2 Samuel 5
Matthew Henry · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Samuel 5
Henry - Verses 1-5. David was anointed king a third time. His advances were gradual, that his faith might be tried, and that he might gain experience. Thus his kingdom typified that of the Messiah, which was to come to its height by degrees. Thus Jesus became our Brother, took upon him our nature, dwelt in it that he might become our Prince and Saviour: thus the humbled sinner takes encouragement from the endearing relation, applies for his salvation, submits to his authority, and craves his protection. James Smith - DAVID CROWNED KING OVER ALL 2 Samuel 5:1–5 “In full and glad surrender we give ourselves to Thee, Thine utterly, and only, and evermore to be! O Son of God, who lovest us, we will be Thine alone, And all we are, and all we have, shall henceforth be Thine own.” —HAVERGAL. It was a great day in Israel when all the tribes gathered together in Hebron to make David king over a united people. Perhaps the wisdom and advocacy of Abner had much to do with the bringing about of this happy event (chap. 3:17–19). The man who had been anointed with the holy oil (Spirit), and who lives by faith in God, will have a path that shineth more and more with the light of His favour. We are reminded here of the time when all the tribes of earth shall confess Jesus Christ as King, and crown Him Lord of all. The turning of the kingdom to David, like the turning of the kingdoms of the world to our God and to Christ, was “according to the Word of the Lord” (1 Chron. 12:23). We shall note here— I. The Confession. They came to David, as we may come to Christ, making confession of— 1. KINSHIP. “Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh” (v. 1). To have a “flesh and bone” relationship with a king is surely a great privilege, and a mighty plea in urging a request. Such is the honourable position of every Christian. “For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones” (Eph. 5:30). Did not the first Adam say of Eve—a type of the Church—“This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 2:23). This close and living union with Him brings us as members into vital connection one with another (Rom. 12:5). 2. FAILURE. “In time past, Saul was king over us” (v. 2). There is a ring of sorrowful disappointment in these words. In time past we had an untrustworthy ruler over us, one who broke away from the command of the Lord, and who sought to destroy the influence of His anointed, and to lead us to war against the purposes of God. What a faithful type of the prince of this world, and of the woeful conductor of all those whose minds are blinded by Him. Let the time past suffice for the will of the flesh and the work of the Devil. 3. GRACE. “Thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel” (v. 2). This is a confession of the wisdom and goodness of David’s work among them. David, like the Lord Jesus Christ, dealt with them “according to the integrity of his heart and the skilfulness of his hands” (Psa. 101:2). It is wonderful, in looking back over even our past sinful life, how much of the wisdom and grace of our Lord we now see. What we then thought was opposed to our highest interests we can now trace to the skilfulness of His hands. 4. FAITH. “The Lord said unto thee, Thou shalt feed My people.” By these words the elders made confession of their faith in David as the one appointed by Jehovah to lead them and feed them as a shepherd. He whom God hath set up shall not be easily overthrown. Hath not Christ, the Shepherd of our souls, been commissioned of the Father to feed His sheep? And shall not we, like these elders, acknowledge our King as He who spreadeth a table for us in the wilderness, and as He who is in Himself the “Living Bread.” 5. SURRENDER. “Thou shalt be prince (or ruler) over Israel” (v. 2, R.V.). This language is expressive of perfect subjection to His word and will. Thou shalt rule over us, and our lives are at thy disposal for the carrying out of all the purposes of thy heart. Are we prepared so to yield ourselves as instruments of righteousness to Him who is our Redeemer and King? Can we pray in truth, “Thy will be done in us, as it is done in Heaven?” II. The Covenant. “King David made a covenant with them” (v. 3, R.V.). This offer was accepted, and an everlasting bond of union formed. David’s league with them was the pledge and promise that his wisdom and power would be exercised for their personal and national wellbeing. So they anointed David king over Israel. So may it be with us. All who are prepared to crown Jesus King over all will have the benefit of His covenant of promise and power. The crowning of Jesus over our lives means for us a life of victory and blessing. “CROWN HIM LORD OF ALL.” 2 Samuel 5:2 "Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.'" BGT 2 Samuel 5:2 καὶ ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ὄντος Σαουλ βασιλέως ἐφ᾽ ἡμῖν σὺ ἦσθα ὁ ἐξάγων καὶ εἰσάγων τὸν Ισραηλ καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς σέ σὺ ποιμανεῖς τὸν λαόν μου τὸν Ισραηλ καὶ σὺ ἔσει εἰς ἡγούμενον ἐπὶ τὸν Ισραηλ LXE 2 Samuel 5:2 And heretofore Saul being king over us, thou was he that didst lead out and bring in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be for a leader to my people Israel. KJV 2 Samuel 5:2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. NET 2 Samuel 5:2 In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the real leader in Israel. The LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel; you will rule over Israel.'" CSB 2 Samuel 5:2 Even while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led us out to battle and brought us back. The LORD also said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over Israel.'" ESV 2 Samuel 5:2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.'" NIV 2 Samuel 5:2 In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.' " NLT 2 Samuel 5:2 In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the LORD told you, 'You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel's leader.' " NRS 2 Samuel 5:2 For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel." NJB 2 Samuel 5:2 In days past when Saul was our king, it was you who led Israel on its campaigns, and to you it was that Yahweh promised, "You are to shepherd my people Israel and be leader of Israel." ' NAB 2 Samuel 5:2 In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.'" YLT 2 Samuel 5:2 also heretofore, in Saul's being king over us, thou hast been he who is bringing out and bringing in Israel, and Jehovah saith to thee, Thou dost feed My people Israel, and thou art for leader over Israel.' GWN 2 Samuel 5:2 "Even in the past when Saul ruled us, you were the one who led Israel in battle. The LORD has said to you, 'You will be shepherd of my people Israel, the leader of Israel.'" BBE 2 Samuel 5:2 In the past when Saul was king over us, it