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2 Samuel 5:18

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 5:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
2 Samuel 5:18 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
16and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet.
17And when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.
18Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
19And David inquired of Jehovah, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into my hand? And Jehovah said unto David, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into thy hand.
20And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there; and he said, Jehovah hath broken mine enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim.
21And they left their images there; and David and his men took them away.
← 2 Samuel 5:172 Samuel 5:19 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.] Or “of the giants”, as (<061508>Joshua 15:8); which lay to the west of Jerusalem; of which, (see Gill on “<061508>Joshua 15:8”); the Philistines spreading themselves in it, shows that they were very numerous.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“valley of Rephaim--that is, "of giants," a broad and fertile plain, which descends gradually from the central mountains towards the northwest. It was the route by which they marched against Jerusalem. The "hold" to which David went down "was some fortified place where he might oppose the progress of the invaders," and where he signally defeated them.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:18 The valley of Rephaim is located between Bethlehem and Jerusalem (cp. 23:13-14).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the valley: Sa2 23:13; Gen 14:5; Jos 15:8; Ch1 11:15; Isa 17:5 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 5:19”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification