8:1-5Part of God’s covenant with David included the promise that the Israelites’ enemies would be defeated and would no longer oppress them (7:10, 11). God fulfilled this promise by helping David defeat the opposing nations. Several enemies are listed in this chapter: (1) The Moabites, descendants of Lot who lived east of the Dead Sea. They posed a constant military and religious threat to Israel (Numbers 25:1-3; Judges 3:12-30; 1 Samuel 14:47). David seemed to have a good relationship With-the Moabites at one time; David's great-grandmother Ruth had been from Moab. (2) King Hadadezer of Zobah. His defeat at David’s hands fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham that Israel would control the land as far north as the Euphrates River (Genesis 15:18). (3) The Edomites, descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:1) who were also archenemies of Israel (see 2 Kings 8:20; Jeremiah 49:7-22; Ezekiel 25:12-14; and the note on Genesis 36:9).
Life Application Study Bible2 SamuelChapter 8
2 Samuel 8
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 475, 476
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David's Military Victories
1After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town.* 2David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in arow,and he measured them off in groups witha length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David's subjects and paid him tribute money. 3David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. David captured 1,700 charioteers* and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots. 5When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. 6Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David's subjects and paid him tribute money. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. 7David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, 8along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah* and Berothai. 9When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of Hadadezer,!Che sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze. 11King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated—t2from Edom,* Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek— and from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 13So David became very famous. After his return he destroyed 18,000 Edomites* in the Valley of Salt. 4He placed army garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. 15So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. 16Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. 17Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah was the court secretary. 18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard.* And David's sons served as priestly leaders.*
Textual footnotes
- town or the tribute money taken from it. Compare 1 Chr 18:1.
- charioteers; compare 1 Chr 18:4.
- 8:1 Hebrew by conquering Metheg-ammah, a name that means “the bridle,” possibly referring to the size of the
- 8:4 Greek version reads 1,000 chariots and 7,000
- 8:8 As in some Greek manuscripts (see also 1 Chr 18:8); Hebrew reads Betah.
- 8:12 As in a few Hebrew
- 8:13 As in a few Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions (see also 8:14; 1 Chr 18:12); most Hebrew
- 8:18b Hebrew Davia's sons were
Life Application Notes 4 notes
8:6The tribute money was the tax levied on conquered nations. The tax helped to support Israels government and demonstrated that the conquered nation was under {srael’s control. navin'c eS A ee ae ee errr I
8:15David pleased the people (3:36), not because he tried to please them, but because he tried to please God. Often those who try the hardest to become popular never make it. But the praise of people is not that important. Don’t spend your time devising ways to become accepted in the public eye. Instead, strive to do what is right, and both God and people wilt respect your convictions.
8:15King David’s reign was characterized by doing what was “just and right.” David was fair in interpreting the law, administering punishment with mercy, respecting people’s rights, and recognizing people’s duty toward God. Is it any wonder that almost everyone trusted and followed David? Why was it good for David to pursue justice? (1) It was God’s command (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) and in keeping with his character (Deuteronomy 32:4). God’s laws were meant to establish a just society. (2) It was in the nation's best interest because times would arise when each individual would need justice. Justice should characterize the way you relate to people. Make sure you are fair in the way you treat them.
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Study feature · page 476
DAVID'S ENEMIES David wanted to complete the conquest of Canaan begun by Joshua. He defeated the Jebusites at Jerusalem and the Philistines in the vicinity of Gath. The Ammonites, Arameans, and Moabites became his Subjects. He put garrisons in Edom and levied a tax upon them.
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