This verse, 2 Samuel 5:13, provides a historical detail about King David's life after he established Jerusalem as his capital. Let's break down its meaning:
"David took more concubines and wives for himself out of Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron...": This part states that after moving his capital from Hebron to Jerusalem, David acquired more wives and concubines.
"Wives": Refers to women who were formally married to David, with associated legal and social rights.
"Concubines": Refers to women who were in a recognized relationship with David, similar to a wife but with potentially fewer rights and a lower social status. Often acquired for the purpose of bearing children.
"Out of Jerusalem": This likely means he acquired these women while residing in Jerusalem.
"After he had come from Hebron": This specifies the timeframe: after David had moved his capital to Jerusalem.
"...and more sons and daughters were born to David.": This is a direct consequence of having more wives and concubines. It means that David had more children after settling in Jerusalem than he did before.
In essence, the verse is saying that David consolidated his power and expanded his family by taking more wives and concubines after he had established his kingdom in Jerusalem.
Context and Interpretation Considerations:
Polygamy in the Ancient Near East: Polygamy (having multiple wives) and the use of concubines were common practices for kings and powerful men in the ancient Near East. It was often a way to increase political alliances, secure heirs, and demonstrate wealth and power.
Moral Implications: The Bible does not explicitly endorse polygamy. Some interpretations view David's actions as morally questionable, especially in light of later commands about kings not multiplying wives. Others view it as a reflection of the culture of the time.
Historical Record: The verse primarily serves as a historical record of David's life and the customs of the time. It shows how David's position as king allowed him to accumulate wealth and influence, including through marriage.
Foreshadowing: This verse might foreshadow some of the problems David would later face due to the rivalries and conflicts that arose from having multiple wives and children (e.g., the rebellion of Absalom).
Theology: From a theological perspective, the passage invites reflection on themes such as power, kingship, and the complexities of human relationships within the context of God's plan.
In summary, 2 Samuel 5:13 is a factual statement about David's life as king, reflecting the cultural norms of his time and possibly foreshadowing future challenges related to his family.
This verse, 2 Samuel 5:13, provides a historical detail about King David's life after he established Jerusalem as his capital. Let's break down its meaning:
"David took more concubines and wives for himself out of Jerusalem, after he had come from Hebron...": This part states that after moving his capital from Hebron to Jerusalem, David acquired more wives and concubines.
"Wives": Refers to women who were formally married to David, with associated legal and social rights.
"Concubines": Refers to women who were in a recognized relationship with David, similar to a wife but with potentially fewer rights and a lower social status. Often acquired for the purpose of bearing children.
"Out of Jerusalem": This likely means he acquired these women while residing in Jerusalem.
"After he had come from Hebron": This specifies the timeframe: after David had moved his capital to Jerusalem.
"...and more sons and daughters were born to David.": This is a direct consequence of having more wives and concubines. It means that David had more children after settling in Jerusalem than he did before.
In essence, the verse is saying that David consolidated his power and expanded his family by taking more wives and concubines after he had established his kingdom in Jerusalem.
Context and Interpretation Considerations:
Polygamy in the Ancient Near East: Polygamy (having multiple wives) and the use of concubines were common practices for kings and powerful men in the ancient Near East. It was often a way to increase political alliances, secure heirs, and demonstrate wealth and power.
Moral Implications: The Bible does not explicitly endorse polygamy. Some interpretations view David's actions as morally questionable, especially in light of later commands about kings not multiplying wives. Others view it as a reflection of the culture of the time.
Historical Record: The verse primarily serves as a historical record of David's life and the customs of the time. It shows how David's position as king allowed him to accumulate wealth and influence, including through marriage.
Foreshadowing: This verse might foreshadow some of the problems David would later face due to the rivalries and conflicts that arose from having multiple wives and children (e.g., the rebellion of Absalom).
Theology: From a theological perspective, the passage invites reflection on themes such as power, kingship, and the complexities of human relationships within the context of God's plan.
In summary, 2 Samuel 5:13 is a factual statement about David's life as king, reflecting the cultural norms of his time and possibly foreshadowing future challenges related to his family.