2Sa 3:2-5 | MHM | STEP | v. 2–5 : The passage lists six sons born to David by six different wives during his seven years in Hebron. Each son made David’s position more secure. The Bible says, He that has his quiver filled with these arrows shall speak with his enemy in the gate (Psalm 127:5 ). As Saul’s family became weaker because his sons died, David’s family grew stronger because more children were born. However, it was wrong for David to have so many wives, because the law said kings should not multiply wives (Deuteronomy 17:17 ). Also, David did not have more than one son with each wife during this time. Sadly, none of these sons became truly great, and three—Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah—became well-known for their sins. David’s son by Abigail is called Chileab here (2 Samuel 3:3 ), but Daniel in another place (1 Chronicles 3:1 ). Some say he was first called Daniel, meaning God has judged me , but later was called Chileab because he looked so much like David. Absalom’s mother was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, a non-Israelite prince. This marriage was probably meant to make David stronger politically, but Absalom later caused David much trouble and sadness. The last wife mentioned is called David’s wife ; some believe this was Michal, David’s first wife, who may have had a child before she stopped having children.

‏ 2 Samuel 3:2-5

v. 2–5: The passage lists six sons born to David by six different wives during his seven years in Hebron. Each son made David’s position more secure. The Bible says, He that has his quiver filled with these arrows shall speak with his enemy in the gate (Psalm 127:5 ^a). As Saul’s family became weaker because his sons died, David’s family grew stronger because more children were born. However, it was wrong for David to have so many wives, because the law said kings should not multiply wives (Deuteronomy 17:17 ^b). Also, David did not have more than one son with each wife during this time. Sadly, none of these sons became truly great, and three—Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah—became well-known for their sins. David’s son by Abigail is called Chileab here (2 Samuel 3:3 ^c), but Daniel in another place (1 Chronicles 3:1 ^d). Some say he was first called Daniel, meaning God has judged me, but later was called Chileab because he looked so much like David. Absalom’s mother was the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, a non-Israelite prince. This marriage was probably meant to make David stronger politically, but Absalom later caused David much trouble and sadness. The last wife mentioned is called David’s wife; some believe this was Michal, David’s first wife, who may have had a child before she stopped having children.

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