2 Samuel 5:17-19

War with the Philistines

17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, ¹all the Philistines went up to seek out David; and when David heard of it, he went down to the ²stronghold.

18 Now the Philistines came and spread themselves out in ³the valley of Rephaim.

19 Then ⁴David inquired of the LORD, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?" And ⁵the LORD said to David, "Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand."

2 Samuel 5:17-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 5

In this chapter we have an account of all the tribes of Israel coming to Hebron, and anointing David king over them, 2Sa 5:1-5; of his expedition against the Jebusites in Jerusalem, and taking from them the strong hold of Zion, 2Sa 5:6-10; of his building an house for himself, and of his building up his family, by taking more wives and concubines, and having more children, whose names are given, 2Sa 5:11-16; and of an invasion of the land by the Philistines, and David's victory over them, 2Sa 5:17-25.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Samuel 29:1
• 2. 2 Samuel 23:14; 1 Chronicles 11:16
• 3. Genesis 14:5; Joshua 15:8; Joshua 17:15; Joshua 18:16
• 4. 1 Samuel 23:2
• 5. 2 Samuel 2:1