2 Samuel 2:3 kjv

And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

2 Samuel 2:3 nkjv

And David brought up the men who were with him, every man with his household. So they dwelt in the cities of Hebron.

2 Samuel 2:3 niv

David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns.

2 Samuel 2:3 esv

And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron.

2 Samuel 2:3 nlt

and his men and their families all moved to Judah, and they settled in the villages near Hebron.

2 Samuel 2 verses

2 Samuel 2 3 Meaning

2 Samuel 2:3 details David's purposeful relocation of his loyal followers and their entire families from Ziklag to Hebron. This move signifies not merely a change of location for David and his fighting men, but a communal establishment under his leadership, indicating a foundational step in his legitimate ascension to the throne and the strategic choice of Hebron as his first capital within the territory of Judah. It represents the consolidation of his household and the households of those faithful to him, establishing a new community dedicated to his nascent kingdom.

2 Samuel 2 3 Context

Following the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan at the battle of Gilboa (2 Sam 1), David, having mourned the fallen, sought divine guidance (2 Sam 2:1) before making his next move. For years, David had been a fugitive, living on the fringes and at times in Philistine territory, most recently in Ziklag (1 Sam 27, 30). This verse marks a pivotal transition. Instead of simply re-entering Judah, David, guided by God, deliberately moves his entire loyal following – not just soldiers but their households – to Hebron. This city held immense historical and religious significance, being connected to Abraham and the patriarchs as a place of burial (cave of Machpelah) and possessing strategic importance as a major city in the tribe of Judah, David's own tribe. This careful re-establishment in Hebron lays the groundwork for David's initial anointing as king over Judah (2 Sam 2:4) and serves as a visible demonstration of a leader establishing a stable, God-ordained community after a period of instability and turmoil under Saul.

2 Samuel 2 3 Word analysis

• And David brought up (וַיַּעַל דָּוִד, wayya'al Dawid):
  • Wayya'al (from `עָלָה`, 'alah): Means "to go up," "to ascend." This signifies a movement from a lower region (Ziklag, near the coastal plain) to the mountainous region of Judah where Hebron is located. It carries connotations beyond mere physical elevation, hinting at a rise in status or prominence, and a deliberate, divinely sanctioned move.
  • David's action is decisive, leading his people in accordance with God's instruction in 2 Sam 2:1.
• his men who were with him (אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ, asher itto):
  • Refers to David's loyal followers, a group of experienced and committed individuals who had been with him through his exile, battles, and hardships (e.g., in Ziklag, 1 Sam 30).
  • They represent the nucleus of his support, distinguished by their personal loyalty to David, indicating a close-knit group.
• everyone with his household (אִישׁ וּבֵיתוֹ, 'ish ubeito):
  • Ish ubeito: "man and his house," encompassing wife, children, and servants.
  • This is crucial: David is not just relocating a military contingent, but an entire community. It emphasizes permanence, stability, and the re-establishment of family life and social structure under David's leadership, setting the stage for a settled kingdom rather than a temporary encampment.
  • It contrasts with Saul's impulsive reign; David fosters a foundational, familial community.
• and they lived (וַיֵּשְׁבוּ, wayyeshevu):
  • From `יָשַׁב`, yashav: "to dwell," "to settle," "to sit down."
  • Indicates a settled habitation, a deliberate making of a home, not a fleeting visit or a strategic temporary outpost. It implies the establishment of permanent residences and community life.
• in the cities of Hebron (בְּעָרֵי חֶבְרוֹן, be'arei Khevron):
  • Hebron (`חֶבְרוֹן`): Meaning "fellowship," "association," or "alliance." This name is remarkably fitting for the city where the tribal allegiances of Judah first consolidated around David.
  • Be'arei (plural, "cities of"): This could refer to Hebron itself and its surrounding dependent villages/suburbs, or signify Hebron as a regional hub representing an cluster of settlements. This choice of phrase reinforces the sense of a comprehensive resettlement rather than just moving to a single point.
  • Hebron's deep biblical significance (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Caleb all associated there) lent David's new base immediate historical legitimacy and divine sanction in the eyes of the people of Judah. It was also a Levitical city and a city of refuge.
  • Words-group Analysis:
  • "And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household": This phrase highlights David's holistic leadership. He cared not just for the fighting capability of his men but for the welfare and establishment of their families. It underscores a community-oriented approach to building his kingdom, where every member (man, woman, child) was considered. This shows David as a leader concerned with communal wellbeing and permanence, not merely personal power.
  • "and they lived in the cities of Hebron": This group of words emphasizes the strategic and symbolic importance of Hebron. "Lived" implies permanence and the setting down of roots. Hebron's ancient legacy (patriarchal, Caleb's inheritance) bestowed immediate historical and spiritual authority on David's rule there. Choosing a well-known, venerable city within Judah affirmed his legitimacy and provided a secure base from which to begin governing. The choice indicates God's plan at work, as He had directed David to this very location.

  Commentary

  This verse is a profound yet understated beginning to David's formal reign. Having sought and received God's direct guidance (2 Sam 2:1), David's obedience is immediate and comprehensive. By bringing everyone with his household to Hebron, he is establishing more than just a military base; he is founding a legitimate, stable community, reflecting a deep concern for the welfare of all who committed to him. Hebron, with its rich patriarchal history and strong ties to Judah, was divinely and strategically chosen. It signaled to the people that David was not a mere warlord, but a God-appointed leader, gathering his people to a place of covenant and heritage. This action marks a clear demarcation from the previous chaos, establishing the foundation of a kingdom rooted in divine instruction and communal security, a stark contrast to Saul's reactive and impulsive leadership.

  Bonus section

  Hebron as a City of Refuge: Hebron was designated one of the Levitical cities and a city of refuge (Josh 20:7). This aspect further emphasizes its significance as a safe haven and a place of law and justice, qualities that align with David's developing kingdom, providing security for his people. Divine Guidance and Human Action: The verse is a practical manifestation of David's prior inquiry and God's clear instruction. It highlights the biblical principle of God directing human steps (Prov 16:9), yet requiring human action and responsibility in fulfilling those plans. David didn't just passively wait; he actively moved and settled his people as commanded. The Contrast with Saul: Saul's kingdom was largely centralized in Gibeah, a military-administrative hub, but often lacked communal integration. David's act of bringing whole households* to Hebron underscores a different kind of leadership – one focused on building a coherent society around him, which would later be mirrored in the eventual unity of Israel.

2 Samuel 2 3 Bonus section

2 Samuel 2 3 Commentary