What is the context?
Hiram king of Tyre sends messengers, cedar logs and skilled workers who build David a palace. David recognizes that the LORD has established him as king and raised up his kingdom for the sake of Israel.
The account also records more wives and concubines and more sons and daughters after the move from Hebron. Eleven sons are named here, including Nathan and Solomon. The growth of the royal household is part of the description of David’s established rule.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry and Gill emphasize the purpose David recognizes: his elevation is for the people’s benefit. The palace is a sign of an established kingdom, but the king’s comfort is not the whole point of the kingdom.
Wesley criticizes David’s growing number of wives in light of Deuteronomy 17:17. The command warned a king against multiplying wives and turning his heart away. Recording David’s expanding family does not make all his choices commands or examples for others to follow.
These observations can be held together. God’s care for Israel through David and the need to examine David’s conduct are both part of reading the account carefully.
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.