was you who went at the head of Israel when they went out or came in: and the Lord said to you, You are to be the keeper of my people Israel and their ruler. lead out: Nu 27:17 1Sa 18:13,16 1Sa 25:28 Isa 55:4 feed: 2Sa 7:7 1Sa 16:1,12,13 25:30 Ps 78:70-72 Isa 40:11 Eze 34:23 Eze 37:24,25 Mic 5:4 Mt 2:6 Joh 10:3,4,11 a ruler: 1Sa 9:16 13:14 2Ki 20:5 Isa 55:4 Heb 2:10 Related Passages: 1 Samuel 18:13; 16+ (DAVID'S MILITARY PROWESS AND ISRAEL'S LOVE FOR HIM) Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.....16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them. 1 Samuel 25:28+ (ABIGAIL WAS AWARE THAT DAVID WOULD ONE DAY REIGN OVER ISRAEL) “Please forgive the transgression of your maidservant; for the LORD will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord is fighting the battles of the LORD, and evil will not be found in you all your days. ALL ISRAEL ACKNOWLEDGES DAVID'S MILITARY PROWESS Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in - Heb literally = "Heb “you were the one leading out and the one leading in Israel." NLT = "you were the one who really led the forces of Israel" David led them out in battle and brought them back, signifying they did not come running back defeated, but came back victorious under David's leadership. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd (KJV = feed) My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel - Apparently it was common knowledge throughout Israel that Yahweh had selected David to be His shepherd and ruler over Israel.(cf see above for Abigail's knowledge)
2 Samuel 5
Henry - Verses 6-10. The enemies of God's people are often very confident of their own strength, and most secure when their day to fall draws nigh. But the pride and insolence of the Jebusites animated David, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. Thus in the day of God's power, Satan's strong-hold, the human heart, is changed into a habitation of God through the Spirit, and into a throne on which the Son of David rules, and brings every thought into obedience to himself. May He thus come, and claim, and cleanse, each of our hearts; and, destroying every idol, may he reign there for ever! Jerusalem. The city is strategically located along an east-west road that runs from the fords of the Jordan near Jericho to the coastal highway. It is also by the most significant north-south road that runs through the hill country from Beersheba to Beth Shan. Its location is also strategic because of its position by the border between Judah and Benjamin. The deep valleys on the east and west of the ridge and the reliable water supply found at the Gihon spring combined to make the location defensible and desirable. The earliest reference to Jerusalem is in the Egyptian execration texts from early in the second millennium B.C., where its kings are named Yaqirammu and Shayzanu. The next reference is found in six letters in the Amarna texts from Abdi-Heba, king of Jerusalem, to the pharaoh requesting military support. Jerusalem was one of the key cities in the region and in the Amarna period was competing with Shechem for control of the hill country. Jerusalem was defeated by the Israelite armies at the time of the conquest, but the inhabitants had not been driven out and it had not been occupied by the Israelites (Judg 1:21). The city of Jerusalem in this period occupied only the north-south ridge covering about ten acres that runs south of the modern city walls. The top of the ridge is only about four hundred feet wide and about fifteen hundred feet long. The population would not have exceeded one thousand. The Canaanite city was built on an artificial platform that was supported by a series of terraces. Archaeologists have uncovered a stepped stone structure over fifty feet tall at the northeast corner of this ridge. This was most likely the platform for the Jebusite citadel referred to in verse 7, and was enhanced by David for use as the foundation of his palace built in verse 11. The city was surrounded by a ten-footthick wall that had first been built over eight hundred years earlier. There is little else that archaeologists have found in the city that is attributable to the time of David. (see IVP Background Commentary) 2 Samuel 5:1-10 The King Gives Victory - Theodore Epp So impregnable did the Jebusites think their fortress to be that they jeered at David and his men, saying that the blind and the lame could hold it against David's army. "Nevertheless," we are told, "David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David" (2 Sam. 5:7). David then moved into the city and made it the headquarters for his government, and later on it became the central place of worship for God's people. Eventually Solomon's great temple was erected in Jerusalem. From this city the Lord Jesus Christ will rule in the Millennium and establish His New Jerusalem of which the Prophet Ezekiel spoke. There is a rich spiritual lesson for us here. Some habits of sin are so deeply entrenched in our minds and bodies that we have struggled in vain against them from the day of our new birth. We may have felt it was no use to try to overcome these habits and that we might as well give up. What we need, of course, is to let the King, the Lord Jesus Christ, lead us in the battle against this entrenched sin. We can never defeat the Enemy by ourselves. It must always be done through the strength of Christ. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). QUESTION - Who were the Jebusites? ANSWER - When God promised to give Abraham a land for his descendants, it was described as being inhabited by many tribes, including the Jebusites (Genesis 15:18–21). Who were these people, and where did they come from? According to the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, the Jebusites were descended from Noah’s son Ham, through his son Canaan. They were one of the Amorite tribes who were placed under judgment by God for their wickedness (Genesis 15:16). God described their pagan worship as abominable practices (Deuteronomy 20:18), which may have included child sacrifice. As a result of that judgment, God told the Israelites to exterminate all of the Amorite tribes when they came into the land. The Israelites were also forbidden to intermarry with them, so the Jebusites would not pass on their pagan practices. The Jebusites dwelt in the hill country, with Jerusalem as one of their key cities (Numbers 13:29; Judges 19:10–11). The Jebusites’ name for “Jerusalem” was “Jebus,” and it retained that name until the time of King David (1 Chronicles 11:4–5). During the time of Joshua, the Jebusite king Adoni-zedek joined with four other Amorite kings to attack the Israelites at Gibeon (Joshua 10:5), but he was defeated and put to death. Later, the Jebusites joined with Jabin, king of Hazor, in a pitched battle against the Israelites, but they were also defeated by Joshua’s army (Joshua 11:3). Despite these