1 Chronicles 11:9
So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
waxed
H3212
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
waxed
Strong's:
H3212
Word #:
1 of 7
to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)
הָל֣וֹךְ
greater
H1980
הָל֣וֹךְ
greater
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 7
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְגָד֑וֹל
and greater
H1419
וְגָד֑וֹל
and greater
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
4 of 7
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וַֽיהוָ֥ה
for the LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֥ה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
2 Samuel 3:1Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?1 Chronicles 9:20And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him.2 Samuel 5:10And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.Esther 9:4For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.Psalms 46:7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.Psalms 46:11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Historical Context
David's rise from shepherd to king (c. 1010-1003 BCE) involved strategic alliance-building and military victories against Philistines, Jebusites, and other enemies. The Chronicler attributes all success to divine presence, contrasting with ancient Near Eastern kings who boasted of personal prowess.
Questions for Reflection
- How should attributing all success to God's presence change your attitude toward personal achievements?
- In what areas of spiritual growth do you need to rely more fully on 'the LORD of hosts' rather than your own strength?
Analysis & Commentary
David's progressive increase in greatness is explicitly attributed to 'the LORD of hosts' being with him. The Hebrew word translated 'greater and greater' (halok v'gadol) suggests continuous, divinely-sustained growth. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine that all human achievement, even legitimate conquest and leadership, derives from God's enabling grace. The title 'LORD of hosts' (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's sovereign command over heavenly and earthly armies. David's military success wasn't due to superior tactics but divine favor, pointing to Christ whose kingdom advances through God's power, not human might.