David son of Jesse was thirty years old when he began to reign — The notation 'thirty years old' (בֶן־שְׁלוֹשִׁים שָׁנָה, ben-šəlôšîm šānâh) marks David's age at first kingship (matching the traditional age of priestly maturity in Israel). David has waited long—anointed as youth, exiled for years, finally claiming his throne at full manhood. The age suggests divine timing: David is mature enough to rule wisely. The genealogical formula 'son of Jesse' (בֶן־יִשַׁי, ben-yišay) anchors David in covenant lineage; he is not a usurper but the rightful heir of Jesse's line. The phrase 'began to reign' (הִמְלִיךְ אֹתוֹ, himlîḵ 'otô) indicates the beginning of his long reign, which will span forty years.

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