2 Samuel 5:13
And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that David continued to take more wives and concubines, even after becoming king in Jerusalem and experiencing God's blessing. This verse highlights how deeply ingrained the practice of polygamy was, even for a man described as "a man after God's own heart." It’s a stark reminder that even the best of us can operate within cultural norms that later Scripture, and God's ultimate plan, would reveal as problematic.
After solidifying his position as king over all Israel, David settles into Jerusalem and begins to build his royal household. This verse describes the continuation of this process as his family grows, following his consolidation of power and establishment of the capital city. It highlights the human side of leadership, showing David's personal life unfolding alongside his public reign.
After becoming king, David's family didn't just grow; it exploded! What does this say about his life and reign?
The text tells us that after David established Jerusalem as his capital, he took "more concubines and wives." This wasn't unusual for ancient Near Eastern kings; a large family and many wives symbolized power, wealth, and divine favor.
Think about it:
While his family grew, so did the complexities and potential problems. What might have been lurking beneath the surface of this royal expansion?
While the multiplication of wives and concubines was common, the Bible doesn't shy away from showing its negative consequences, especially in David's life.
Even though this specific verse focuses on the fact of expansion, the broader biblical narrative shows us:
Understand the original words
pilegesh · Hebrew Noun
A woman in a polygamous culture who had lower status than a primary wife. While biblical law regulated the treatment of concubines, their presence often introduced family tension and conflict within the household.
c. 1055 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking the transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy.
c. 1025 BC
David Anointed King
David, a young shepherd, is secretly anointed by Samuel as the future king of Israel while Saul is still on the throne.
c. 1010 BC
David becomes King of Judah
After Saul's death, David is anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, beginning a seven-year reign in the south.
c. 1003 BC— this verse
David Captures Jerusalem
David leads his forces to conquer the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital city and the political center of Israel.
c. 1003 BC onwards
David Marries and Fathers More Children
Following the establishment of his capital in Jerusalem, David takes more wives and concubines, and many children are born to him in his royal household.
This passage highlights the vast number of wives and concubines Solomon, David's son, also took, showing a pattern of royal accumulation that led to spiritual compromise.
Deuteronomy 17:17This verse from the Law warns kings against accumulating too many wives and horses, directly addressing the kind of behavior David and Solomon engaged in, which could lead their hearts astray.
1 Chronicles 14:1-3This parallel account provides the same narrative of David taking more wives and concubines after becoming king, reinforcing the historical record and its significance within the broader story of Israel's monarchy.
Song of Solomon 6:8-9While not directly about David, this passage from wisdom literature speaks to the uniqueness of the king, distinguishing him from the many wives and concubines, perhaps reflecting on the royal lineage that stemmed from David's many unions.
It's easy to overlook that David continued to take more wives and concubines, even after becoming king in Jerusalem and experiencing God's blessing. This verse highlights how deeply ingrained the practice of polygamy was, even for a man described as "a man after God's own heart." It’s a stark reminder that even the best of us can operate within cultural norms that later Scripture, and God's ultimate plan, would reveal as problematic.
After solidifying his position as king over all Israel, David settles into Jerusalem and begins to build his royal household. This verse describes the continuation of this process as his family grows, following his consolidation of power and establishment of the capital city. It highlights the human side of leadership, showing David's personal life unfolding alongside his public reign.
After solidifying his position as king over all Israel, David settles into Jerusalem and begins to build his royal household. This verse describes the continuation of this process as his family grows, following his consolidation of power and establishment of the capital city. It highlights the human side of leadership, showing David's personal life unfolding alongside his public reign.
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c. 1000 BC
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem, further solidifying its status as the religious and political center.
"And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David." — It's easy to overlook that David continued to take more wives and concubines, even after becoming king in Jerusalem and experiencing God's blessing. This verse highlights how deeply ingrained the p…
