Chapter 5

1 The tribes come to Hebron to anoint David over Israel. 4 David’s age. 6 He taking Zion from the Jebusites dwelleth in it. 11 Hiram sendeth to David. 13 Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem. 17 David, directed by God, smiteth the Philistines at Baa-lperazim, 22 and again at the mulberry trees.

1. All the tribes. Chapters 5 to 10 deal with the establishment of the kingdom and the early part of David’s reign over the whole nation. Chronicles adds certain interesting details of the manner in which various tribes from both sides of the Jordan came to Hebron to make David king, and of the joyous festivities on that occasion. Not only did the elders come as representatives of the people (ch. 5:3) but numerous bands of armed men participated (1 Chron. 12:23–38), and 4,600 Levites, with Jehoiada as the leader of the Aaronites and Zadok as a “young man mighty of valour” (1 Chron. 12:26–28).

The events in Samuel are not arranged with a strict regard to chronology. The writer of this book describes first the internal development of the kingdom, and then the external development of the realm.

Thy bone and thy flesh. More than perhaps any other people on earth, the Hebrews were bound together by ties of kinship. They were all children of Abraham, all of the same bone and flesh as was David himself (see Gen. 29:14; Judges 9:2; 2 Sam. 19:12). The same tie still binds the Jews of all lands.

2. That leddest out. See 1 Sam. 18:16. The people were not selecting their new leader blindly. Even while Saul was king the outstanding ability of David as a leader had manifested itself. The people had confidence in his prowess and sagacity.

The Lord said to thee. The main reason David should be king was that the Lord had chosen him for that position. Why the elders mentioned this point last is not revealed. With such a general confidence in the valiant and virtuous son of Jesse, with the house of Saul having practically come to an end, and with the divine will having so clearly manifested itself in behalf of David, it was obviously to the best interests of the people to unite under his leadership.

Thou shalt feed. Literally, “thou shalt pasture,” from the Heb. raФah, “to pasture.” The participle of this verb is translated “shepherd” in the OT (see Num. 27:17; Ps. 23:1; etc.). David was to be a shepherd over Israel, a significant figure for one who through experience was acquainted with the multiplied and comprehensive duties of such a vocation. The word “pastor” in the KJV (Jer. 2:8; 3:15; etc.) is a translation of this same Hebrew word. The single occurrence of “pastor” in the NT (Eph. 4:11) is the translation of the Greek word for “shepherd.”

Captain. Literally, “ruler,” “prince.”

3. All the elders. The elders acted as the representatives and spokesmen of the people. With them came many of the warriors and the priests to acknowledge their allegiance to the son of Jesse (1 Chron. 12:23–38). Many thousands thronged to Hebron for the coronation ceremonies.

Made a league. The details of the agreement are not given, but there was evidently some understanding as to the prerogatives of the king and the rights of the subjects. There may have been reference to such matters as leadership in war, freedom from tribal partiality, political asylum for the remnant of the house of Saul, the size of the national army, and the manner of securing recruits, etc.

Over Israel. David had previously been anointed king over Judah (ch. 2:4).

4. Thirty years old. For the relationship between the ages of David and Saul see p. 132. Since David reigned 40 years, he was 70 years old at his death, described as “a good old age” (1 Chron. 29:28), probably from the point of view of one who had lived a strenuous life.

6. Went to Jerusalem. As soon as David was anointed king over all Israel, he saw the need of a better site than Hebron for his capital. Hebron was in the extreme south of the territory occupied by the Hebrews. He evidently preferred to retain his capital in Judah, and Jerusalem offered an ideal site (see on Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21). Joshua had slain and defeated the king of Jerusalem (Joshua 10:23–26; 12:10), and later the city had been taken and destroyed by Judah (see on Judges 1:7). But the Jebusites, who occupied Jerusalem, were not completely conquered, and either continued to hold at least a part of the city or retook it after being driven out (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21; 19:11, 12). The dislodging of the Jebusites from this important stronghold was an important victory for David at the beginning of his reign over all Israel.

