David defeats the Philistines, Moabites (measuring them by line and executing two-thirds), and Hadadezer of Zobah at the Euphrates, capturing chariots, horsemen, and foot soldiers, hamstringing horses except for one hundred chariots. When Aram of Damascus helps Hadadezer, David kills twenty-two thousand Syrians and garrisons Damascus; Toi of Hamath sends tribute. David takes immense spoil—bronze, gold, silver—which Solomon later uses for the temple, and he makes a name for himself, killing eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and garrisoning Edom. David reigns over all Israel with justice and righteousness; his cabinet includes Joab over the army, Jehoshaphat as recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech as priests, Seraiah as secretary, and Benaiah over the Cherethites and Pelethites.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 8 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
King of Israel whose reign is chronicled with both triumphs and failures
Woman with whom David committed adultery, later mother of Solomon
Prophet who confronted David about his sin and delivered God's covenant
David's son who rebelled and tried to take the throne
David's military commander, loyal but sometimes ruthless
Righteous King of Judah
Places in This Chapter
Moab was a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Lot's son Moab. Ruth was a Moabite who famously left her homeland to follow Naomi to Bethlehem. Israel often had conflict with Moab, though King David entrusted his parents to the king of Moab for protection.
Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Position in Book
The ark brought to Jerusalem, God's covenant with David, military victories, kindness to Mephibosheth.