King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:10 in the King James Version says “And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing”

2 Samuel 5:10 · KJV

Context

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. Wherefore: or, Because they had said, even the blind and the lame, He shall not come into the house

9

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

10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing

11

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an house. masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall

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.

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Philistines show divine enablement. Theological themes include God's faithfulness to promises, the importance of proper locations for worship, and divine empowerment for tasks God assigns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 5 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 God establishing His chosen king 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 God establishing His chosen king?
  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 · 8 words
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ1 of 8

“went”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

דָּוִ֖ד2 of 8

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הָל֣וֹךְ3 of 8

“on”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְגָד֑וֹל4 of 8

“and grew great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַֽיהוָ֛ה5 of 8

“and the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֥י6 of 8

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָא֖וֹת7 of 8

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

עִמּֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

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 5:10 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 5:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:1Romans 8:31Psalms 46:11Daniel 2:44-45Isaiah 9:7Luke 2:52

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 5 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes