2 Samuel 8

Introduction

David smote the Philistones, taking control of one of their chief cities. He smote the Moabites, destroying two thirds of their soldiery and putting them under tribute. He fought an involved campaign against Hadadezer and the Syrians defeating them, and they also became tributary to him. He dedicated to the Lord the silver and gold he collected from the nations of Syria, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, Amalek and Hadadezer. He aslo smote Edom and put garrisons throughout the country.

Joab was over the host, Jehoshaphat was recorder; Zadok and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, Seraiah was scribe, and Benaiah the son of Jehoida was over the Cherethites and Pelethites, while king’s sons were chief rulers.

Bob Waldron, 2 Samuel Chapter VIII—Truth Commentaries

The Text

And afterwards—the point is not necessarily one of chronology. The point is the next thing i want to relate (10 begins with afterwards and yet speaks of something that happens in the campaign of Hadadezer an even recorded in chapter 8)

The Formidability of Israel’s Foes

Israel has a long history with each of these eneemies

Philistines:

The conflict of Israel vs. Philistia 

Shamgar’s Attack (Judges 3:31)—Loss

The Battle of Aphek/Ebenezer (1 Sam. 4:1-11)—Loss

The Thunderstorm at Mizpah (1 Sam. 7:10-11)—Victory (Yahweh intervention)

The Battle at Mt. Gilboa— where Saul was defeated

It says David subdued:

Subdue

Usually means to quite previous unrest

Synonyms

Sometimes translated to humble/humbled (1 Ki. 21:29; 2 Ch. 7:14)

Example

Means to quite previous unrest. Used of Israel when they tear the bonds of previous oppressors.

Whenever we’d get cocky on Uncle George’s innertube, he would humble us by knocking us into the water. That is the since in which the Philistines were humbled. (Psalm 60:1, 6-8) Israel has made a comeback. They were probably still boasting in their killing of Israel’s king, but David shut them up.

Moabites:

The conflict of Israel vs. Moab

Ehud’s Rebellion (Judg. 3:12-30)— One of the first enemies we read of that enslaves Israel after they were delivered from Egypt.

King Saul fought against Moab (1 Sam. 14:47)—

David takes one of Isarel’s oldest enslavers and subjugates them under his foot.

Tangentially: The restraint David shows both his Faithfulness to God and God’s faithfulness to his promises (Deut. 2:9) Every time Israel comes up against the Moabites their tactic is not one of annihilation, but one of “let me put you back in your place.” God promised to Lot that his descendants would have an inheritance in the land. Even though Moab faithlessly comes up against Israel time and time again, God remains faithful to his promises (2 Tim. 2:13)

Zobathites

An empire that was trying to restore its power as far as “the river” (LSB) possible “the euphrates” (KJV)

Notice the spoil taken

Edomites:

The quintessential gentile ()

By conquering the Edomites David fulfills the promise made to Esau and to Israel (Genesis 27:29; Num. 24:18; The national judgements of Romans 9 make particular reference to The edomites when they speak of Esau)

Zobah: some scholars say that the Arameans were trying to extend their army as far as the Euphrates

Israel has, heretofore, not had a king as great as David.

The monarchy of Israel is a reality that is centeral to the nation’s identity.

Long before the nation proper existed, God promised Abraham that his descendants would have a king (Gen. 17:6, 16) and repeats it to Jacob (Gen. 35:11) who in turn repeats it to (Gen. 49:10).

Echos of the king of Israel who would rule over the nations are seen all throughout (Numbers. 24:17-19)

God even details the qualifications of Israel’s king (Deut. 17:14-20)

The royal psalms sing of this king (Psalm 72; 45; 110)

The royal psalms tend to white was Israel’s monarchy, and reflected on lofty aspirations rather than realized promises. They paint a picture of an ideal king, rather than an existing one. David is the one who comes closest

His spoil goes to the Lord (2 Sam. 8:11)

He is a king who fulfills the ideal picture of a king (2 Sam. 8:15; Rom. 13:3-4)

Those who pray for no king should save their breath for walking up hill