2 Samuel 5:13-25 - Jehovah's Victories Over The Philistines
David's prosperity led to luxurious living and sensual indulgence, out of which sprang the troubles of his after-life, 2 Samuel 5:13; 2 Samuel 5:15.
The Philistines watched the acquisition of Jerusalem with profound anxiety. It was against their policy for David to be the head of a united nation. It would seem that their first onset drove him back to the cave of Adullam, 2 Samuel 5:17. This was a startling reversal of fortune, but it was salutary that, now as ever, David should learn how dependent he was on God, and that God, who had given him so much, might at any time withdraw his gifts. Loneliness, failure, solitude are necessary for us all! Twice David sought direction as to the ordering of the fight. On the first occasion, the command was, Go up; on the second, Thou shalt not go up. In the first battle the Philistine position was carried by assault; in the second it was turned by ambush. The movement in the trees suggests the footfalls of angel-squadrons. Oh, for the quick ear to detect the goings-forth of God's help, and grace to bestir ourselves to follow! [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Samuel 5
1The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel, 4David's age 6Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it 11Hiram sends to David, 13Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem 17David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim 22And again at the mulberry trees
What do the individual words in 2 Samuel 5:15 mean?
Parse: Conjunctive waw, Proper Noun, masculine singular
Root: נֶפֶג
Sense: one of sons of Izhar and grandson of Kohath of the tribe of Levi in the time of the exodus.