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2 Samuel 8

World English Bible

WEB

1After this, David struck the Philistines and subdued them; and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines. 2He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. The Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute. 3David also struck Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River. 4David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. David hamstrung the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for one hundred chariots. 5When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck twenty two thousand men of the Syrians. 6Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. 7David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. 8From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze. 9When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had struck all the army of Hadadezer, 10then Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him; for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. Joram brought with him vessels of silver, vessels of gold, and vessels of bronze. 11King David also dedicated these to Yahweh, with the silver and gold that he dedicated of all the nations which he subdued— 12of Syria, of Moab, of the children of Ammon, of the Philistines, of Amalek, and of the plunder of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 13David earned a reputation when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand men of the Syrians in the Valley of Salt. 14He put garrisons in Edom. Throughout all Edom, he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. 15David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness for all his people. 16Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, 17Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, Seraiah was scribe, 18Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief ministers.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Samuel Chapter 8 presents a powerful account of King David's military victories and the expansion of his kingdom. The chapter begins with David defeating the Philistines, subduing them, and taking control of the city of Metheg-ammah. This victory is significant as it demonstrates God's favor upon David and his leadership, fulfilling the promise made to him to establish his throne. The chapter continues with David's triumph over the Moabites, where he establishes a tribute system, showcasing his authority and the fear he instills in his enemies. The mention of the Moabites being measured with a line emphasizes the complete subjugation of those who opposed Israel, fulfilling God's command to conquer the land.

The narrative further details David's conquests over the Zobahites and the Arameans, where he defeats Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, and captures a significant amount of spoils, including horses and chariots. David's military prowess is highlighted, as he strategically cripples the enemy forces, ensuring peace and security for Israel. The chapter concludes with a summary of David's reign, noting his administration of justice and righteousness, which reflects the heart of a king after God’s own heart. This chapter not only emphasizes David's military success but also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Overall, 2 Samuel 8 illustrates the establishment of David's kingdom and the divine backing he receives in his endeavors, reinforcing the theme of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of righteous leadership. #David #Philistines #Moabites #Zobah #Arameans #GodsPromises

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Referenced by

  1. 2 Samuel 20:23v16The listing of David's officials in 2 Samuel 20:23 is similar to the earlier list in 2 Samuel 8:16, indicating continuity and stability in David's administration despite internal conflicts.
  2. 1 Chronicles 18:6v61 Chronicles 18:6 and 2 Samuel 8:6 both describe how David established garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him, bringing tribute. This highlights the expansion of David's kingdom and God's favor upon him.
  3. 1 Chronicles 18:11v11Both passages describe how David dedicated the silver and gold he took from various nations to the Lord. This act of dedication underscores David's commitment to honoring God with the spoils of his victories.
  4. 1 Chronicles 18:14v15Both passages describe how David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people, emphasizing his role as a just and righteous king.
  5. Psalms 60:1v13Psalm 60:1 reflects a time of distress and defeat, which is historically connected to the events in 2 Samuel 8:13-14 where David defeats Edom, suggesting a context of military struggle and divine intervention.

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