defeats, the Jebusites continued to live in the hill country around Jerusalem for many generations. During the time of the judges, some Israelites began to intermarry with the Jebusites, causing God to bring judgment on the nation (Judges 3:5). When David became king of Israel, he attacked the Jebusites of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:6) and conquered the city, which then became known as the City of David. Apparently, David granted terms of peace with the remaining Jebusites, because he made a friendly deal with Araunah the Jebusite to purchase land for building the temple (2 Samuel 24:18–25). The Jebusites remained subjugated to Israel and were part of the forced labor Solomon later used for his building projects. Though they were allowed to live among the Israelites, the Jebusites and other Amorite tribes maintained their distinctive ways and thus became a continuing snare to the people of Israel. When Ezra the priest led a revival among the Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity, he had to deal with the issue of intermarriage with Jebusites and others (Ezra 9:1). Ezra commanded the men of Israel to confess their sins and put away their pagan wives so that God would take away His wrath. After this, the Jebusites disappear from history; likely, they were absorbed into the other Gentile peoples who lived in the land of Israel. An extra-biblical reference to the Jebusites may be contained in one of the tablets discovered at Mari, in modern-day Syria. One cuneiform tablet mentions a people called the “Yabusiim,” which could very well be a reference to the Jebusites. GotQuestions.org NAVE'S SUMMARY OF JEBUSITES One of the tribes of Canaan, Deut. 7:1 "When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and stronger than you" Land of, given to Abraham and his descendants, Ge 15:21; Ex. 3:8, 17; Ex 23:23, 24; Deut. 20:17 = "But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as the LORD your God has commanded you." Ex. 33:2; 34:10, 11. Conquered by Joshua, Josh 10-12; Josh 24:11; Conquered by David, 2 Sam. 5:6-9. Jerusalem within the territory of, Josh. 18:28. Not exterminated, but intermarry with the Israelites, Jdg. 3:5, 6; Ezra 9:1-2; Ezra 10:18-44. Pay tribute to Solomon, 1Ki 9:20, 21. Jebusites (yebusi) - 41x/39v - Ge 10:15-16 - Canaan became the father of Sidon, his firstborn, and Heth 16 and the Jebusite and the Amorite and the Girgashite ; Gen. 15:21; Exod. 3:8; Exod. 3:17; Exod. 13:5; Exod. 23:23; Exod. 33:2; Exod. 34:11; Num. 13:29; Deut. 7:1; Deut. 20:17; Jos. 3:10; Jos. 9:1; Jos. 11:3; Jos. 12:8; Jos. 15:8; Jos. 15:63; Jos. 18:16; Jos. 18:28; Jos. 24:11; Jdg. 1:21; Jdg. 3:5; Jdg. 19:11; 2 Sam. 5:6; 2 Sam. 5:8; 2 Sam. 24:16; 2 Sam. 24:18; 1 Ki. 9:20; 1 Chr. 1:14; 1 Chr. 11:4; 1 Chr. 11:6; 1 Chr. 21:15; 1 Chr. 21:18; 1 Chr. 21:28; 2 Chr. 3:1; 2 Chr. 8:7; Ezr. 9:1; Neh. 9:8; Zech. 9:7 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David. BGT 2 Samuel 5:7 καὶ κατελάβετο Δαυιδ τὴν περιοχὴν Σιων αὕτη ἡ πόλις τοῦ Δαυιδ LXE 2 Samuel 5:7 And David took first the hold of Sion: this is the city of David. KJV 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. NET 2 Samuel 5:7 But David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the city of David). CSB 2 Samuel 5:7 Yet David did capture the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. ESV 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. NIV 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David. NLT 2 Samuel 5:7 But David captured the fortress of Zion, which is now called the City of David. Zion: Ps 2:6 9:11 48:12 51:18 87:2 132:13 Isa 12:6 59:20 Mic 4:2 Ro 9:33 Heb 12:22 Rev 14:1 the same: 2Sa 5:9 6:10 1Ki 2:10 3:1 8:1 1Ch 11:7 2Ch 5:2 24:16 JERUSALEM, ZION CITY OF DAVID Nevertheless - Despite the fact that the taunting Jebusites had a clear military advantage, and boasted in their impregnable walls, the did not realize that they were up against David who had the hand of God on his life. David captured the stronghold (mesudah) of Zion, that is the city of David - While the city had been taken briefly in Joshua's day, it was left to David to capture the seeming impregnable city from the Jebusites (see THOUGHT below for application). Jerusalem was built on seven hills; one of them, on which David built his palace, was Zion. It became a designation for the entire city. Here an editor added "(that is, the city of David)." See See SPECIAL TOPIC: MORIAH, SALEM, JEBUS, ZION, JERUSALEM. City of David - 42 verses in the Bible (note 2 in NT) - 2 Sam. 5:7; 2 Sam. 5:9; 2 Sam. 6:10; 2 Sam. 6:12; 2 Sam. 6:16; 1 Ki. 2:10; 1 Ki. 3:1; 1 Ki. 8:1; 1 Ki. 9:24; 1 Ki. 14:31; 1 Ki. 15:8; 1 Ki. 15:24; 2 Ki. 8:24; 2 Ki. 9:28; 2 Ki. 12:21; 2 Ki. 14:20; 2 Ki. 15:7; 2 Ki. 15:38; 2 Ki. 16:20; 1 Chr. 11:5; 1 Chr. 11:7; 1 Chr. 13:13; 1 Chr. 15:1; 1 Chr. 15:29; 2 Chr. 5:2; 2 Chr. 8:11; 2 Chr. 12:16; 2 Chr. 14:1; 2 Chr. 16:14; 2 Chr. 21:1; 2 Chr. 21:20; 2 Chr. 24:16; 2 Chr. 24:25; 2 Chr. 27:9; 2 Chr. 32:5; 2 Chr. 32:30; 2 Chr. 33:14; Neh. 3:15; Neh. 12:37; Isa. 22:9; Lk. 2:4; Lk. 2:11 THOUGHT On the same principle (DAVID CAPTURING A LONG TIME STRONGHOLD), King Jesus conquers old strongholds when He becomes King over our lives. Territory (ED: LIKE JEBUS) that should have been given to Him long ago is now conquered. “I want to say to you in the name of the Lord Jesus that there is no habit that has gone so deep but that the power of the blood of Jesus can go deeper, and there is no entrenchment of sin that has gone so far but the power of the risen Lord, by His Holy Spirit, can go further.” (Alan Redpath in The Making of a Man of God Life of David) Believer's Study Bible - Jerusalem, being on the border between Judah and Israel, would be the perfect site for a capital to unite the two regions. "Zion" originally referred to the hill that projected south between the Kidron and Central (Tyropoean) Valleys. Protected on three sides by valleys, Zion was almost impregnable. Since the temple was built there, "Zion" later came to refer poetically to the entire city. EASTON'S BIBLE DICTIONARY - ZION - means "sunny; height," one of the eminences on which Jerusalem was built. It was surrounded on all sides, except the north, by deep valleys, that of the Tyropoeon (q.v.) separating it from Moriah (q.v.), which it surpasses in height by 105 feet. It was the south-eastern hill of Jerusalem. When David took it from the Jebusites (Josh. 15:63; 2 Sam. 5:7) he built on it a citadel and a palace, and it became "the city of David" (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 19:21, 31; 1 Chr. 11:5). In the later books of the Old Testament this name was sometimes used (Ps. 87:2; 149:2; Isa. 33:14; Joel 2:1) to denote Jerusalem in general, and sometimes God's chosen Israel (Ps. 51:18; 87:5). In the New Testament (see SION) it is used sometimes to denote the Church of God (Heb. 12:22), and sometimes the heavenly city (Rev. 14:1) Dale Ralph