King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:19 in the King James Version says “And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 5:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim. Baalperazim: that is, the plain of breaches

21

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. burned: or, took them away

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַיִּשְׁאַ֨ל1 of 20

“enquired”

H7592

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

דָּוִד֙2 of 20

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יְהוָ֤ה3 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר4 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֲלֵ֔ה5 of 20

“Go up”

H5927

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

אֶל6 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים7 of 20

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אֶתֵּ֛ן8 of 20

“deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃9 of 20

“into thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר10 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֤ה11 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל12 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִד֙13 of 20

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עֲלֵ֔ה14 of 20

“Go up”

H5927

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

כִּֽי15 of 20
H3588

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

אֶתֵּ֛ן16 of 20

“deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶתֵּ֛ן17 of 20

“deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים19 of 20

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

בְּיָדֶֽךָ׃20 of 20

“into thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 5:19 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 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 2:11 Samuel 23:22 Samuel 5:23Judges 20:28Proverbs 3:61 Samuel 30:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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