Take away the blind. This statement has puzzled commentators, and many interpretations of the passage have been given. The one that offers perhaps the most reasonable explanation has the Jebusites saying, “You will not enter the city, but the blind and the lame will keep you out.” That is, the inhabitants of Jebus had confidence in the strength of their city, and were taunting David about his inability to take their fortress, telling him that the blind and the lame would be sufficient to hold the city against the forces of Israel.

The Jebusite stronghold was on Mt. Zion, south of Mt. Moriah, the elevation on which the Temple was later built. The mountain was flanked on two sides by deep valleys, and was admirably suited for defense (see Jerusalem in Israelite Times).

7. Took the strong hold. To its defenders, Jebus seemed impregnable. It had held out against the Israelites for many years. Less than 4 mi. (6.4 km.) from Saul’s capital, Gibeah, the city still maintained its independence at the close of the reign of Saul. Nevertheless the capital of the Jebusites was not able to withstand the prowess of David and his able commander.

8. The gutter. The word thus translated occurs elsewhere only in Ps. 42:7, where it is rendered “waterspout.” The term is now thought to apply to the water shaft of the ancient city. To bring water into the city from the spring Gihon, which was without the city gates, the Jebusites had cut a conduit some 50 ft. (15.2 m.) through the rock to a place where the water was collected in a reservoir. This, in turn, was connected by a 40-ft. (12.2-m.) vertical shaft with the foot of a stairway or ramp that led into the city. Women in the city would descend to the top of the shaft, drop their buckets into the cistern, and thus secure water without the necessity of venturing outside the city. By making one’s way through the watercourse and up the shaft, it might be possible to enter the Jebusite capital.

The verse presents some difficulties of translation. It would seem, from a comparison with 1 Chron. 11:6, that David made a proposal to his men promising that the man who accomplished the feat of entering the city should be “chief and captain.” According to 1 Chron. 11:6, “Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.” It thus appears that Joab secured his position as commander of the armies of David from his successful capture of the Jebusite stronghold (see PP 703).

The lame and the blind. After an entrance into the city had been gained, it would probably be a comparatively easy task to open the gates to the main body of David’s forces, since, perhaps, only a small force of defenders would be on the city walls. The Jebusites had hurled at David the taunt that the lame and the blind would be sufficient to hold the city against him (see on v. 6); hence David now appears to use that term for the city’s defenders.

That are hated of David’s soul. This is a translation of the marginal reading of the Hebrew text. The text itself reads, “They hate the soul of David.”

The blind and the lame. The meaning of the proverbial expression thus introduced is not clear. To “house,” the LXX adds, “of the Lord.”

9. Millo. Probably some kind of terrace or fortification in the Jebusite city, already there when David captured Jerusalem, and to which numerous additions were made by later kings (see 1 Chron. 11:8; 1 Kings 9:15, 24; 11:27; 2 Kings 12:20; 2 Chron. 32:5).

And inward. Millo may have been the northeastern limit of the City of David. To the east the precipitous ravine of Kidron provided a strong natural defense. All David’s buildings would then be to the south of Millo and protected by it on the north. The work of further strengthening the city’s defenses was committed to Joab (1 Chron. 11:8).

10. With him. Compare 1 Chron. 11:9. The success of David was due not only to his own effort and prowess but to the presence and blessing of God. Ultimate success in life comes not by human might nor wisdom but by the Spirit of the Lord (see Zech. 4:6).

11. Hiram. There is some question as to whether this Hiram is the same as the Hiram who assisted Solomon in the building of the Temple (1 Kings 5:1; 2 Chron. 2:3). Considering the two to be identical appears to assign an unusually long, though not impossible, reign to one king. The events of this chapter took place early in David’s reign, whereas the Hiram connected with Solomon was still alive in the 24th year of Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 9:10–14; cf. 6:1, 38; 7:1); this would make a total of more than 50 years of reign if the two Hirams were the same. Against the view claiming the two kings to be identical is the statement by Josephus that the Hiram who assisted Solomon ruled for 34 years (Against Apion 1. 18). However, Josephus’ chronological statements cannot always be trusted for accuracy.

