2 Samuel 5:14-16
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While it might seem like just a list of names, notice that the very next thing the Bible tells us about David is his military success and his wisdom in building his kingdom. This seemingly mundane record of his sons is placed right there to remind us that even amidst immense power and responsibility, David's family life, his children, were a fundamental part of who he was as king and as God's anointed.
And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After David had been anointed king over all Israel and had conquered Jerusalem, making it his capital, the narrative shifts to detail the blessings God poured out on him as he established his reign. This verse, nestled within a list of his growing family, highlights the fruitfulness and continuation of his dynasty, pointing toward the future significance of his royal line.
David's reign in Jerusalem wasn't just about conquering cities; it was also about building a family. This verse lists some of his sons born in his new capital.
A New Beginning in the City
After conquering Jerusalem and establishing it as his capital, David experienced significant growth – not just politically, but personally. This verse highlights the birth of several sons to David in Jerusalem. This signifies a new phase of his life and reign, rooted in the promised land's heart.
It's easy to focus on the battles and kingship, but family is foundational. God's promises often unfold through generations, and David's lineage, beginning in this very city, would become central to Israel's future.
Why list these names? In the ancient world, names carried weight and purpose. The inclusion of these specific sons points to something much larger than a simple family tree.
Names That Echo Through History
The names listed – Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon – are not random. They represent different facets of David's life and legacy.
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These names are a reminder that God works within human families, weaving His redemptive purposes through each generation, often in surprising ways.
Understand the original words
Elishama · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew title meaning 'beloved of God' or 'darling of God,' often used as a royal name. In biblical context, it signifies one chosen or favored by the Lord.
Eliada · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew name meaning 'God knows' or 'God has known,' signifying divine acknowledgment or covenant relationship.
Eliphelet · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew name meaning 'God is deliverance' or 'God has delivered,' reflecting reliance on Yahweh for salvation and rescue.
c. 1077 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, initiating the monarchy.
c. 1040 BC
David Anointed King
David is secretly anointed king by Samuel, but Saul remains on the throne. David's rise to power is marked by conflict with Saul.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After Saul's death, David is first made king over Judah, then over all Israel, unifying the tribes.
c. 1007 BC— this verse
Jerusalem Captured by David
David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and establishes it as his capital, the City of David.
c. 1005 BC
Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, solidifying its status as the religious and political center of Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon Born
Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is born in Jerusalem. He would later succeed David as king.
This passage lists the same four sons born in Jerusalem, providing a parallel account of David's lineage in a different historical context.
1 Chronicles 14:4This verse records the birth of these same sons in Jerusalem to David, reinforcing the importance of this lineage through the priestly/historical record.
Matthew 1:6-7This genealogy in the New Testament traces Jesus' lineage back to David, specifically mentioning Solomon as an ancestor, highlighting the lasting significance of this particular son.
Luke 3:31This genealogy also points back to David and Nathan, showing how the line continues through Solomon's brothers in the ancestry of Jesus.
While it might seem like just a list of names, notice that the very next thing the Bible tells us about David is his military success and his wisdom in building his kingdom. This seemingly mundane record of his sons is placed right there to remind us that even amidst immense power and responsibility, David's family life, his children, were a fundamental part of who he was as king and as God's anointed.
After David had been anointed king over all Israel and had conquered Jerusalem, making it his capital, the narrative shifts to detail the blessings God poured out on him as he established his reign. This verse, nestled within a list of his growing family, highlights the fruitfulness and continuation of his dynasty, pointing toward the future significance of his royal line.
After David had been anointed king over all Israel and had conquered Jerusalem, making it his capital, the narrative shifts to detail the blessings God poured out on him as he established his reign. This verse, nestled within a list of his growing family, highlights the fruitfulness and continuation of his dynasty, pointing toward the future significance of his royal line.
"And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet." — While it might seem like just a list of names, notice that the very next thing the Bible tells us about David is his military success and his wisdom in building his kingdom. This seemingly mundane re…
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Last reviewed October 2026
