Translations
Original
Notes
David asked the Lord again (2 Samuel 5:19), but this time God gave a much more detailed answer. Instead of a direct attack like in 2 Samuel 5:20, God told David to go around behind the enemy.
For the first time as king, David fought the Philistines in battle.
Up to this point in 2 Samuel, David’s life follows a clear and repeated pattern:
He was crowned king in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:4).
He won a battle (2 Samuel 2:12–17).
He grew stronger (2 Samuel 3:1).
He started a large family (2 Samuel 3:2–5).
A similar pattern appears again later:
David was crowned king in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:3).
He grew stronger again (2 Samuel 5:10).
He expanded his family (2 Samuel 5:13–14).
He won another battle (2 Samuel 5:17–25).
This repeated pattern emphasizes both of David’s coronations. Each one is marked by signs of God’s blessing and success.
After the murder of Abner and Ish-bosheth, the elders of the northern tribes accepted David as their king. So, David gained:
an extended empire (2 Samuel 5:1–5),
a new capital city (2 Samuel 5:6–10),
a new palace (2 Samuel 5:11),
a new family (2 Samuel 5:13–16), and
renewed confidence (2 Samuel 5:17–25).
Events
Parallels
People
David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ
Glossary
Baca, Valley of David Holy War Holy War Philistia, Philistines Poplar Samuel, Books of First and Second
Topics
Armies: March in Ranks: David's Attack Upon the Philistines Armies: March in Ranks: Seeking Counsel from God Before Battle God: Saving David's Army Mulberry Tree: General Scriptures Concerning Philistines: Defeated by David Prayer: Answered: David, Asking Whether he should Go to War Against the Philistines The Philistines: David: Often Defeated in the Course of his Reign Trees: Mulberry War: God In