Davis on Zion - Verse 7 contains the first mention of Zion in the Bible. Originally it referred to this conquered Jebusite town, this ‘city of David,’ on the (southeast) Hill Ophel (1Ki 8:1) but also came to designate the temple mount (Ps. 74:2–3; 84:7), the city of Jerusalem (Ps. 87:2–3; 147:12), the people of God (Isa. 49:14; 51:16), and, significantly, the center of Yahweh’s kingdom in the age to come (Isa. 2:3; 4:3–5; Mic. 4:7; Zech. 8:1–3). The day will come when ‘Yahweh of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem’ (Isa. 24:23), but that reign first became visible in old Jebusburg on a mere eleven acres of real estate. Yahweh’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 15:18–21) has proven true. If verses 1–5 taught us that Yahweh’s promises are certain in spite of intense opposition, verses 6–10 teach us that his promises are certain in spite of chronological distance. Eight hundred years (Abraham-to-David, plus or minus) does not erode the reliability of Yahweh’s word. His promises are not stamped with an expiration date in small print. All of which should make a difference in the way waiting Christians read their Bibles and look to their future (cf. 2 Pet. 3). Hence ‘Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken’ (Heb. 12:28, RSV)—not because we are unshakeable but because Yahweh’s promises are firm, so firm that time cannot dissolve them (the case of Abraham) nor enemies sabotage them (the case of David). Yahweh’s promises may be old or opposed but never false. (2 Samuel - Out of Every Adversity) NAVE'S TOPIC - ZION, called also Sion, stronghold of Jerusalem. Taken from the Jebusites by David, 2 Sam. 5:6-9; 1 Chr. 11:5-7. Called thereafter "the city of David,'' 2 Sam. 5:7, 9; 6:12, 16; 1 Kin. 8:1; 1 Chr. 11:5, 7; 15:1, 29; 2 Chr. 5:2. Ark of the covenant placed in, 2 Sam. 6:12, 16; 1 Kin. 8:1; 1 Chr. 15:1, 29; 2 Chr. 5:2; removed from, to Solomon's temple on Mount Moriah, 1 Kin. 8:1; 2 Chr. 5:2, with 2 Chr. 3:1. Collectively, the place, the forms, and the assemblies of Israel's worship, 2 Kin. 19:21, 31; Psa. 9:11; 48:2, 11, 12; 74:2; 132:13; 137:1; Isa. 35:10; 40:9; 49:14; 51:16; 52:1, 2, 7, 8; 60:14; 62:1, 11; Jer. 31:6; 50:5; Lam. 1:4; Joel 2:1, 15; Matt. 21:5; John 12:15; Rom. 9:33; 11:26; 1 Pet. 2:6. Name of, applied to Jerusalem, Psa. 87:2, 5; 149:2; Song 3:11; Isa. 33:14, 20; Jer. 9:19; 30:17; Zech. 9:13. Called the city of God, Psa. 87:2, 3; Isa. 60:14. Restoration of, promised, Isa. 51:3, 11, 16; 52:1, 2, 7, 8; 59:20; 60:14; Obad. 17, 21; Zeph. 3:14, 16; Zech. 1:14, 17; 2:7, 10; 8:2, 3; 9:9, 13. Name of, applied to the city of the redeemed, Heb. 12:22; Rev. 14:1. ISBE - ZION [ISBE] ZION - zi'-on (tsiyon; Sion): 1. Meaning of the Word: A name applied to Jerusalem, or to certain parts of it, at least since the time of David. Nothing certain is known of the meaning. Gesenius and others have derived it from a Hebrew root tsahah, "to be dry"; Delitzsch from tsiwwah, "to set up" and Wetzstein from tsin, "to protect." Gesenius finds a more hopeful suggestion in the Arabic equivalent cihw, the Arabic cahwat signifying "ridge of a mountain" or "citadel," which at any rate suitably applies to what we know to have been the original Zion (compare Smith, HGHL, under the word). Considerable confusion has been caused in the past by the want of clear understanding regarding the different sites which have respectively been called "Zion" during the centuries. It will make matters clearer if we take the application of the name: in David's time; in the early Prophets, etc.; in late poetical writings and in the Apocrypha; and in Christian times. 2. The Zion of the Jebusites: Jerus (in the form Uru-sa-lim) is the oldest name we know for this city; it goes back at least 400 years before David. In 2 Sam 5:6-9, "The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites. .... Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David .... And David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the city of David." It is evident that Zion was the name of the citadel of the Jebusite city of Jerusalem. That this citadel and incidentally then city of Jerusalem around it were on the long ridge running South of the Temple (called the southeastern hill in the article JERUSALEM, III, (3) (which see)) is now accepted by almost all modern scholars, mainly on the following grounds: (1) The near proximity of the site to the only known spring, now the "Virgin's Fount," once called GIHON (which see). From our knowledge of other ancient sites all over Palestine, as well as on grounds of common-sense, it is hardly possible to believe that the early inhabitants of this site with such an abundant source at their very doors could have made any other spot their headquarters. (2) The suitability of the site for defense.--The sites suited for settlement in early Canaanite times were all, if we may judge from a number of them now known, of this nature--a rocky spur isolated on three sides by steep valleys, and, in many sites, protected at the end where they join the main mountain ridge by either a valley or a rocky spur. (3) The size of the ridge, though very small to our modern ideas, is far more in keeping with what we know of fortified towns of that period than such an area as presented by the southwestern hill--the traditional site of Zion. Mr. Macalister found by actual excavation that the great walls of Gezer, which must have been contemporaneous with the Jebusite Jerusalem, measured approximately 4,500 feet in circumference. G. A. Smith has calculated that a line of wall carried along the known and inferred scarps around the edge of this southeastern hill would have an approximate circumference of 4,250 feet. The suitability of the site to a fortified city like Gezer, Megiddo, Soco, and other sites which have been excavated, strikes anyone familiar with these places. (4) The archaeological remains on these hills found by Warren and Professor Guthe, and more particularly in the recent excavations of Captain Parker (see JERUSALEM), show without doubt that this was the earliest settlement in pre-Israelite times. Extensive curves and rock-cuttings, cave-dwellings and tombs, and enormous quantities of early "Amorite" (what may be popularly called "Jebusite") pottery show that the spot must have been inhabited many centuries before the time of David. The reverse is equally true; on no other part of the Jerusalem site has any quantity of such early pottery been found. (5) The Bible evidence that Zion originally occupied this site is clear. It will be found more in detail under the heading "City of David" in the article JERUSALEM, IV, (5), but three points may be mentioned here: (a) The Ark of the Covenant was brought up out of the city of David to the Temple (1 Ki 8:1; 2 Ch 5:2), and Pharaoh's daughter "came up out of the city of David unto her house which Solomon had built for her"--adjacent to the Temple (1 Ki 9:24). This expression "up" could not be used of any other hill than of the lower-lying eastern ridge; to go from the southwestern hill (traditional Zion) to the Temple is to go down. (b) Hezekiah constructed the well-known Siloam tunnel from Gihon to the Pool of Siloam. He is described (2 Ch 32:30) as bringing the waters of Gihon "straight down on the west side of the city of David." (c) Manasseh (2 Ch 33:14) built "an outer wall to the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley" (i.e. nachal--the name of the Kedron valley). 