Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 11:9
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records David’s escalating authority immediately following his fortification of Jerusalem and Joab’s urban restoration. The account positions this development within the broader consolidation of David’s kingship and the subsequent listing of his military commanders.
The words — The Hebrew construction וַיֵּלֶךְ וְגָדוֹל (va-yelek ve-gadol) literally renders “and he went and became great,” employing הָלַךְ (halakh) in a continuous sense to denote progressive advancement. This progression is explicitly attributed to the presence of יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (Yahweh Tsebaoth), translated as “LORD of Hosts.”
The thread — This exact formulation appears in 2 Samuel 5:10 and parallels the earlier progression noted in 2 Samuel 3:1. The underlying pattern of divine accompaniment driving national strength also surfaces in Isaiah 41:10.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to observe that David’s expanding influence is presented as a direct result of Yahweh’s proximity rather than military or political maneuvering. It demands an evaluation of leadership outcomes strictly against the stated condition of divine presence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So David waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts was with him.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- 2 Samuel 5:10 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.
- Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
- Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
- 1 Chronicles 9:20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him.
- Esther 9:4 For Mordecai exercised great power in the palace, and his fame spread throughout the provinces as he became more and more powerful.
- Psalms 46:7 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
- Psalms 46:11 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
- Isaiah 8:9 Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered!