And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This seemingly simple list of David's sons born in Jerusalem, especially the mention of Nathan and Solomon, points to a profound shift. It’s not just a genealogy; it’s the birthright of a new era, laying the groundwork for the lineage that would ultimately lead to Jesus.
And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
David has just been established as king over all Israel, uniting the tribes after years of conflict. Following this pivotal moment and his conquest of Jerusalem, the narrative shifts to show his growing family life and the flourishing of his lineage within his new capital. This listing of his sons born in Jerusalem underscores the establishment of his dynasty and the natural progression of his reign.
It might seem like a simple list of names, but in the ancient world, the birth of children, especially to a king, was a profound statement.
More Than Just Names
When Scripture records the names of David's sons born in Jerusalem, it's not just a genealogical footnote. This is a declaration of stability and legitimacy for his reign.
The location where these sons were born is crucial. It wasn't just any city; it was the newly established capital.
A New Era in a New Capital
The fact that these sons were born in Jerusalem marks a pivotal moment. David had fought for and captured this city, making it his own and the center of his kingdom.
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The listing of David's sons born in Jerusalem highlights the establishment of Jerusalem as the permanent capital and royal family seat, signaling a new era of stability and centralized power for Israel after years of conflict and shifting leadership.
c. 1077 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking the transition from a period of judges to monarchy.
c. 1055 BC
David Anointed King
David, from the tribe of Judah, is secretly anointed king by Samuel while Saul is still ruling. He later becomes king over all Israel.
c. 1010 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
King David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as the capital of the united Israelite kingdom.
c. 1010 BC
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, further solidifying its status as the religious and political center of Israel.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
David's Sons Born in Jerusalem
David's family grows in the newly established capital, including the birth of several sons in Jerusalem. This event is directly mentioned in the verse.
c. 990 BC
David's Census
David orders a census of Israel and Judah, an event that leads to a plague sent by God as a consequence of David's pride.
c. 970 BC
Solomon Becomes King
Following David's death, his son Solomon, one of those born in Jerusalem, succeeds him as king and later builds the First Temple.
This passage provides a parallel account of David's sons born in Jerusalem, confirming the lineage and highlighting the same four sons.
1 Chronicles 14:4This verse lists the sons born to David in Jerusalem, directly corroborating the names and their birthplace mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14.
1 Kings 1:11-13This passage shows Nathan the prophet playing a crucial role in the succession of Solomon, one of the sons listed, demonstrating the significance of these births within David's royal family.
Matthew 1:6-7This genealogy in the New Testament traces Jesus' lineage back to David, specifically mentioning Solomon as an ancestor, thus connecting these royal births to the coming of the Messiah.
This seemingly simple list of David's sons born in Jerusalem, especially the mention of Nathan and Solomon, points to a profound shift. It’s not just a genealogy; it’s the birthright of a new era, laying the groundwork for the lineage that would ultimately lead to Jesus.
David has just been established as king over all Israel, uniting the tribes after years of conflict. Following this pivotal moment and his conquest of Jerusalem, the narrative shifts to show his growing family life and the flourishing of his lineage within his new capital. This listing of his sons born in Jerusalem underscores the establishment of his dynasty and the natural progression of his reign.
David has just been established as king over all Israel, uniting the tribes after years of conflict. Following this pivotal moment and his conquest of Jerusalem, the narrative shifts to show his growing family life and the flourishing of his lineage within his new capital. This listing of his sons born in Jerusalem underscores the establishment of his dynasty and the natural progression of his reign.
"And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon," — This seemingly simple list of David's sons born in Jerusalem, especially the mention of Nathan and Solomon, points to a profound shift. It’s not just a genealogy; it’s the birthright of a new era, la…
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Last reviewed October 2026