Bible Chapter Summary
2 Samuel 8 Summary
David's Conquests and Administrative Establishment
After subduing the Philistines and taking control of Metheg-ammah, David defeats Moab with measured judgment, determining which captives will die and which will live. He vanquishes Hadadezer king of Zobah at the river Euphrates, capturing chariots, horsemen, and footmen, and hamstringing the chariot horses except for one hundred. When Syrians from Damascus come to aid Hadadezer, David kills twenty-two thousand of them and establishes garrisons in Syria. The king of Hamath sends gifts through his son Joram to honor David's victories. David dedicates all captured treasures to the LORD. He defeats the Syrians again in the valley of Salt, slaying eighteen thousand men, establishes garrisons throughout Edom, and reigns justly over all Israel. His chief officers include Joab over the host, Jehoshaphat as recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech as priests, and Benaiah over the Cherethites and Pelethites.
Key themes
Key verses
2 Samuel 8:1
“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.”
2 Samuel 8:6
“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.”
2 Samuel 8:11
“Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;”
2 Samuel 8:14-15
“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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