King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 5:13 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
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.
14
And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
15
Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(13) **More concubines and wives.**—In Deuteronomy 17:17, the law had been given for the future king, “Neither shall he multiply wives to himself.” David certainly came perilously near a violation of this law, although he did not, like his son Solomon, take wives and concubines in enormous number for the sake of having a great harem—an important element in the Oriental ideas of regal magnificence. Any possible ambiguity in the phrase “*out of *Jerusalem” is removed by the expression in the parallel place (1Chronicles 14:3), “*at *Jerusalem.” Altogether, here and in Chronicles, the names of nineteen sons are mentioned; those of the daughters are not given, although one, Thamar, is mentioned in the story in 2 Samuel 13.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 5:13 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 5:13
1 Chronicles 3:9
→Deuteronomy 17:17
→2 Chronicles 13:21
→2 Chronicles 11:18-21
→1 Chronicles 14:3-7
→Genesis 25:5-6
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge