What is the context?
The struggle between Saul’s house and David’s house continues for a long time. David’s side grows stronger while Saul’s grows weaker. The victory at Gibeon has not brought the divided nation back together.
The account then introduces six sons born to David in Hebron: Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah and Ithream. Each has a different mother. These are members of the family that will stand at the center of the kingdom’s later story.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry reads the opening as the continuing advance of David’s house despite opposition. He also uses the struggle as an illustration of the conflict between grace and sin in a believer’s life. That is a lesson he draws from the story; the verse itself describes the fortunes of two royal houses.
The growing family should also be read alongside Deuteronomy 17:16–20, where Israel’s king is warned against multiplying wives and turning his heart away from God. Increasing power and a larger household do not by themselves establish that every choice a king makes is wise or faithful.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.