Such simple statements of lineage assure us that God orchestrates even the smallest details of His plan through generations.
When Scripture describes the children born to King David in Jerusalem, it concludes with the names, “Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet” (v.16). These three names appear near the end of a longer list of David’s sons, serving as a record of the blessings and growth of David’s family. Jerusalem, the capital city of ancient Israel, had just been conquered by David from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-7). Located in the central highlands of the land historically called Canaan, Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of David’s kingdom (around 1003 BC). This period of David’s reign marked a key turning point in unifying the tribes of Israel under one ruler.
Although 2 Samuel 5:16 merely names “Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet” (v.16), its significance is found in the continuation of the Davidic line. David, who reigned as king from approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC, is a central figure in the story of Israel. By listing his sons, the biblical text highlights that God continued to bless David with a growing family in the very city that would later be the capital for future generations of Israelite kings. From a historical perspective, this genealogical note speaks to the enduring legacy of David’s kingdom, especially as his children would have roles in carrying on the royal line or further fortifying David’s legacy.
In the grand narrative of Scripture, David’s name and lineage ultimately point to Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as descending from the house of David (Luke 3:31). Though the verse itself is short, it underscores that the swelling number of David’s descendants would have implications far beyond personal family matters. These names are part of a lineage that finds its fullness when Christ, the Son of David, enters the world, fulfilling promises God made about establishing David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16).
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2 Samuel 5:16 meaning
When Scripture describes the children born to King David in Jerusalem, it concludes with the names, “Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet” (v.16). These three names appear near the end of a longer list of David’s sons, serving as a record of the blessings and growth of David’s family. Jerusalem, the capital city of ancient Israel, had just been conquered by David from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-7). Located in the central highlands of the land historically called Canaan, Jerusalem became the political and spiritual center of David’s kingdom (around 1003 BC). This period of David’s reign marked a key turning point in unifying the tribes of Israel under one ruler.
Although 2 Samuel 5:16 merely names “Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet” (v.16), its significance is found in the continuation of the Davidic line. David, who reigned as king from approximately 1010 BC to 970 BC, is a central figure in the story of Israel. By listing his sons, the biblical text highlights that God continued to bless David with a growing family in the very city that would later be the capital for future generations of Israelite kings. From a historical perspective, this genealogical note speaks to the enduring legacy of David’s kingdom, especially as his children would have roles in carrying on the royal line or further fortifying David’s legacy.
In the grand narrative of Scripture, David’s name and lineage ultimately point to Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as descending from the house of David (Luke 3:31). Though the verse itself is short, it underscores that the swelling number of David’s descendants would have implications far beyond personal family matters. These names are part of a lineage that finds its fullness when Christ, the Son of David, enters the world, fulfilling promises God made about establishing David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16).