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)
It's easy to skim over this verse, but notice how it immediately follows David's coronation in Jerusalem. This isn't just about David expanding his family; it's about him establishing his reign and legacy in his new capital, setting the stage for future generations and alliances through these unions. The seemingly simple act of taking wives and having children signifies the solidification of his kingdom in a very real, human way.
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)
After finally being established as king over all Israel and conquering Jerusalem, David solidifies his reign and begins to build his dynasty. This verse highlights that his family continued to grow significantly as he took more wives and concubines in his new capital, a stark contrast to his earlier years of fleeing from Saul. This period marks David's ascent to undisputed leadership, bringing both political and personal expansion.
David's reign is often celebrated, but this verse highlights a stark reality of his growing power. What does it reveal about kingship in the ancient world?
The Royal Advantage
After securing his throne in Jerusalem, David's household grew significantly. The text notes he took "more concubines and wives" and that "more sons and daughters were born." This wasn't just personal indulgence; it was a political strategy. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's many children and a large royal household symbolized his stability, prosperity, and strength. Each marriage could forge alliances, and each child represented a continuation of the dynasty. It was a visible sign that God had blessed David's reign and established him securely on the throne of Israel.
While strategically sound for a king, this verse also marks a step David would later deeply regret. What spiritual warning does it hold?
The Slippery Slope
While the multiplication of wives and concubines was common and politically expedient for ancient rulers, it directly contradicted God's design for marriage and laid the groundwork for future turmoil in David's own family. The book of Deuteronomy had specific instructions for kings to avoid multiplying wives (Deuteronomy 17:17) precisely because it could lead their hearts astray. This verse, therefore, isn't just a historical note; it's a subtle foreshadowing of the domestic tragedies that would soon plague David's house – including the sins of Amnon, Absalom, and the resulting civil strife. It reminds us that even God's chosen leaders can step onto paths that, while seemingly practical or culturally acceptable, carry significant spiritual risks.
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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.
This verse highlights David's consolidation of power not just politically and militarily, but also dynastically, by expanding his family in his new capital of Jerusalem after securing his kingship over all Israel.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King of Judah
After the death of King Saul, David was first anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron.
c. 1006 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
The elders of Israel came to David in Hebron and anointed him king over all twelve tribes, uniting the kingdom.
c. 1006 BC— this verse
Capture of Jerusalem
David led his forces to capture the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital city.
c. 1006-1003 BC
David Establishes Royal Household
Following the consolidation of his rule in Jerusalem, David began to build his royal administration and expand his family.
c. 1003 BC
Wars Against Philistines
David fought significant battles against the Philistines, securing Israel's borders and solidifying his reign.
This passage directly references David's faithfulness to God, highlighting a key aspect of his life beyond his family expansion.
1 Chronicles 14:3This passage presents a very similar account of David taking more wives and concubines, underscoring the theme of his growing household and lineage.
Deuteronomy 17:17This passage outlines the king's prohibitions against multiplying horses, wives, and silver, providing a divine perspective on David's actions in 2 Samuel 5:13.
Song of Solomon 8:12While a poetic contrast, this verse speaks of Solomon's vineyard that is his own, implying a different kind of ownership and responsibility than David's expanding royal household.
It's easy to skim over this verse, but notice how it immediately follows David's coronation in Jerusalem. This isn't just about David expanding his family; it's about him establishing his reign and legacy in his new capital, setting the stage for future generations and alliances through these unions. The seemingly simple act of taking wives and having children signifies the solidification of his kingdom in a very real, human way.
After finally being established as king over all Israel and conquering Jerusalem, David solidifies his reign and begins to build his dynasty. This verse highlights that his family continued to grow significantly as he took more wives and concubines in his new capital, a stark contrast to his earlier years of fleeing from Saul. This period marks David's ascent to undisputed leadership, bringing both political and personal expansion.
After finally being established as king over all Israel and conquering Jerusalem, David solidifies his reign and begins to build his dynasty. This verse highlights that his family continued to grow significantly as he took more wives and concubines in his new capital, a stark contrast to his earlier years of fleeing from Saul. This period marks David's ascent to undisputed leadership, bringing both political and personal expansion.
"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 skim over this verse, but notice how it immediately follows David's coronation in Jerusalem. This isn't just about David expanding his family; it's about him establishing his reign and l…
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Last reviewed October 2026