1 Chronicles 11 9

1 Chronicles 11:9 kjv

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:9 nkjv

So David went on and became great, and the LORD of hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:9 niv

And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:9 esv

And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

1 Chronicles 11:9 nlt

And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD of Heaven's Armies was with him.

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 9 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:9 states that David’s power and influence progressively increased because the Lord of hosts, God Almighty, was actively present with him. This verse attributes David's growing greatness, not to his own might or skill alone, but directly to the constant and enabling presence of God. It highlights the divine source of David's enduring success, establishing that God's favor was the foundational reason for his expanded dominion and strength.

1 Chronicles 11 9 Context

First Chronicles chapter 11 opens with the unification of all Israel under David at Hebron, fulfilling God's promise to establish him as king. Following his anointing, David successfully captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as the capital city and fortifying it as the "City of David." Verse 9 appears within this narrative of David's ascent to complete kingship and the solidification of his reign. It functions as a theological explanation for David's rapid and sustained growth in power and influence after these pivotal events. The broader historical context is the transition from a decentralized tribal confederacy, briefly united under Saul, to a solidified, monarchical kingdom under God's chosen king, David. The Chronicler, writing much later for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes God's sovereign hand in establishing the Davidic line, providing hope and reassurance through divine promises and presence. This verse, therefore, places the human narrative of David's accomplishments squarely within the larger story of God's faithfulness and active involvement.

1 Chronicles 11 9 Word analysis

• And David: Connects this statement directly to the preceding actions, showing David's ongoing journey and progress.
• waxed greater and greater:
  • The Hebrew phrase is hālaḵ wə-gāḏal (הָלַךְ וְגָדֵל), which literally means "went and grew" or "walked and became great." This is an idiom indicating a continuous, progressive, and increasing growth or ascent.
  • Gadal (גָּדַל) means to be or become great, magnificent, or numerous. It encompasses not only personal stature but also an increase in power, wealth, territory, and influence.
  • This stresses David's ever-expanding power, military might, and recognized authority, implying a sustained period of success rather than a singular event.
• : for the LORD of hosts
  • for: Hebrew kî (כִּי), a conjunction meaning "because," "for," or "indeed." It establishes the causal link between David's growth and God's presence. It explains why David waxed greater.
  • the LORD: Hebrew YHWH (יהוה), the Tetragrammaton, God's personal covenant name revealed to Israel, signifying His unique, eternal, and redemptive nature.
  • of hosts: Hebrew ṣĕbāʾôṯ (צְבָאוֹת), meaning "armies" or "hosts." This majestic title emphasizes God's omnipotence and supreme authority as the commander of heavenly armies (angels) and earthly armies (Israel's military, celestial bodies). It portrays God as the divine warrior who goes to battle for His people. For David, a military king, this title underscores that his ultimate commander and source of victory was not his own military strength but the Almighty General. It is a powerful theological declaration.
• was with him:
  • Hebrew ʻimmōw (עִמּוֹ), indicating active presence, intimate companionship, divine favor, and supportive power.
  • This phrase highlights God's continuous and active involvement in David's life and reign. It is not merely a passive presence but one that confers strength, wisdom, protection, and success.
  • This is a recurring theme for blessed figures in Scripture (Joseph, Moses, Joshua), signaling divine endorsement and enablement.

1 Chronicles 11 9 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's use of this specific theological explanation (God's presence) provides crucial insight into the ideal model of kingship in Israel – one based on covenant faithfulness and absolute reliance on God.
• This verse can be seen as an encapsulation of the Davidic covenant's practical implications: God's promise to establish David's kingdom meant His constant, empowering presence would accompany David.
• The repetition "greater and greater" uses a specific Hebrew grammatical construction (the infinitive absolute with the finite verb) to emphasize the intensity, continuity, and ever-increasing nature of David's growth, showcasing an unbroken period of divine blessing.
• This truth, applied spiritually, teaches that lasting spiritual growth, effectiveness in ministry, or strength in personal walk with God comes not from human effort alone, but from the Spirit of God actively empowering and guiding the believer (Phil 2:13).

1 Chronicles 11 9 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:9 is a pivotal theological statement within the narrative of David's kingship. It encapsulates the Chronicler's primary interpretive lens: human prosperity and success are direct consequences of divine favor and active presence. The assertion that David "waxed greater and greater" details his sustained and unparalleled rise in political power, military strength, and international renown. The immediate cause of this unparalleled ascent is identified: "for the LORD of hosts was with him." This explains David's otherwise remarkable accomplishments. The title "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Tsabaoth) is not incidental; it powerfully conveys God's sovereign command over all creation, armies, and celestial bodies. For a king renowned for military prowess, it humbly redirects the glory, declaring that the true general, the true source of all victories, was God Himself. This challenges any notion that David's greatness stemmed from purely human skill or strategic brilliance, emphatically positioning God as the orchestrator of history and the ultimate bestower of kingship and success. This foundational truth would have deeply resonated with the post-exilic community for whom the Chronicler wrote, encouraging them to likewise depend on and acknowledge God's active presence in their struggles and aspirations for restoration.