2 Samuel 5:13

After he had arrived from Hebron, David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him.

Study Bible

And David took
The phrase "And David took" indicates an action initiated by King David. The Hebrew root for "took" is "laqach," which often implies taking possession or acquiring. This action reflects David's growing power and influence as king. In the context of ancient Near Eastern monarchies, it was common for kings to expand their households as a demonstration of their status and alliances.

more concubines and wives
The term "concubines" refers to women who were part of a king's household but held a lower status than wives. The Hebrew word for concubine is "pilegesh." Concubines were often taken for political alliances or to increase the king's progeny. The mention of "wives" alongside concubines highlights the practice of polygamy, which was culturally accepted in ancient Israel, though it often led to familial strife, as seen in David's own life. This practice, while common, was not God's original design for marriage, as outlined in Genesis 2:24.

from Jerusalem
Jerusalem, known as the City of David, became the political and spiritual center of Israel under David's reign. The city's capture and establishment as the capital marked a significant moment in Israel's history. By taking concubines and wives from Jerusalem, David was solidifying his rule and integrating the city into his kingdom. Jerusalem's significance would continue to grow, eventually becoming the site of Solomon's Temple.

after he had come from Hebron
Hebron was David's initial capital and the place where he reigned over Judah for seven years and six months before becoming king over all Israel. The transition from Hebron to Jerusalem signifies a unification of the tribes and a centralization of David's power. Hebron, rich in patriarchal history, was a significant location for David's early reign, but Jerusalem offered a more strategic and neutral location for his expanded kingdom.

and more sons and daughters were born to him
The birth of more sons and daughters to David signifies the continuation and expansion of his lineage. In the ancient world, having many children, especially sons, was seen as a blessing and a sign of divine favor. However, the complexities of David's family life, with multiple wives and concubines, would later lead to significant challenges and conflicts, as recorded in subsequent chapters of 2 Samuel. This phrase underscores the importance of family and legacy in the biblical narrative, while also foreshadowing the personal and political turmoil that would arise from David's household.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, yet also for his human failings. In this verse, he expands his family by taking more concubines and wives.

2. Jerusalem
The city that David captured and established as the political and spiritual center of Israel. It becomes the City of David.

3. Hebron
The city where David was first anointed king over Judah and reigned for seven years before moving his capital to Jerusalem.

4. Concubines and Wives
In the context of ancient Israel, concubines were women who had a recognized relationship with a man but held a lower status than wives. David's taking of more concubines and wives reflects the customs and political strategies of the time.

5. Sons and Daughters
The offspring of David's expanded family, who would play various roles in the unfolding account of Israel's history.

Teaching Points

The Complexity of Leadership
David's life illustrates the complexities and challenges of leadership. While he was a man after God's own heart, his personal choices sometimes contradicted God's commands. Leaders today must strive to align their personal lives with their spiritual convictions.

The Consequences of Disobedience
David's decision to take more wives and concubines, contrary to God's instructions, set the stage for future family strife and national turmoil. Disobedience to God's Word can have long-lasting consequences.

Cultural Context vs. Divine Command
While polygamy was culturally accepted in David's time, it was not God's ideal for marriage. Christians are called to discern between cultural norms and God's commands, adhering to the latter.

The Importance of Family Integrity
The expansion of David's family through multiple wives led to complex family dynamics and conflicts. Maintaining integrity and unity within the family is crucial for personal and communal peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's decision to take more concubines and wives reflect the cultural practices of his time, and how does it contrast with God's commands in Deuteronomy 17:17?

2. In what ways did David's family dynamics, as a result of his many marriages, impact the future of Israel? Consider the accounts in 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 and 1 Kings 11:1-4.

3. What lessons can modern Christian leaders learn from David's example regarding the balance between personal choices and spiritual responsibilities?

4. How can Christians today discern between cultural practices and biblical commands, especially in areas where they may conflict?

5. Reflect on a time when a personal decision had long-term consequences in your life. How can you apply the lessons from David's life to make more biblically aligned choices in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 17:17
This verse warns Israelite kings against taking many wives, as it could lead their hearts astray. David's actions in 2 Samuel 5:13 can be seen as a deviation from this command.

1 Chronicles 3:1-9
This passage lists the sons of David born in Hebron and Jerusalem, providing a broader context for understanding the family dynamics and future conflicts within David's household.

1 Kings 11:1-4
Solomon, David's son, also took many wives, which eventually led him away from God. This serves as a cautionary tale about the potential spiritual dangers of polygamy.