2 Samuel 8
18 verses
The account of David's military campaigns and the consolidation of his imperial power represents the apex of his political fortune and the moment at which his kingdom extends from the Jordan to the Mediterranean. The chapter presents a rapid succession of victories that add territory to David's realm and tribute to his treasury. The theological language employed establishes that David's military success flows from divine favor and his kingship is validated through military dominance. The chapter records David's appointment of officials and judges, suggesting that his rule is characterized by justice as well as military might; yet this is the last mention of justice before the catastrophic failures that dominate the second half. The chapter's presentation of David's reign as characterized by universal victory and divine favor sets the stage for the dramatic reversal that will follow. The chapter also introduces David's son Solomon, linking the narrative forward to 1 Kings. The theological significance lies in its establishment of David as the fulfillment of the political promise of kingship.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg–ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.
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2
And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David’s servants, and brought gifts.
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3
David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.
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4
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.
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5
And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.
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It implies covenant loyalty, steadfast love that never wavers.. The contrast between human weakness and divine strength ...
6
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
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7
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
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8
And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
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God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. This is one of those passages that reads...
9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,
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10
Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
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11
Which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
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12
Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
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13
And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.
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God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. ...
14
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
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15
And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.
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16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
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17
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
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18
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief rulers.
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