3. Zion of the Prophets: Zion, renamed the City of David, then originally was on this eastern ridge. But the name did not stay there. It would almost seem as if the name was extended to the Temple site when the ark was carried there, for in the pre-exilic Prophets the references to Zion all appear to have referred to the Temple Hill. To quote a few examples: "And Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night" (Isa 4:5); "Yahweh of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion" (Isa 8:18); "Let us go up to Zion unto Yahweh our God" (Jer 31:6); "Yahweh will reign over them in mount Zion" (Mic 4:7). All these, and numbers more, clearly show that at that time Zion was the Temple Hill. 4. Zion in Later Poetical Writings and Apocrypha: In many of the later writings, particularly poetical references, Zion appears to be the equivalent of Jerusalem; either in parallelism (Ps 102:21; Am 1:2; Mic 3:10,12; Zec 1:14,17; 8:3; Zeph 3:16) or alone (Jer 3:14; Lam 5:11); even here many of the references will do equally well for the Temple Hill. The term "Daughter of zion" is applied to the captive Jews (Lam 4:22), but in other references to the people of Jerusalem (Isa 1:8; 52:2; Jer 4:31, etc.). When we come to the Apocrypha, in 2 Esdras there are several references in which Zion is used for the captive people of Judah (2:40; 3:2,31; 10:20,39,44), but "Mount Zion" in this and other books (e.g. 1 Macc 4:37,60; 5:54; 6:48,62, etc.) is always the Temple Hill. 5. Omission of Name by Some Writers: It has been pointed out as a curious and unaccountable exception that in Ezekiel as well as in Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, there is no mention of Zion, except the incidental reference to David's capture of the Jebusite fort. The references in the other Prophets and the Psalms are so copious that there must be some religious reason for this. The Chronicler (2 Ch 3:1), too, alone refers to the Temple as on Mount Moriah. It is also noticeable that only in these books (2 Ch 27:3; 33:14; Neh 3:26 f; 11:21) does the name "Ophel" appear as a designation of a part of the southeastern hill, which apparently might equally fitly have been termed Zion. See OPHEL. Josephus never uses the name "Zion" nor does it occur in the New Testament, except in two quotations (Heb 12:22; Rev 14:1). 6. The Name "Zion" in Christian Times: Among the earlier Christian writers who mention "Zion," Origen used it as equivalent to the Temple Hill, but in the 4th century writers commence to localize it up the southern part of the western hill. It was a period when Biblical topography was settled in a very arbitrary manner, without any scientific or critical examination of the evidence, and this tradition once established remained, like many such traditions, undisputed until very recent years. To W. F. Birch belongs much of the credit for the promulgation of the newer views which now receive the adherence of almost every living authority on the topography of Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 5:8 David said on that day, "Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David's soul, through the water tunnel." Therefore they say, "The blind or the lame shall not come into the house." BGT 2 Samuel 5:8 καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ πᾶς τύπτων Ιεβουσαῖον ἁπτέσθω ἐν παραξιφίδι καὶ τοὺς χωλοὺς καὶ τοὺς τυφλοὺς καὶ τοὺς μισοῦντας τὴν ψυχὴν Δαυιδ διὰ τοῦτο ἐροῦσιν τυφλοὶ καὶ χωλοὶ οὐκ εἰσελεύσονται εἰς οἶκον κυρίου LXE 2 Samuel 5:8 And David said on that day, Every one that smites the Jebusite, let him attack with the dagger both the lame and the blind, and those that hate the soul of David. Therefore they say, The lame and the blind shall not enter into the house of the Lord. KJV 2 Samuel 5:8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. NET 2 Samuel 5:8 David said on that day, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites must approach the 'lame' and the 'blind' who are David's enemies by going through the water tunnel." For this reason it is said, "The blind and the lame cannot enter the palace." CSB 2 Samuel 5:8 He said that day, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites must go through the water shaft to reach the lame and the blind who are despised by David." For this reason it is said, "The blind and the lame will never enter the house." ESV 2 Samuel 5:8 And David said on that day, "Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack 'the lame and the blind,' who are hated by David's soul." Therefore it is said, "The blind and the lame shall not come into the house." NIV 2 Samuel 5:8 On that day, David said, "Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those 'lame and blind' who are David's enemies. " That is why they say, "The 'blind and lame' will not enter the palace." NLT 2 Samuel 5:8 On the day of the attack, David said to his troops, "I hate those 'lame' and 'blind' Jebusites. Whoever attacks them should strike by going into the city through the water tunnel. " That is the origin of the saying, "The blind and the lame may not enter the house." NRS 2 Samuel 5:8 David had said on that day, "Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates." Therefore it is said, "The blind and the lame shall not come into the house." NJB 2 Samuel 5:8 That day, David said, 'Whoever gets up the tunnel and kills a Jebusite . . .' As for the blind and the lame, David hated them with his whole being. (Hence the saying: the blind and the lame may not enter the Temple.) NAB 2 Samuel 5:8 On that day David said: "All who wish to attack the Jebusites must strike at them through the water shaft. The lame and the blind shall be the personal enemies of David." That is why it is said, "The blind and the lame shall not enter the palace." YLT 2 Samuel 5:8 And David saith on that day, 'Any one smiting the Jebusite, (let him go up by the watercourse), and the lame and the blind -- the hated of David's soul,' -- because the blind and lame say, 'He doth not come into the house.' GWN 2 Samuel 5:8 That day David said, "Whoever wants to defeat the Jebusites must reach the lame and the blind who hate me by using the water shaft." So there is a saying, "The blind and the lame will not get into the palace." BBE 2 Samuel 5:8 And that day David said, Whoever makes an attack on the Jebusites, let him go up by the water-pipe, and put to death all the blind and feeble-footed who are hated by David. And this is why they say, The blind and feeble-footed may not come into the house. Whoever: Jos 15:16,17 1Sa 17:25 shall: 1Ch 11:6-9 Related Passages: 1 Chronicles 11:4-9 Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus) (NOT TO VISIT BUT TO TAKE THE CITY); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. 