2 Samuel 5

Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.

All the tribes of Israel gathered around David in Hebron, expressing, "Look, we are one with you, made of the same flesh and bone."

Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

Back when Saul ruled us, you were our guide, leading Israel in and out. God told you, "You will nurture my people Israel, and you will lead them as their captain."

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

The senior leaders of Israel journeyed to meet King David in Hebron. There, in the presence of God, they formed a sacred alliance. With joy and reverence, they crowned David as the king of Israel.

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

At the youthful age of thirty, David ascended to the throne, ruling with wisdom and grace for four decades.

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

In the city of Hebron, he ruled Judah with passion and wisdom for seven and a half years. Then, in Jerusalem, he led all of Israel and Judah with strength and justice for thirty-three years.

And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.

The king and his men journeyed to Jerusalem, home of the Jebusites. They taunted David, saying, "You won't get in here unless you can get past the blind and the lame; even they could keep you out," sure that David could not enter their city.

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

David, with determination and courage, conquered the mighty fortress of Zion, which is now known as the beloved city of David.

And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

On that day, David declared, "Whoever climbs up the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites, including those who are blind and lame, whom I deeply despise, will be made a leader." Hence, it was said, "The blind and lame are not allowed in the house."

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

David made the fortress his home, naming it the city of David. He passionately constructed its boundaries, starting from Millo and moving inward.

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

David continued to rise, becoming mighty, always feeling the comforting presence of the Lord God by his side.

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

King Hiram of Tyre, in a gesture of friendship, sent David not just messages, but also cedar trees, carpenters, and masons. Together, they lovingly crafted a home for David.

And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.

David felt deeply in his heart that God had chosen him as Israel's king, and had lifted his kingdom high, all for the love of His people, Israel.

And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David's family grew. He welcomed more wives and concubines, and was blessed with more sons and daughters.

And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

In Jerusalem, he was blessed with children. Their names were Shammuah, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, each one a precious gift.

Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, and Japhia too, each with their own unique spirit and essence, were all part of the divine plan.

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet, each with their own unique spirit and essence.

But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.

When the Philistines discovered David was crowned king of Israel, they all sought him out. Hearing this, David retreated to his stronghold, filled with anticipation and caution.

The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

The Philistines boldly invaded and occupied the valley of Rephaim.

And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

David asked God, "Should I confront the Philistines? Will you ensure my victory?" God reassured David, "Go ahead, I promise you'll triumph over the Philistines."

And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

David arrived at Baalperazim, where he defeated his enemies. He declared, "God has shattered my enemies like a flood." Hence, he named the place Baalperazim.

And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.

There, they abandoned their idols. Filled with righteous fury, David and his men set them ablaze.

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

Once more, the Philistines returned, their presence filling the valley of Rephaim like a dark cloud.

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

When David sought guidance from the Lord, He advised him not to confront directly. Instead, He suggested a strategic approach - to circle around them and surprise them near the mulberry trees.

And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.

When you hear the rustling leaves of the mulberry trees, spring into action. For it signals that the Lord is leading the way, ready to defeat your enemies.

And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

David, faithfully obeying God's command, courageously defeated the Philistines, from Geba all the way to Gazer.