Sent messengers. Hiram sought the alliance. This was a tribute to David’s power.

Built David an house. The Phoenicians (see pp. 67–69) at this time had much more experience and skill in building than had the Hebrews, for both David and Solomon relied heavily upon them in the construction both of their palaces and the Temple. Archeologists confirm that the masonry of the early Hebrew period in Palestine was inferior to that of the Canaanites, who preceded them, and to whom the Phoenicians belonged.

12. His people Israel’s sake. The Lord blessed David because of his own faithfulness and fidelity. He also blessed him because of His purpose to make the Hebrew people a spiritual kingdom upon earth. In taking over the aggressive leadership of the chosen people, David was working in harmony with the purposes of Heaven. Such a program always brings success and blessing.

13. More concubines and wives. With the increasing strength and prosperity came temptation and the danger that Israel would follow more and more in the ways of the nations about. It was the custom of Eastern monarchs to have a large harem, and David followed this custom. In this David did wrong, for the Lord had commanded: “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away” (Deut. 17:17). The example set by David was followed by his successors, to their harm.

Sons and daughters. The total number of sons born to David, in Hebron and in Jerusalem, was 19 (see 1 Chron. 3:1–9). The names of the daughters, except Tamar (1 Chron. 3:9), are not given.

14. The names. The sons here mentioned (vs. 14–16) were born in Jerusalem; for those born in Hebron see ch. 3:2–5. The same list, with some variations, is found in 1 Chron. 3:5–8; 14:4–7. The first four born in Jerusalem were the children of Bathsheba (1 Chron. 3:5). They were consequently born at a later period of David’s reign. All lists place Solomon last among the four sons of Bathsheba, but 2 Sam. 12:24 would indicate that he was the eldest of the surviving children (see 2 Sam. 12:14). The variations in these lists do not necessarily mean scribal errors. Two names not mentioned in this passage are found in the Chronicles list, and Chileab (2 Sam. 3:3) is called Daniel. The first is a matter of incompleteness, the second may merely indicate that one son bore more than one name.

17. When the Philistines heard. During the early years of his reign David had had no difficulty with the Philistines. In the time of his exile from Saul the Philistines had befriended him, and when David became king of Judah they hoped for friendship from him in opposition to Saul’s house. They felt confident that they could retain their power over a divided Hebrew nation. But when David became king over all Israel, and succeeded in capturing Jebus and effected an alliance with Hiram of Tyre, the Philistines, fearing David’s growing strength, determined to make war against Israel and curb the power of its new king.

Hold. Heb.mesudah, “the stronghold.” The same Hebrew word is used in v. 7, and evidently the same fortification is meant (see PP 703, 704).

18. The valley of Rephaim. The phrase is translated “the valley of the giants” in Joshua 15:8. It was a fruitful valley extending to the southwest of Jerusalem, and provided ample room for a large encampment.

19. Enquired of the Lord. See on ch. 2:1.

Shall I go up? That is, to battle, not literally, “up,” for the Philistines were in a valley (see Judges 1:1; 12:3; 1 Sam. 7:7).

Doubtless deliver. Rather, “surely deliver.” The Hebrew has no adverb, but the construction is such as to require an emphatic translation of the verb.

20. Baal-perazim. Literally, “lord of the breaking through” or “possessor of the burstings.” Making a sudden attack upon the Philistines, David broke through their ranks and carried all before him. With the help of the Lord, the forces of Israel burst through the enemy resistance as waters burst through a dam. It was probably after their victory here that they named the place Baal-perazim.

21. Images. From the Heb. Фasab, everywhere else translated “idol.” The parallel reference in 1 Chron. 14:12 has Хelohim, “gods.” When the Philistines ventured into battle they took the images of their gods with them, expecting thus to assure victory. The suddenness of the rout is indicated by the fact that in their flight they left their gods behind them.

