Ithream
Who was Ithream in the Bible?
The sixth son of King David, born to his wife Eglah during David's seven-year reign in Hebron.
Ithream was a prince of the United Monarchy of Israel, recorded as the sixth son born to King David. His birth occurred during the pivotal years when David ruled from Hebron, before the consolidation of the twelve tribes and the establishment of Jerusalem as the national capital. As a member of the royal household, Ithream represents the growing strength and expansion of David’s dynasty during the early years of his kingship.
While his name appears in the formal genealogies of the Davidic line, Ithream remains a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative. He is specifically identified as the son of Eglah, a woman whom the biblical text uniquely distinguishes with the title 'David’s wife.' This familial designation places Ithream within the complex internal hierarchy of David’s many sons, including his more prominent half-brothers like Amnon, Absalom, and Solomon.
Background and Family
Ithream (Hebrew: Yithream, meaning 'abundance of the people' or 'remnant of the people') was born during a significant transitional period in Israelite history. According to 2 Samuel 3:2–5, David’s family grew substantially during his residence in Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months before taking Jerusalem. Ithream was the last of the six sons born to David during this Hebron period.
His mother is identified as Eglah. In both 2 Samuel 3:5 and 1 Chronicles 3:3, Eglah is referred to as 'David’s wife.' This specific phrasing has led some Jewish traditions and commentators to suggest that Eglah might be another name for Michal, Saul’s daughter, though the biblical text does not explicitly support this identification. More likely, the title emphasizes her status within the royal court, distinguishing her among David’s early spouses such as Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail of Carmel.
Major Life Events
The biblical record for Ithream is strictly genealogical. He is listed in the formal registers that document the house of David, serving to establish the legitimacy and breadth of the Davidic line.
"and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron." (2 Samuel 3:5)
Unlike his older half-brothers Amnon and Absalom, or his younger half-brother Solomon, Ithream is not associated with any recorded political intrigue, military exploits, or succession disputes. His life coincided with the intense conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul, yet he disappears from the narrative record after his birth and his inclusion in the genealogical lists.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Ithream occupied a distinct place within the large family of David. As the sixth son, he was preceded by Amnon (born to Ahinoam), Chileab (born to Abigail), Absalom (born to Maakah), Adonijah (born to Haggith), and Shephatiah (born to Abital). Following the move to Jerusalem, he would be joined by many other half-siblings, most notably Solomon and Nathan.
His position as the sixth son in Hebron marks the conclusion of the first phase of David's dynastic expansion. While several of his brothers—Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah—met violent ends due to their ambitions for the throne, the biblical text records no such fate for Ithream. He remained a prince of the tribe of Judah, part of the core family that would eventually produce the Messianic line.
Spiritual Significance
The presence of Ithream in the Chronicles and Samuel genealogies underscores the fulfillment of the divine promise to David regarding the establishment of a lasting house. Even though Ithream does not perform a specific prophetic or leadership role, his inclusion in the Holy Scriptures serves to validate the historical reality of David’s reign and the literal fulfillment of God’s covenantal blessings on David’s fruitfulness.
In a broader theological sense, Ithream represents the 'hidden' members of the royal line—those who were part of the chosen family but whose specific deeds were not necessary for the redemptive narrative. His name, 'Abundance of the People,' may reflect the optimism of David's early reign as the nation of Israel began to unify and prosper under a single, divinely appointed monarch.
Ithream's significance lies primarily in his role as a witness to the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. As one of the six sons born in Hebron, he represents the literal 'seed' of David that was promised to be established. His appearance in 1 Chronicles 3 is part of a larger genealogical framework designed to prove the continuity of the Davidic line for the post-exilic community, ensuring they could trace the royal lineage back to its origins in Hebron.
Theologically, Ithream reminds the reader that the biblical narrative focuses on specific individuals to drive the story of salvation forward, yet many others lived within that history whose lives were known to God but remained unrecorded in detail. He is a legitimate heir of the promise, contributing to the legal and biological heritage that eventually led to the birth of Jesus Christ, the 'Son of David.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ithream's mother?
Ithream's mother was Eglah, who is specifically called 'David’s wife' in the biblical record.
Where was Ithream born?
Ithream was born in Hebron, during the seven-year period when David ruled only over the tribe of Judah.
Was Ithream ever considered for the throne of Israel?
There is no biblical evidence that Ithream sought the throne or was involved in the succession struggles that plagued his brothers Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah.
What does the name Ithream mean?
The name Ithream is derived from Hebrew roots meaning 'abundance of the people' or 'remnant of the people.'
Which tribe did Ithream belong to?
As a son of David, Ithream belonged to the tribe of Judah.
