David said on that day, “Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites (the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul), he shall be chief and captain.” Therefore they say, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”

David’s first act as king over all Israel was to capture Jerusalem, which was held by the Jebusites. The Jebusites mocked David, believing their city was so fortified that even the “blind and lame” could defend it. However, David’s forces found a way into the city, conquering it and making it the new capital. His reference to the “lame and blind” is likely a retort to the Jebusites’ insult.

2 Samuel 5:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward.
10 So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.

After capturing Jerusalem, David made it his capital and began fortifying and expanding it. He called it the City of David, marking it as both a political and spiritual center for the kingdom. As David’s power and influence grew, it was clear that God’s favor was upon him, allowing him to succeed and solidify his reign.

2 Samuel 5:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters and masons. And they built David a house.
12 So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

King Hiram of Tyre recognized David’s growing power and sought an alliance, sending materials and craftsmen to build a palace for David. This foreign recognition of David’s rule affirmed that his kingship was divinely established. David realized that his rise to power was not for his own sake but for the sake of Israel, fulfilling God’s purpose for His people.

2 Samuel 5:13-16 (NKJV)
13 And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron. Also more sons and daughters were born to David.
14 Now these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,
16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

David expanded his family after moving to Jerusalem, marrying more wives and having more children. Among his sons was Solomon, who would later succeed him as king. This growing family not only reflected David’s personal status but also secured his dynasty’s future. However, the multiplication of wives, while common for kings of that time, would later lead to internal strife and challenges within David’s household.

2 Samuel 5:17-21 (NKJV)
17 Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.
18 The Philistines also went and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim.
19 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?”
And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
20 So David went to Baal Perazim, and David defeated them there; and he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me, like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal Perazim.
21 And they left their images there, and David and his men carried them away.

When the Philistines learned of David’s coronation, they sought to challenge his rule. David, however, sought the Lord’s guidance before engaging in battle. God assured David of victory, and David triumphed over the Philistines at Baal Perazim, acknowledging that it was the Lord who had given him the breakthrough. The Philistines fled so hastily that they left their idols behind, which David’s men collected as trophies of victory.

2 Samuel 5:22-25 (NKJV)
22 Then the Philistines went up once again and deployed themselves in the Valley of Rephaim.
23 Therefore David inquired of the Lord, and He said, “You shall not go up; circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees.
24 And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.”
25 And David did so, as the Lord commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer.

The Philistines attacked again, but David once more sought God’s guidance. This time, God instructed David to take a different approach, attacking from behind and waiting for a divine sign—the sound of marching in the trees. This strategy, directly from the Lord, ensured David’s success as he routed the Philistines. David’s obedience and reliance on God’s guidance solidified his reputation as a king who trusted in the Lord’s leading.