2 Samuel 5:12-22

12 David took this as a sign that God had confirmed him as king of Israel, giving his kingship world prominence for the sake of Israel, his people.

13 David took on more concubines and wives from Jerusalem after he left Hebron. And more sons and daughters were born to him.

14 These are the names of those born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,

15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia,

16 Elishama, Eliada, Eliphelet.

17 When the Philistines got word that David had been made king over all Israel, they came on the hunt for him. David heard of it and went down to the stronghold.

18 When the Philistines arrived, they deployed their forces in Raphaim Valley.

19 Then David prayed to God: "Shall I go up and fight the Philistines? Will you help me beat them?"

20 "Go up," God replied. "Count on me. I'll help you beat them."

21 The retreating Philistines dumped their idols, and David and his soldiers took them away.

22 Later there was a repeat performance. The Philistines came up again and deployed their troops in the Rephaim Valley.

2 Samuel 5:12-22 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.