5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not enter here.” Nevertheless David captured the stronghold of Zion (that is, the city of David). 6 Now David had said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. 7 Then David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. 8 He built the city all around, from the Millo even to the surrounding area; and Joab repaired the rest of the city. 9 David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him. DAVID'S CHARGE TO DESTROY THE JEBUSITES David said on that day, "Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David's soul, through the water tunnel." NLT - "When the insulting message from the defenders of the city reached David, he told his own troops, "Go up through the water tunnel into the city and destroy those 'lame' and 'blind' Jebusites. How I hate them." NRSV renders it "Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates."" While not everyone agrees, one consideration based on David's words is that he bypassed the Jebusites military advantages by entering the city through the water tunnel and surprising the arrogant, self-confident Jebusites. THOUGHT- "Only in God are we truly safe and secure. Anything else is false security. Whether you are surrounded by mighty walls of stone, a comfortable home, or a secure job, no one can predict what tomorrow may bring. Our relationship with God is the only security that cannot be taken away." (Life Application Study Bible borrow) NET Note on water tunnel - If a water tunnel is in view here, it is probably the so-called Warren’s Shaft that extends up from Hezekiah’s tunnel. It would have provided a means for surprise attack against the occupants of the city of David. The LXX seems not to understand the reference here, translating “by the water shaft” as “with a small knife.” Therefore they (Jebusites) say, "The blind or the lame shall not come into the house - NLT = "That is the origin of the saying, "The blind and the lame may not enter the house." John Bright (See page 182 in A History of Israel) - By this move (SECURING JERUSALEM) David both eliminated a Canaanite enclave from the center of the land and gained a capital from which he could rule a national state. Hebron, located far to the south and on Judahite soil, could not have been permanently acceptable as a capital to the northern tribes. But a capital in the north would have been doubly unacceptable to Judah. Jerusalem, centrally located between the two sections and within the territory of none of the tribes, offered an excellent compromise.’ 2 Samuel 5:9 So David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. city: 2Sa 5:7 Millo: Jdg 9:6,20 1Ki 9:15,24 11:27 1Ch 11:8 2Ch 32:5 Related Passage: 1 Chronicles 11:8 He built the city all around, from the Millo even to the surrounding area; and Joab repaired the rest of the city. DAVID MOVED FROM HEBRON TO JERUSALEM HIS CITY So David lived in the stronghold (mesudah) and called it the city of David - Jerusalem was now the capital of David's kingdom. And David built all around from the Millo and inward - David immediately fortified his city. 1Ch 11:8 explains that "Joab repaired the rest of the city." Recall that Joab had been the one to lead the assault on the fortress and was rewarded with command of David's armies (1Ch 11:8). Believer's Study Bible - "Millo," which in Hebrew means "filling" (Lit. The Landfill), was most likely a fortress or defensive tower erected on a filled-in piece of earth to help protect the City of David. The crucial fact is in v. 7, namely, that David captured this ancient Jebusite fortress and made it "the City of David." Thus began the history of the city of Jerusalem as a sacred city for the Jewish people. Stronghold (fortress)(04686) mesudah from tsud = to hunt) means a fastness, stronghold. Mesudah (mesuda) refers to a wilderness or mountainous places for hiding, defense, and gathering supplies for battle (1Sa 22:4, 5; 24:22) especially David's city when he captured the "stronghold of Zion" (2Sa 5:7, 9). Job 39:28 gives us a good word picture of the meaning of this word describing the home of the eagle "On the cliff he dwells and lodges, Upon the rocky crag, an inaccessible place (mesudah)." Mesudah - 17v - fortress(6), inaccessible place(1), stronghold(10). 1 Sam. 22:4; 1 Sam. 22:5; 1 Sam. 24:22; 2 Sam. 5:7; 2 Sam. 5:9; 2 Sam. 5:17; 2 Sam. 22:2; 2 Sam. 23:14; 1 Chr. 11:5; 1 Chr. 11:16; Job 39:28; Ps. 18:2; Ps. 31:2; Ps. 31:3; Ps. 71:3; Ps. 91:2; Ps. 144:2 MILLO [SMITH] (a rampart, mound) a place in ancient Jerusalem. Both name and place seem to have been already in existence when the city was taken from the Jebusites by David. (2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Chronicles 11:8) Its repair or restoration was one of the great works for which Solomon raised his "levy," (1 Kings 9:15,24; 11:27) and it formed a prominent part of the fortifications by which Hezekiah prepared for the approach of the Assyrians. (2 Chronicles 32:5) The last passage seems to show that "the Milo" was part of the "city of David," that is, of Zion. Comp. (2 Kings 12:20) NAVES on MILLO - A name given to part of the citadel of Jerusalem, 2 Sam. 5:9; 1 Chr. 11:8. King Solomon raises a levy to repair, 1 Kin. 9:15, 24; 11:27. Repaired by King Hezekiah, 2 Chr. 32:5. King Joash murdered at, 2 Kin. 12:20. (SEE ALSO LONGER ISBE DESCRIPTION) 2 Samuel 5:10 David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him. became greater and greater: 2Sa 3:1 Job 17:9 Pr 4:18 Isa 9:7 Da 2:44,45 Lu 2:52 the LORD God of hosts: Ge 21:22 Ps 46:7,11 Isa 8:9,10 Ro 8:31 Related Passages: 1 Samuel 16:18 Then one of the young men said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him.” 1 Samuel 18:12 Now Saul was afraid of David, for the LORD was with him but had departed from Saul. 1 Samuel 18:14 David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him. DAVID GREW IN GREATNESS FOR FOR LORD OF ARMIES WAS WITH HIM David became greater and greater Hebrew = went going and growing, THOUGHT - Beloved, is this not what should be transpiring in each of our lives as followers of Jesus? We are to be growing "greater and greater," which in NT terms means we are being progressively transformed into greater and greater degrees of Christlikeness (2Co 3:18+). Are you? Am I? This progressive sanctification will only transpire because the LORD God of hosts is with us, as we take in His Word with which His Spirit transforms us! So it also begs the question are you daily taking in God's Word, so that God's Spirit has "raw material" to work with?