Burned them. Literally, “took them away.” That the phrase should be understood as the KJV has translated it, is evident from 1 Chron. 14:12.

22. Yet again. The defeat only stirred the Philistines to greater efforts. Gathering still larger forces, they again came against David, determined to gain the victory.

23. Enquired of the Lord. See v. 19. David’s previous victory did not make him self-confident or conceited. To ask guidance from God was now his custom.

Not go up. See v. 19, where David was instructed by the Lord to “go up.” The enemy had returned to the same battleground and evidently expected David to employ the same method of attack as previously. This time they doubtless prepared for such a direct assault. But the Lord instructed David not to make a frontal attack.

Fetch a compass. That is, “Go around to their rear” (RSV). By making a circuit around the enemy and attacking them from an unexpected quarter, David gained the victory. God operates in various ways to give victory to His people. Sometimes those who have asked for divine aid are instructed simply to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord (see Ex. 14:13, 14; 2 Kings 19:7, 32, 35). At other times deliverance comes through God’s directing and blessing human effort. There is no manifestation of a lack of faith in one who, after presenting a petition to God, does all in his power to bring about its fulfillment.

Mulberry trees. The botanical identification is uncertain. Some versions read “balsam” (see RSV).

24. Going. Heb. seФadah, literally, “marching.” The sound was to be to him a divine signal that God would be with him and that the armies of heaven would march before him. The masculine form seФad is employed in Judges 5:4 and Ps. 68:7 of the march of the hosts of God.

Bestir thyself. In the work of the Lord we must do our part. Those who sit idly by, expecting the Lord to act while they do nothing, unless the Lord has so directed, must expect defeat. God gave the word that David and his people were to bestir themselves, and promised that then He would go before them to smite the hosts of the Philistines. God’s promises, then and now, are conditional. When we do our part God will do His.

25. David did so. The secret of David’s success was simple; he did precisely what God instructed him to do. When man puts his will above God’s will he invites defeat. We will not always understand the reasons for God’s commands, nor is this always necessary. All we are expected to do is to trust and obey. David implicitly obeyed the divine directions, and as a result there followed another great victory.

From Geba. The LXX reads, Gibeon. This is also the reading of the parallel passage in 1 Chron. 14:16. Geba, modern JebaФ, is nearly 6 mi. (9.6 km.) northeast of Jerusalem and Gibeon, ejРJib, the same distance to the northwest. Evidently Gibeon is meant, for it lay directly in the path of retreat from the Valley of Rephaim to Gezer.

Gazer. Or Gezer. A fortress overlooking the Valley of Aijalon, 15 mi. west of Gibeon. The site, now called Tell Jezer, has been excavated and has yielded rich archeological evidence. When the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon attacked Gibeon, Joshua pursued them down the pass of Beth-horon and gained a notable victory over them in the Valley of Aijalon, where the sun was caused to stand still (Joshua 10:1–14). This was doubtless the same route now covered by David in his rout of the Philistines, for the road from Gibeon to Gezer led through the Valley of Aijalon. The flight in this northwesterly direction from Jerusalem was determined by the fact that David had “fetched a compass” around the Philistines, attacking them from the south and thus driving them to the north to Gibeon and thence toward Gezer. In the parallel account these battles are placed between David’s unsuccessful (1 Chron. 13:5–14) and his successful (1 Chron. 15) attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chron. 14:8–17). But Chronicles also records Hiram’s assistance to David in the building of his house and the record of the children born to him at Jerusalem (1 Chron. 14:1–7) between his unsuccessful and successful efforts to bring the ark there. It will thus be noted that the sequence of events as recorded in 2 Sam. and 1 Chron. is not always the same. It is sometimes impossible to determine the exact details of the chronology involved. Evidently the order of events is less important than the facts themselves and the spiritual lessons to be gained from them. See PP 703, 704, which follows the sequence of 2 Sam.

Ellen G. White comments

1–25PP 701–704

1–3PP 701

6, 7 PP 703

10   PP 702

11, 17, 18        PP 703

18–25PP 704

24   5T 728