INTERNET BIBLE STUDIES II Samuel Lesson 5
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II Samuel Chapter 5

Memory verses for this week: Lev 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.  

Overview of II Samuel 5: In this chapter, the narrative of David’s accession continues. All twelves tribes of Israel united behind him as king, Jerusalem is made the national capitol, and details of the children born to David in Jerusalem are also noted. Finally, record is made of another war with the Philistines. Of special note is David’s repeated inquiry of the Lord as to how to respond to the Philistine aggression.
 

I. David Becomes King over Israel

2 Sam 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

2 Sam 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.

2 Sam 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. 

Word quickly spread across the land how that David grieved over the death of Ishbosheth and of his swift justice against his murderers. The leadership of the tribes of the nation perceived that God’s hand was upon David. As an Israelite, David was one of them. Even when Saul was king, all knew that it was David who was the real leader.

The leaders of the tribes were mindful of God’s choosing of David to be king when Samuel was alive. In verse 3 the word translated as league (tyrb berith) is most commonly otherwise translated as ‘covenant.’ Also of special interest is the word translated as anointed (xvm mashach). It is whence the word Messiah (mashiyach) and literally means ‘the Anointed One.’ Jesus Christ was born of the house and lineage of David. He is of David’s royal descent as King of Israel.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

In modern terms, a king is ‘coronated’ into office. Presidents are inaugurated. However, God’s means of installing a king was to anoint him with sacred anointing oil. The oil was similar if not identical to the holy anointing oil prescribed in Exodus 25. It was made of an olive oil base and seasoned with sweet spices so that it was more of a perfume. This most likely is a foreshadow of the spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit upon God’s chosen. Thus, David was anointed king over all of Israel.

We have record of the Israelite leaders choosing David to be king in 1 Chronicles Chapter 11.

1 Chr 11:1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

1 Chr 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

1 Chr 11:3 Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

2 Sam 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

Detailed here in verse 4 are chronological details of David’s reign. Some have noted that David provided a typification of Jesus in that Jesus began His public ministry at age thirty. Also, it appears that David was between thirty-seven and thirty-eight years old when he became king over all of Israel. According to I Kings 2:11, he reigned a total of forty years and he died at age seventy.

1 Ki 2:11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

When Jesus began his teaching at the age of 30, many around him recognized that he was no ordinary teacher.

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 1:16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

Mark 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Mark 1:18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

Mark 1:19 And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

Mark 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

II. Jerusalem made Capital of the United Kingdom of Israel

2 Sam 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

2 Sam 5:6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

2 Sam 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

2 Sam 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.

Jerusalem had never been completely occupied. It originally had been the city of the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. Jebusites still controlled a significant portion of the city even in David’s day. Therefore, the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

The city of Jerusalem has always been perched atop high rugged hills (low mountains). It was quite defensible militarily. That likely is why Israel had never completely driven out the Jebusites.

Moreover, the high position of the city caused the Jebusites to become arrogant.

They taunted David, noting that even their blind and crippled could prevent him from taking the city. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. It may have been a city well placed for defense, but David conquered the city. Zion initially was a stronghold on the northeast edge of Jerusalem perched atop one of the hills thereof. The name of Zion later became synonymous for Jerusalem itself.


In that same area of east Jerusalem, David eventually built a palace and made it his home. In verse 8, further details of the assault are given. The word translated as gutter (rwnu tsinnuwr) refers not to a way of waste water, but of fresh water. It has the sense of a conduit or pipe. In the vicinity of the City of David in east Jerusalem is a deep shaft down to a subterranean water source.

The ancient Jebusites had so dug the shaft to provide water during times of military assault. David was aware of this and offered the reward of leadership for any of his men who would so ascend that dark shaft up the mountain. ( I Chronicles 11)

1 Chr 11:4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

1 Chr 11:5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

1 Chr 11:6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

1 Chr 11:7 And David dwelt in the castle; therefore they called it the city of David.

In recent times, an archaeologist by the name of Warren discovered this shaft and it today is known as ‘Warren’s Shaft.’ The Jebusites thought they were secure in their stronghold of Zion, thinking their water supply and shaft were unknown to David. He rather covertly sent men up it who then attacked the city from within. David instructed his men to particularly slay the lame and the blind in the city. The Jebusites had taunted David intimating even their lame and blind could withstand him. These had despised and jeered David.
 

He taught them a lesson and threw them out of Jerusalem for ever. As a result a proverb was developed to the effect, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”
 

2 Sam 5:9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

2 Sam 5:10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

2 Sam 5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

David thereafter made Jerusalem his capitol. “So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.” The word Millo literally means ‘fortifications’ and evidently refers to a fortified wall or rampart separating the City of David and the upper city above on Mount Zion. The greater idea is that David developed this section of Jerusalem.

It would be similar to him building a subdivision there. The topography of the City of David is that of high ridge rising up out of the Valley of Kidron to the east and the Tyropean Valley immediately to its west. Ruins of the City of David exist there to this day.

Verse 10 indicates how the character of the full reign of David now blossoms. “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.” No longer was he a refugee or fugitive as in the days when he was hunted and haunted by King Saul, living in mountain caves and just trying to survive day to day. No longer was he the chieftain of just one tribe of Israel. He was now the king of God’s people altogether. The hand of Jehovah God was upon him and in so doing, David became great.

Even the king of Lebanon in Tyre, Hiram, took note of God’s blessing upon David. “And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.” In I Kings 5:1, Hiram was called “ever a lover of David.”

1 Ki 5:1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.

Precisely how or why Hiram became a friend to David is not noted. It may have been that he wisely sought to make friends with whom he perceived to be a powerful neighbor. As a just and wise ruler, David well may have left a positive impression upon Hiram. Or, it may simply be that God providentially put it in the heart of Hiram to befriend David. Lebanon of that day was a nation of renowned craftsmen in the building trades. David evidently had made known to Hiram his desire to build a new palace at Jerusalem.

Therefore, Hiram offered not only top-of-the-line building materials in cedar lumber, but also the craftsmen (carpenters and masons) to build the palace for David. That palace was called a “house of cedar” in II Samuel 7:2. Whether the house was completely built or only trimmed with cedar is not clear. However, it must have been beautiful. It likely was atop the ridge of the City of David to catch the breezes from whichever direction they were blowing.

III. Children of David Born in Jerusalem

2 Sam 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.

2 Sam 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

2 Sam 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

2 Sam 5:15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

2 Sam 5:16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

 

As David increased the stability of his reign, he perceived that God had established him as king. Moreover, as he realized the growing prosperity of his kingdom, he understood that God was blessing his kingdom for his people’s sake. Clear is the blessing of God upon a righteous, Godly leader.


And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.”

It should be noted that monogamy has always been God’s perfect will. Polygamy was tolerated and regulated by the Old Testament Law. Though allowed by God, it never has been His perfect will. It often led to conflict and rivalry within a family. Abraham suffered in his life due to strife between his wife and a concubine which had been Sarah's maid.

Gen 16:4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

Gen 16:5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.

Gen 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

The word translated as concubines (vglyp piylegesh) does not relate to any social custom in modern western culture. It reflected a relationship less than full marriage. As an eastern man was able to afford to support additional lovers, concubines were allowed as women of his harem. Though intimate with their husband, they did not enjoy the full status of wives. (V-14-16) The sacred historian records the children born to these additional wives and concubines of David. Noteworthy of these, of course, was Solomon. I Chronicles 5:3 notes that the first four of these were born to Bathsheba. Additional children are noted in I Chronicles 3:6-8.

J. Vernon McGee commented about David's concubines.

That is the record of the facts. God did not put his stamp of approval upon what David did. We will find that God definitely disapproves of polygamy. In David’s son Solomon it resulted in the splitting of the kingdom and finally brought on the Babylonian captivity. Why? Because David and Solomon were kings and in places of leadership. Their actions were wrong. Who says they were wrong? God says they were wrong! After all, it is His universe, and He makes the rules. Although you may not like them, God’s rules are good. God not only created us, but He laid down rules and regulations for our lives which would bring to the human family the ultimate in happiness and blessing.1

IV. War with the Philistines.

2 Sam 5:17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

2 Sam 5:18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Word reached Philistia of David becoming king over all of Israel. In reaction thereto, the Philistine nation determined to test David’s mettle and invaded Israel with the intent of war. Upon hearing of the invasion, David went down to the hold. The hold literally means ‘fortress,’ ‘stronghold,’ or ‘castle.’ It may be that the hold mentioned was a generic fortified place near Jerusalem. It is also conceivable that David resorted to the south the impregnable stronghold at Masada.

However, the geography of the battle soon to follow seems to indicate that the hold was in relative close proximity to Jerusalem. The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. The valley of Rephaim opens to the southwest only about five miles from Jerusalem. There they made camp.

2 Sam 5:19 And David inquired 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.

2 Sam 5:20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

2 Sam 5:21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

Notwithstanding that his kingdom had been invaded by hostile forces, David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? In an hour of crisis when the answer seemed obvious, David first sought God’s face in the matter. He likely availed himself of the Urim and Thummin available for the leadership of Israel. In simple terms terminology, he prayed about the matter. Simply, he asked God what he should do.

God answered directly. “And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.” David clearly had not leaned upon his own under-standing. Though it would seem obvious that he ought to fight against invaders, before he moved militarily, he first sought God’s counsel. God made it clear to him to proceed, promising victory.

In verse 20, it records that David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there. The place, Baalperazim, was only about two miles to the southwest of Jerusalem. It is clear that the Philistines had made a deep incursion into Israel.

The word Baalperazim literally means ‘Lord of the breach’ or ‘Lord of the break.’

Embedded here is that God allowed David to break through the Philistine lines like a great flood of water. The Philistines were routed to such a degree that they left behind their idols. These David directed his forces to burn on the spot.

2 Sam 5:22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

2 Sam 5:23 And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

2 Sam 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

2 Sam 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

One would think that the Philistines had learned their lesson. But not long thereafter, they invaded Israel once again returning to the valley of Rephaim to the southwest of Jerusalem. “And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.”

It may be that they thought that they had a better strategy. Josephus records that they returned with an army three times larger than before. In any event, they thought that this time they would prevail over David. Once again, David sought God’s guidance for the crisis at hand. This time God gave David different instructions.

The natural human response would be to go out and defeat them like the last time. However, David had the godly wisdom to seek God’s face again. It may be that he sensed the Philistines had something new up their sleeve. Or, it simply may be that he received intelligence reports indicating they had returned with overwhelming military force. In any event, God instructed him to circle behind them to a grove of mulberry trees.

A now classic military tactic, David flanked the Philistine forces. In lying in wait behind the mulberry woods, David was to wait for the sound of the wind rustling in the tops of the trees. God directed him to then attack through the woods and to the rear of the Philistines upon hearing the wind. It may be that the Philistines became impatient in waiting for David to come out to battle and began to move against Jerusalem. Not anticipating an attack from the rear, God directed David to do precisely so when they least expected it.

Accordingly, David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer. The Philistines fled to the north and then the west with David in hot pursuit through Geba (Gibeah) all the way to Gazer. Gazer was the beginning of the coastal plain whence the Philistines came.

We learn from this study that those who have the Lord of Hosts for them need not fear what men or demons can do against them. If we win many victories and become great in the sight of men we should always ascribe our advancement to Gods favor with us.

God is ever present to take care of his own. We are bought with a price and should glorify Christ by our lives.

Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

 


 

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Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.


 

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1J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible commentary [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1981 by J. Vernon McGee.