1 Kings 2:11 - David's Reign and Death
The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—
David's reign is significant in biblical history, marking a period of consolidation and expansion for Israel. The number forty often symbolizes a period of testing or trial in the Bible, as seen in the forty years of Israel's wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:33-34) and Jesus' forty days of fasting (Matthew 4:2). David's forty-year reign can be seen as a time of establishing God's kingdom on earth, setting the stage for the future Messianic kingdom.
seven years in Hebron—
Hebron, located in the southern part of Judah, was an ancient city with deep patriarchal roots, being the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 23:19, 25:9, 35:27-29). David's initial reign in Hebron reflects his acceptance by the tribe of Judah, his own tribe, before becoming king over all Israel. This period was marked by civil strife, as David's rule was contested by Saul's remaining supporters, particularly Ish-bosheth, Saul's son (2 Samuel 2:8-11).
and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, a Jebusite city, was captured by David and established as the political and spiritual capital of Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The choice of Jerusalem was strategic, as it was centrally located and not previously dominated by any single tribe, promoting unity among the tribes. David's reign in Jerusalem is characterized by significant developments, including the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to the city (2 Samuel 6:12-17) and the establishment of the Davidic Covenant, promising an everlasting dynasty (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jerusalem's significance is further highlighted in prophecy and typology, as it becomes the focal point of Messianic expectations and the future reign of Christ (Isaiah 2:2-4, Revelation 21:2).
Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
2. Hebron
A city in the southern part of Judah where David first reigned as king over the tribe of Judah for seven years. It holds historical significance as a city of refuge and a patriarchal burial site.
3. Jerusalem
The city where David reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel. It became the capital and spiritual center of Israel, housing the Ark of the Covenant and later the Temple built by Solomon.
4. Israel
The united kingdom under David's rule, consisting of all twelve tribes. David's reign marked a period of consolidation and expansion for the nation.
5. Reign of David
A significant period in biblical history characterized by military victories, the establishment of Jerusalem, and the preparation for the building of the Temple.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Leadership
David's reign exemplifies the impact of godly leadership. His heart for God and his dedication to justice and righteousness set a standard for future leaders.
God's Sovereignty in History
The duration and success of David's reign demonstrate God's sovereign hand in establishing and guiding His chosen leaders.
The Significance of Place
Hebron and Jerusalem were not just political centers but also spiritual landmarks. They remind us of the importance of dedicating our spaces to God.
Legacy and Preparation
David's reign was not just about his accomplishments but also about preparing for the future, particularly in setting the stage for Solomon's temple. Our actions today can lay the groundwork for future generations.
Faithfulness in Different Seasons
David's reign in Hebron and Jerusalem shows that God calls us to be faithful in different seasons and places, each with its unique challenges and opportunities.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2Who were the children of King David?Why did David desire Bathsheba despite her being married?Are biblical numbers accurate?In 2 Samuel 15:7, why do some sources say “forty years” while others say “four years,” and which is correct?
Verse 11. - And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem [as elsewhere (1 Chronicles 29:27), the historian has disregarded the fraction of a year in giving the length of David's reign. He reigned at Hebron, according to 2 Samuel 5:5, "seven years and six months."
CHAPTER 2:12-25. ADONIJAH'S INTRIGUE. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The length
וְהַיָּמִ֗ים (wə·hay·yā·mîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day
of David's
דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse
reign
מָלַ֤ךְ (mā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel
over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
[was] forty
אַרְבָּעִ֖ים (’ar·bā·‘îm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 705: Forty
years—
שָׁנָ֑ה (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year
seven
שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number
years
שָׁנִ֔ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year
in Hebron
בְּחֶבְר֤וֹן (bə·ḥeḇ·rō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2275: Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah
and thirty-three
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth
years
שָׁנִֽים׃ (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year
in Jerusalem.
וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם (ū·ḇî·rū·šā·lim)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel
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1 Kings 2:11 Catholic BibleOT History: 1 Kings 2:11 The days that David reigned over Israel (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)