King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 2:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 2:9 in the King James Version says “And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over a...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.”

2 Samuel 2:9 · KJV

Context

7

Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant : for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them. be ye: Heb. be ye the sons of valour

8

But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; Saul's host: Heb. the host which was Saul's Ishbosheth: or, Eshbaal

9

And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

10

Ishbosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.

11

And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. time: Heb. number of days

Read 2 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Judah, emphasizing divine timing, patience in promises. The Hebrew vayyimloch (וַיִּמְלֹךְ, 'and he reigned') marks David's official royal status over Judah at Hebron. The seven-year period before ruling all Israel demonstrates patient trust in God's timing. Theological themes include divine election, the gradual unfolding of God's promises through historical process, and the reality that human resistance to God's plans produces genuine suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 2 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 divine timing, patience in promises 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 divine timing, patience in promises?
  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 · 14 words
וַיַּמְלִכֵ֙הוּ֙1 of 14

“And made him king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֶל2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגִּלְעָ֔ד3 of 14

“over Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְאֶל4 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֲשׁוּרִ֖י5 of 14

“and over the Ashurites”

H805

an ashurite (collectively) or inhabitant of ashur, a district in palestine

וְאֶֽל6 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִזְרְעֶ֑אל7 of 14

“and over Jezreel”

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

וְעַל8 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙9 of 14

“and over Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְעַל10 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בִּנְיָמִ֔ן11 of 14

“and over Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְעַל12 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל13 of 14

“and over all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כֻּלֹּֽה׃14 of 14
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:1-42Judges 1:32Numbers 1:40Genesis 30:13Joshua 19:18Psalms 108:8

Places in This Verse

Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
Jezreel 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Yizre’el · 32.56°N, 35.33°E29 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

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