King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:17 in the King James Version says “But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David;... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 Samuel 5:17 · KJV


Context

15

Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

16

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

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.

18

The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

19

And David enquired 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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 20 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע1 of 20

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים2 of 20

But when the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

כִּֽי3 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָשְׁח֨וּ4 of 20

that they had anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֶת5 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִ֔ד6 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְמֶ֙לֶךְ֙7 of 20

king

H4428

a king

עַל8 of 20
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 20

over Israel

H3478

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

וַיַּֽעֲל֥וּ10 of 20

came up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

כָל11 of 20
H3605

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

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים12 of 20

But when the Philistines

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

לְבַקֵּ֣שׁ13 of 20

to seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת14 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּוִ֔ד15 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע16 of 20

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דָּוִ֔ד17 of 20

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיֵּ֖רֶד18 of 20

of it and went down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶל19 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמְּצוּדָֽה׃20 of 20

to the hold

H4686

a fastness


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 5:17 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 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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