King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 11:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 11:7 in the King James Version says “And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered....” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered. how Joab: Heb. of the peace of, etc”

2 Samuel 11:7 · KJV

Peace

Context

5

And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.

6

And David sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David.

7

And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered. how Joab: Heb. of the peace of, etc

8

And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess of meat from the king. followed: Heb. went out after him

9

But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and went not down to his house.

Read 2 Samuel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him how Joab did, and how the people did, and how the war prospered.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David and Bathsheba, emphasizing devastating consequences of sin. David's adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah represent the nadir of his reign. The Hebrew narrative's sparse, matter-of-fact reporting heightens the horror. The phrase "but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD" (v. 27) marks divine displeasure. This chapter demonstrates that even "a man after God's own heart" can fall catastrophically when neglecting spiritual disciplines and succumbing to temptation. Cross-references to Psalm 51 reveal David's repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 11 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding devastating consequences of sin provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of devastating consequences of sin?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיָּבֹ֥א1 of 11

“was come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֽוּרִיָּ֖ה2 of 11

“And when Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

אֵלָ֑יו3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל4 of 11

“demanded”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

דָּוִ֗ד5 of 11

“unto him David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְלִשְׁל֖וֹם6 of 11

“did”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

יוֹאָב֙7 of 11

“of him how Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

וְלִשְׁל֖וֹם8 of 11

“did”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

הָעָ֔ם9 of 11

“and how the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְלִשְׁל֖וֹם10 of 11

“did”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃11 of 11

“and how the war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 11:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:22Genesis 37:14Genesis 29:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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