2 Samuel 5:13

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.

2 Samuel 5:13 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of David’s reign as king over the united nation of Israel. After Saul’s death, David ruled over Judah from Hebron for seven years, and then all the tribes anointed him king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-5). The verse appears just after David captured Jerusalem and made it his capital, and after he recognized that the LORD had established him as king (2 Samuel 5:11-12).

Meaning

The text records that David took more concubines and wives after moving from Hebron to Jerusalem. The Scripture does not praise or condemn this action; it simply reports it as a historical fact. In the ancient Near East, kings often had many wives, and this practice was common among Israel’s leaders. The verse also notes that sons and daughters were born to David in Jerusalem, continuing the list of his children that began in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2-5). This detail is part of the larger narrative of David’s establishment in Jerusalem, but it also reveals a personal failing.

Biblical connections

God’s law for kings warned that a ruler must not multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away (Deuteronomy 17:17). David’s action here moves in that direction, and the later account of his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) shows the tragic results of such self-indulgence. Yet the birth of children also connects to God’s covenant promise to David of a lasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16), a line that ultimately leads to the Messiah. The verse serves as a sober reminder that even a man after God’s own heart can fall into sin when he disregards God’s commands.

Application

This verse reminds readers to interpret Scripture within its historical and cultural setting. Not every practice recorded in the Bible reflects God’s ideal design. The New Testament later reveals the divine pattern for marriage as one man and one woman in a faithful union. David’s example warns against disregarding God’s commands, even for a man after God’s own heart. His choices brought sorrow to his family and kingdom, showing that disobedience has consequences. For the Christian, this passage underscores the need for humility and obedience.

Reflection

God remained faithful to His covenant despite David’s imperfections, blessing him with offspring and securing the promised line. This points to the greater King, Christ, who perfectly obeyed the Father. Believers are encouraged to walk in humility and obedience, trusting that God can work through flawed people to accomplish His redemptive purposes.