Family & Relationships
Parents
IthreamThis page
AbsalomBrother2 Samuel 3:3–5Stated
Adonijah, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:4–5Stated
Amnon, Firstborn Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:2–5Stated
ChileabBrother2 Samuel 3:3–5Stated
Eliada, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through Eliphelet and David: 1 Chronicles 3:8 ties Eliada to Eliphelet; 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties Eliphelet to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Eliada and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:8
Eliphelet, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: 2 Samuel 3:5 ties Ithream to David; 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties David to Eliphelet. No verse states the brother link between Ithream and Eliphelet directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:6
Elishama, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through Eliphelet and David: 1 Chronicles 3:8 ties Elishama to Eliphelet; 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties Eliphelet to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Elishama and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:6
ElishuaBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties Elishua to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Elishua and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:6
IbharBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: 2 Samuel 3:5 ties Ithream to David; 1 Chronicles 3:6 ties David to Ibhar. No verse states the brother link between Ithream and Ibhar directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:6
Japhia, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
No verse names Ithream and Japhia together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:7
Nathan, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Nathan and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; Luke 3:31
Nepheg, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
No verse names Ithream and Nepheg together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:7
Shammua, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through Nathan and David: 2 Samuel 5:14 ties Shammua to Nathan (itself an inferred link); Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Shammua and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5
Shephatiah, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:4–5Stated
Shobab, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through Nathan and David: 1 Chronicles 3:5 ties Shobab to Nathan; Luke 3:31 ties Nathan to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Shobab and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:4
SolomonBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: 2 Samuel 12:24 ties Solomon to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Solomon and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 2 Samuel 12:24
Tamar, Daughter of DavidSister2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: 1 Chronicles 3:9 ties Tamar to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Tamar and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:9
ElpeletBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
No verse names Elpelet and Ithream together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5
NogahBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
No verse names Nogah and Ithream together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 1 Chronicles 3:7
Jerimoth, Son of DavidBrother2 Samuel 3:5Inferred
Reconstructed through David: 2 Chronicles 11:18 ties Jerimoth to David; 2 Samuel 3:5 ties David to Ithream. No verse states the brother link between Jerimoth and Ithream directly.Evidence: 2 Samuel 3:5; 2 Chronicles 11:18
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 2 Samuel 3:5
The second king of the United Monarchy of Israel, a shepherd-warrior and psalmist known as a man after God's own heart.
United MonarchyFirst: Ruth 4:17998 versesKing of Israel, Shepherd, Musician, WarriorJudah
Mother · 2 Samuel 3:5
Eglah was one of King David's wives and the mother of his sixth son, Ithream, during David's reign in Hebron.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:52 versesQueen consort
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:3–5
The third son of King David, Absalom was a charismatic prince who staged a major rebellion against his father and was ultimately killed in battle by Joab.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:3104 versesPrince / Rebel LeaderJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:4–5
The fourth son of King David, Adonijah attempted to seize the throne of Israel during his father's final days, ultimately failing and meeting his execution under King Solomon.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:434 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:2–5
The firstborn son of King David, Amnon is primarily known for the violation of his half-sister Tamar, an act that triggered a bloody cycle of revenge within the royal family.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:232 versesPrince and heir apparentJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:3–5
Chileab was the second son of King David, born in Hebron to Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel during the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 3:313 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
Eliada was a son of King David born in Jerusalem, listed among the children of the United Monarchy period.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1616 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
Eliphelet was a son of King David, born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy, and is listed among the royal children in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1615 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
A son of King David born in Jerusalem during the United Monarchy and listed among the royal descendants in the books of Samuel and Chronicles.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1616 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
A son of King David born in Jerusalem during the early years of the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1514 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
Ibhar was a son of King David, born in Jerusalem during the era of the United Monarchy.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1514 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Brother · 2 Samuel 3:5
Japhia was a son of King David born in Jerusalem, listed among the children born to David after he established his throne in the holy city.
United MonarchyFirst: 2 Samuel 5:1515 versesPrince of IsraelJudah
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Samuel6
- 1 Chronicles4
- 2 Chronicles1
- Luke1
Scripture References
All 12 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
2 Samuel · 6
- 2 Samuel 3:2Partial
And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 3:3Partial
his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 3:4Partial
his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital;
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 3:5
and his sixth was Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These sons were born to David in Hebron.
- 2 Samuel 5:14Partial
These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 2 Samuel 12:24Partial
Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. So she gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. Now the LORD loved the child
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
1 Chronicles · 4
- 1 Chronicles 3:3
the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah.
- 1 Chronicles 3:4Partial
These six sons were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. And David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 3:6Partial
David’s other sons were Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 3:9Partial
These were all the sons of David, besides the sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
2 Chronicles · 1
- 2 Chronicles 11:18Partial
And Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
Luke · 1
- Luke 3:31Partial
the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.