2 Samuel 5:21
2 Samuel 5:21 in Multiple Translations
There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away.
And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
And they left their images there; and David and his men took them away.
And the Philistines, when they went in flight, did not take their images with them, and David and his men took them away.
The Philistines left their idols behind, and David and his men removed them.
And there they left their images, and Dauid and his men burnt them.
And they forsake there their idols, and David and his men lift them up.
They left their images there, and David and his men took them away.
And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
And they left there their idols: which David and his men took away.
The Philistia men left their idols there; so David and his soldiers took them away.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 5:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 5:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעַזְבוּ
שָׁ֖ם
אֶת
עֲצַבֵּי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּשָּׂאֵ֥/ם
דָּוִ֖ד
וַ/אֲנָשָֽׁי/ו
וַ/יַּעַזְבוּ
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲצַבֵּי/הֶ֑ם
ʻâtsâb
H6091
idol
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יִּשָּׂאֵ֥/ם
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/אֲנָשָֽׁי/ו
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 5:21
וַ/יַּעַזְבוּ
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
שָׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲצַבֵּי/הֶ֑ם
ʻâtsâb
H6091
"idol"
N-mp | Suff
This word is used to describe an idolatrous image, like the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the physical object of worship, rather than the false god itself.
Definition: idol, image
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: idol, image. See also: 1 Samuel 31:9; Isaiah 10:11; Psalms 106:36.
וַ/יִּשָּׂאֵ֥/ם
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
דָּוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וַ/אֲנָשָֽׁי/ו
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 5:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 5:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:21
Context — Two Victories over the Philistines
19So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”
20So David went to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, the LORD has burst out against my enemies before me.” So he called that place Baal-perazim.
21There the Philistines abandoned their idols, and David and his men carried them away.
22Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. 23So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 14:11–12 | So David and his men went up to Baal-perazim, where he defeated the Philistines and said, “Like a bursting flood, God has burst out against my enemies by my hand.” So they called that place Baal-perazim. There the Philistines abandoned their gods, and David ordered that they be burned in the fire. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 7:5 | Instead, this is what you are to do to them: tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, cut down their Asherah poles, and burn their idols in the fire. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 5:2–6 | carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue. When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained. That is why, to this day, the priests of Dagon and all who enter the temple of Dagon in Ashdod do not step on the threshold. Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity, ravaging them and afflicting them with tumors. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 43:12 | I will kindle a fire in the temples of the gods of Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar will burn those temples and take their gods as captives. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself in his garment, and he will depart from there unscathed. |
| 5 | Isaiah 46:1–2 | Bel crouches; Nebo cowers. Their idols weigh down beasts and cattle. The images you carry are burdensome, a load to the weary animal. The gods cower; they crouch together, unable to relieve the burden; but they themselves go into captivity. |
| 6 | Isaiah 37:19 | They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 7:25 | You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. |
2 Samuel 5:21 Summary
[In 2 Samuel 5:21, the Philistines abandoned their idols, which were useless and powerless, and David and his men carried them away. This event shows that the one true God is more powerful than any idol or false god, as seen in Psalm 96:5. It also reminds us that we should trust in God and obey His commands, like the first commandment in Exodus 20:3-4, which says we should have no other gods before Him. By trusting in God and obeying His commands, we can experience His power and presence in our lives, just like David did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Philistines abandon their idols in 2 Samuel 5:21?
The Philistines abandoned their idols because they were defeated by David and his men, and they likely saw the futility of their idols in the face of the one true God, as seen in Isaiah 46:1-2 where idols are described as helpless and unable to save their worshipers.
What did David and his men do with the abandoned idols?
According to 2 Samuel 5:21, David and his men carried the idols away, likely to prevent their people from being tempted to worship them, as warned against in Deuteronomy 7:25-26.
Is this event in 2 Samuel 5:21 related to the first commandment?
Yes, the event in 2 Samuel 5:21 is related to the first commandment in Exodus 20:3-4, which commands the people of God to have no other gods before Him, and the removal of the idols represents a step towards obedience to this commandment.
How does this event reflect God's character?
The event in 2 Samuel 5:21 reflects God's character as a God who is jealous for His people's worship and obedience, as seen in Exodus 34:14, and who will not tolerate the worship of idols, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'idols' in my life that I need to abandon, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's power and provision to overcome the 'enemies' in my life?
- What are some ways I can practically obey the first commandment in my daily life, and what 'idols' might I need to remove from my heart and home?
- How can I, like David, give God the glory for my victories, and acknowledge His presence and power in my life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 5:21
And they left their images,.... Their idol gods, which they brought with them to protect and defend them, and give them success; perhaps in imitation of the Israelites, who formerly brought the ark
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 5:21
And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them. There they left their images - probably their lares or household deities, which they had brought into the field to fight for them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
Their images they seem to have brought into the field to fight for them, as the Israelites had formerly done the ark. David burned them, as God had commanded, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
2 Samuel 5:21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.Ver. 21. And there they left their images] Heb., Their terrors. The Chaldee hath it, Their errors. See Psalms 16:4. These idols they had brought into the field with them, in hope of help by them; and perhaps in imitation of the Hebrews, who sometimes took the ark with them. It hath been before set forth how it befell the Popish Norfolk rebels in King Edward VI’ s days, with their cart load of trinkets and relics brought into the battle, and there laid in the dust. Terricula sua. Act. and Mon., fol. 1190.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
(21) Their images.—The Philistines took their idols with them to battle, as the Israelites had formerly taken the ark, and the suddenness and completeness of their defeat is shown by their leaving them on the field. The statement that David “burned” them is taken from 1 Chronicles 14:12, the Hebrew here being simply “took them away.” (See Deuteronomy 7:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
Verse 21. They left their images] It was the custom of most nations to carry their gods with them to battle: in imitation of this custom the Israelites once took the ark and lost it in the field; see 1 Samuel 4:10-11.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 5:21
21. their images] Cp. 1 Samuel 31:9 (E. V. idols). They brought them into the field to ensure victory, as the Edomites appear to have done (2 Chronicles 25:14), and as the Israelites brought out the Ark (1 Samuel 4:3). burnt them] Render, took them away, as spoil, perhaps to display in his triumphal procession. According to 1 Chronicles 14:12 he afterwards burnt them, in compliance with the law of Deu 7:5; Deuteronomy 7:25. The E. V. here “burned them” is a gloss, adopted from the Targum and the passage in 1 Chr. Thus the old disgrace of the capture of the Ark by the Philistines was avenged.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 5:21
And there they left their images - An indication of the precipitancy of their flight, and the suddenness with which the Israelites burst upon them like a “breach of waters.” The King James Version
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 5:21
21. Their images — Their idol-gods, (1 Chronicles 14:13,) which they carried with them into battle, as Israel once did the ark, (1 Samuel 4:3,) expecting they would therefore be led to certain victory.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 5:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Inadequate Consensus by Dick Brogden | Dick Brogden emphasizes the crucial importance of consulting the Lord in all decisions, regardless of human effort, involvement, advice, or consensus. Using the example of David's |
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The Lord's Mercies by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of God's mercy as represented by the ark of the covenant in ancient Israel, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ. He warns a |
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Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open |
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Isaiah 46:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between supporting false gods and being supported by the true and living God. He illustrates how many people are burdened by the idols they crea |
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Acts 17_pt2 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity and harmony that will be experienced in the kingdom age. He highlights that God has a special plan and purpose for each individual |
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What Time I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in Thee by A.B. Simpson | The preacher delves into the meaning of stumbling (ptaio) in the New Testament, emphasizing its figurative use to denote error, sin, and failure to keep God's law. Through the stud |