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.

2 SAMUEL 5:17KJV
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2 Samuel 5:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 5:17 mean?

2 Samuel 5:17 describes how, after David was officially made king over Israel, the Philistines heard about it and decided to take action against him. When David learned of their movements, he went down to a stronghold for safety and preparation.

This verse is set just after David’s anointing as king over the united tribes of Israel. The Philistines, long-time enemies of Israel, saw David’s rise as a threat and mobilized to confront him. David’s response—going to "the hold" or stronghold—shows his awareness of the danger and his readiness to seek protection and plan his next move.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 5:17

  • "Anointed" (מָשַׁח, mashach): This word means to pour oil on someone as a sign of being chosen for a special role, especially as king. The Philistines’ reaction shows they understood the seriousness of David’s new position.
  • "Seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word often means to search for or pursue, sometimes with hostile intent. Here, it makes clear the Philistines were not just looking for David, but actively coming after him as an enemy.
  • "Hold" (מְצוּדָה, metsudah): This refers to a fortress or strong place. David’s choice to go there highlights both the real threat he faced and his practical approach to leadership.

Why 2 Samuel 5:17 matters

  • This verse shows the immediate challenge David faced as king, emphasizing that his new role brought not just honor but also danger.
  • The Philistines’ quick response underlines how significant David’s kingship was, both for Israel and its enemies.
  • David’s move to the stronghold connects to his earlier life as a fugitive, showing that even as king, he needed wisdom and caution to deal with threats.

Where else these words appear

“hold” Hebrew H4686 · used in 22 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.
  • Psalms 66:11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.

“anointed” Hebrew H4886 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
  • Numbers 6:15 And a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings.
  • 1 Kings 1:39 And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.