2 Samuel 5
Henry - Verses 11-16. David's house was not the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Isaiah 60:10. David's government was rooted and built up. David was established king; so is the Son of David, and all who, through him, are made to our God kings and priests. Never had the nation of Israel appeared so great as it began now to be. Many have the favour and love of God, yet do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it; but to be exalted to that, and to perceive it, is happiness. David owned it was for his people's sake God had done great things for him; that he might be a blessing to them, and that they might be happy under him. Walton on cedar. Cedar trees are slow growing and can live up to three thousand years and attain heights of 120 feet. Beautiful grain, sweet-smelling aroma and durability combined to make cedar the wood of choice for most temples and palaces of the ancient world. High resin content inhibited the growth of fungus. The forests of Lebanon on the west slope of the Lebanon range (at elevation levels of about five thousand feet) were one of the few places where it grew. Both Mesopotamia and Egypt were importing it beginning as early as the fourth millennium B.C. By the year 1000, there was little that remained of the legendary forests, making the rare wood all the more valuable. (See page 329 in IVP Background Commentary - OT) ISBE NOTE ON HIRAM - A king of Tyre who lived on most friendly terms with both David and Solomon. After David had taken the stronghold of Zion, Hiram sent messengers and workmen and materials to build a palace for him at Jerusalem (2Sa5:11; 1Ch 14:1). Solomon, on his accession to the throne, made a league with Hiram, in consequence of which Hiram furnished the new king of Israel with skilled workmen and with cedar trees and fir trees and algum trees from Lebanon for the building of the Temple. In return Solomon gave annually to Hiram large quantities of wheat and oil (1 Ki 5:1 (Hebrew 15) ff; 2 Ch 2:3 (Hebrew 2) ff). "At the end of twenty years, wherein Solomon had built the two houses, the house of Yahweh and the king's house," Solomon made a present to Hiram of twenty cities in the land of Galilee. Hiram was not at all pleased with these cities and contemptuously called them "Cabul." His displeasure, however, with this gift does not seem to have disturbed the amicable relations that had hitherto existed between the two kings, for subsequently Hiram sent to the king of Israel 120 talents of gold (1 Ki 9:10-14). Hiram and Solomon maintained merchant vessels on the Mediterranean and shared mutually in a profitable trade with foreign ports (1 Ki 10:22). Hiram's servants, "shipmen that had knowledge of the sea," taught the sailors of Solomon the route from Ezion-geber and Eloth to Ophir, whence large stores of gold were brought to King Solomon (1 Ki 9:26; 2 Ch 8:17 f). 2 Samuel 5:12 And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. BGT 2 Samuel 5:12 καὶ ἔγνω Δαυιδ ὅτι ἡτοίμασεν αὐτὸν κύριος εἰς βασιλέα ἐπὶ Ισραηλ καὶ ὅτι ἐπήρθη ἡ βασιλεία αὐτοῦ διὰ τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ Ισραηλ LXE 2 Samuel 5:12 And David knew that the Lord had prepared him to be king over Israel, and that his kingdom was exalted for the sake of his people Israel. KJV 2 Samuel 5:12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. NET 2 Samuel 5:12 David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that he had elevated his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. CSB 2 Samuel 5:12 Then David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. ESV 2 Samuel 5:12 And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. NIV 2 Samuel 5:12 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. NLT 2 Samuel 5:12 And David realized that the LORD had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. David: 2Sa 7:16 1Ch 14:2 his people: 1Ki 10:9 2Ch 2:11 Es 4:14 Isa 1:25-27 Da 2:30 Related Passage: 1 Chronicles 14:2 And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted, for the sake of His people Israel. 2 Samuel 7:16 “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”’” DAVID ACKNOWLEDGES HIS BOUNTY FROM YAHWEH And - This conjunction connects with the gift of a house from King Hiram. Clearly other kings recognized David's stature which is what opened David's eyes to the fact that it was not because he (David) was so good, but because his God was so good and generous. THOUGHT - Are we quick to recognize the hand of blessing on our lives as not the result of our own doing, but the result of the good hand of the LORD upon our life? Perhaps the moment you (I) might bow and give Him thanks for the blessings in your (my) life. David realized (yada; Lxx - ginosko) that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel - David's realization reminds us of the words of James 1:17+ that "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." What did David realize? As he sat in "his city" he realized God was faithful, for almost 20 years earlier He had made David a promise that he would one day be king over Israel. Our God is a covenant keeping God, a promise keeping God! David also came to realize that Yahweh had not blessed him and his people because David was so good, but because He was so good and so faithful to also keep His covenant and promises He had made with Israel. David just happened to be the "instrument" in His hands by which Yahweh brought this into being! THOUGHT - Dear believing reader, do you have food and shelter? Whether you live in a tent or a palace, you can know that what you have is from the hand of the LORD. It is good to frequently pause during our busy days and through our Great High Priest Jesus "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Heb 13:15-16+) What have you thanked your kind, generous Father for today? Life Application Study Bible (borrow) - Although the pagan kingdoms based their greatness on conquest, power, armies, and wealth, David knew that his greatness came only from God. To be great means keeping a close relationship with God personally and nationally. To do this, David had to keep his ambition under control. Although he was famous, successful, and well liked, he gave God first place in his life and served the people according to God's purposes. Do you seek greatness from God or from people? In the drive for success, remember to keep your ambition under God's control.
2 Samuel 5
Henry - Verses 17-25. The Philistines considered not that David had the presence of God with him, which Saul had forfeited and lost. The kingdom of the Messiah, as soon as it was set up in the world, was thus attacked by the powers of darkness. The heathen raged, and the kings of the earth set themselves to oppose it; but all in vain, etc. The destruction will turn, as this did, upon Satan's own kingdom. David owns dependence on God for victory; and refers himself to the good pleasure of God, Wilt thou do it? The assurance God has given us of victory over our spiritual enemies, should encourage us in our spiritual conflicts. David waited till God moved; he stirred then, but not till then. He was trained up in dependence on God and his providence. God performed his promise, and David failed not to improve his advantages. When the kingdom of the Messiah was to be set up, the apostles, who were to beat down the devil's kingdom, must not attempt any thing till they received the promise of the Spirit; who came with a sound from heaven, as of a rushing, mighty wind, Acts 2:2. 2 Samuel 5:17-25 Two Victories David inquired of the Lord. —2 Samuel 5:19 King David was up against a familiar foe. Years before as a young shepherd boy, he had faced down Goliath, the top Philistine warrior, by killing him with a well-placed stone (1 Sam. 17). Now David was king of Israel, and here come the Philistines again! They heard he was king, and they decided to attack (2 Sam. 5:17). What do we do first when trouble is on the way? We could panic. We could plan. Or we could first do what David did—pray. “David inquired of the Lord” (v.19), and God guided the king. David had to fight two battles with the Philistines—one at Baal Perazim and one at the Valley of Rephaim. It was a good thing he consulted God, because in these two battles there were two different strategies. In the first one, God won the battle with His power alone: “The Lord has broken through,” David recorded (v.20). For the next one, God gave David an action plan, and when he carried it out, the Israelites won (vv.23-25). Each day we face many challenges. Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer, our first action should always be to consult God. As He guides us, we can have confidence in Him. Then, whether the victory comes through His miraculous intervention or through His guidance, all the glory goes to God.— by Dave Branon Not to the strong is the battle, Not to the swift is the race; Yet to the true and the faithful Victory is promised through grace. —Crosby To stand up to any challenge, spend time on your knees. 2 Samuel 5:18 Now the Philistines came and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim. BGT 2 Samuel 5:18 καὶ οἱ ἀλλόφυλοι παραγίνονται καὶ συνέπεσαν εἰς τὴν κοιλάδα τῶν τιτάνων LXE 2 Samuel 5:18 And the Philistines came, and assembled in the valley of the giants. KJV 2 Samuel 5:18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. NET 2 Samuel 5:18 Now the Philistines had arrived and spread out in the valley of Rephaim. CSB 2 Samuel 5:18 So the Philistines came and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. ESV 2 Samuel 5:18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. NIV 2 Samuel 5:18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; NLT 2 Samuel 5:18 The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. the valley: 2Sa 23:13 Ge 14:5 Jos 15:8 1Ch 11:15 Isa 17:5 PHILISTINES MUSTER IN VALLEY OF REPHAIM Now the Philistines came and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim - The valley of Rephaim (see map above and map below) is close to Jerusalem lying on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin (cf. Josh. 15:8; 18:16), and does not refer to the Baqa Valley, which was known by the same name but was far to the north on the east side of Jordan. The valley of Rephaim was the most direct approach to Jerusalem from Philistia. This valley is a battleground between David and the Philistines on more than one occasion (2Sa 5:18, 22; 2Sa 23:13; 1Ch 11:15; 14:9) probably because of its direct approach to Jerusalem. Walton on Valley of Rephaim (SEE ALSO WIKIPEDIA) - As the Sorek Valley moves eastward out of the Shephelah near Beth Shemesh, it breaks into several passes into the hills around Jerusalem. The Sorek Valley at one point turns northeast toward Gibeon, while the Valley of Rephaim turns east-southeast toward the area between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It joins the north-south road from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and then heads northeast into Jerusalem. This would be a strategic location for the Philistines to cut David off from potential reinforcements from Judah. (See page 329 in IVP Background Commentary - OT) NAVE'S on VALLEY OF REPHAIM - A fertile valley between Judah and Benjamin, Josh. 15:8; 18:16. Battle ground of David and the Philistines, 2Sa 5:18, 22; 23:13; 1Ch 11:15; 14:9. Productiveness of, Isa. 17:5. EASTON'S DICTIONARY - VALLEY OF REPHAIM - (Josh. 15:8; 18:16, R.V.). When David became king over all Israel, the Philistines, judging that he would now become their uncompromising enemy, made a sudden attack upon Hebron, compelling David to retire from it. He sought refuge in "the hold" at Adullam (2 Sam. 5:17-22), and the Philistines took up their position in the valley of Rephaim, on the west and south-west of Jerusalem. Thus all communication between Bethlehem and Jerusalem was intercepted. While David and his army were encamped here, there occurred that incident narrated in 2 Sam. 23:15-17. Having obtained divine direction, David led his army against the Philistines, and gained a complete victory over them. The scene of this victory was afterwards called Baal-perazim (q.v.). A second time, however, the Philistines rallied their forces in this valley (2 Sam. 5:22). Again warned by a divine oracle, David led his army to Gibeon, and attacked the Philistines from the south, inflicting on them another severe defeat, and chasing them with great slaughter to Gezer (q.v.). There David kept in check these enemies of Israel. This valley is now called el-Bukei'a. Wycliffe Bible Commentary has a good summary of chapters in First Chronicles which parallel chapters 5-10 in Second Samuel writing that "2Sa 5-10 - 1 Chronicles 11:1-20:3 thus parallels and amplifies 2Sa 5-10 (omitting ch. 9, David's personal kindness to Mephibosheth). It describes his capture of Jerusalem, to become "the city of David," his political capital, together with his military supporters (1Chr 11:1-47, 1Chr 12:1-40). It recounts his winning of independence from the Philistines (1Chr 14:1-17) and his centralizing of worship by his installation of the ark in Jerusalem, which thus became Israel's religious capital as well (1Chr 13:1-14; 1Chr 15:1-29; 1Chr 16:1-43). It records the advance of his, armies, victorious in every direction (1Chr 18:1-17, 1Chr 19:1-19;1Chr 20:1-8). The climax appears in God's prophecy through Nathan (1Chr 17:1-27): "I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and... I will subdue all thine enemies" (1Ch 17:8, 10). For this message of hope applies not only to David, but to "My people Israel.... for a great while to come" (1Chr 17:9, 17); to the struggling community of Ezra; to the church of that greater Son of David, of whom God said, "He shall be my Son" (1Chr 17:13); and to the kingdom, which is yet to be consummated, of the Messiah, whose "throne shall be established for evermore" (1Chr 17:14). 2 Samuel 5:19 Then David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand." BGT 2 Samuel 5:19 καὶ ἠρώτησεν Δαυιδ διὰ κυρίου λέγων εἰ ἀναβῶ πρὸς τοὺς ἀλλοφύλους καὶ παραδώσεις αὐτοὺς εἰς τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς Δαυιδ ἀνάβαινε ὅτι παραδιδοὺς παραδώσω τοὺς ἀλλοφύλους εἰς τὰς χεῖράς σου LXE 2 Samuel 5:19 And David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into my hands? and the Lord said to David, Go up, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into thine hands. KJV 2 Samuel 5:19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand. NET 2 Samuel 5:19 So David asked the LORD, "Should I march up against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD said to David, "March up, for I will indeed hand the Philistines over to you." CSB 2 Samuel 5:19 Then David inquired of the LORD: "Should I go to war against the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD replied to David, "Go, for I will certainly hand the Philistines over to you." ESV 2 Samuel 5:19 And David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand." NIV 2 Samuel 5:19 so David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD answered him, "Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you." NLT 2 Samuel 5:19 So David asked the LORD, "Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD replied to David, "Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you." inquired: 2Sa 2:1 1Sa 23:2,4 1Sa 30:7,8 Jas 4:15 And the Lord: 2Sa 5:23Jdg 20:28 1Sa 28:6 30:8 1Ki 22:6,15-23 Pr 3:6 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 2:1+ Then it came about afterwards that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to one of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” So David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” 1 Samuel 23:2; 4+ So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah.” 4 Then David inquired of the LORD once more. And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” 1 Samuel 30:7; 8+ Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Please bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” And He said to him, “Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all.” DAVID INQUIRED OF JEHOVAH Then - A crucial time phrase marking progression in this story. Enemy mustering stimulates David to communicate with the LORD of the armies (Sabaoth). Note the contrast with Saul when the Philistines gathered to attack (1Sa 28:6-7,15+) David inquired of the LORD - How? The text does not say but recall he had previously called for the priest Abiathar to bring the ephod (1Sa 30:7-8+) and it is reasonable to assume that this may be how he inquired in this passage. What does David's seeking Yahweh show about David? Clearly it demonstrates that he is acknowledging that he is dependent on the LORD and is willing to humble himself and seek him instead of relying on his own clever plans. Again David gives us a great pattern to imitate when the Philistines are mustering against us! One is reminded of those great words in Zechariah 4:6 "‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts (armies, Sabaoth)."