2 Samuel 8
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Introduction**
Introduction**
Had internet and computer problems all day, so I didn’t have but a few hours to prepare.
So, I expect that tonight will be a little shorter than usual … but maybe not.
As we saw in chapter 7, David felt that the time had come for the Temple to be built because Israel had reached a point of peace and stability.
As we saw in chapter 7, David felt that the time had come for the Temple to be built because Israel had reached a point of peace and stability.
But God told him through Nathan the prophet that the era of warfare was not over.
But God told him through Nathan the prophet that the era of warfare was not over.
There, God had said, “I will appoint a place for my people” … and … “Nor shall the sons of wickedness appress them anymore.”
Do not read below:
Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously,
Of course, we know that the reign of David would be marked with conflict … both against enemies outside and with rebellion from within.
It would be during the reign of David’s son, Solomon, that Israel would experience peace and security for a while.
David would conquer all his enemies, but there would be wars until the end of his reign.
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The chapter we are in tonight summarizes the victories of the army of Israel.
The chapter we are in tonight summarizes the victories of the army of Israel.
When these victories occurred, we cannot be completely certain.
Some of them may have taken place between chapters 6 and 7 of 2 Samuel (see 7:1).
And the events that are spoken of probably happened between chapters 6 and 7 of 2 Samuel (see 7:1).
Verse 1 of chapter 7 says:
Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around,
The implication of that verse is that David had been very active in attacking enemies once he assumed the throne and took Jerusalem.
But since David would also be fighting wars throughout his reign, all of these victories may not have come at the beginning.
And depending on the commentaries you look at, you will find different ideas of when these battles took place.
In fact, if you look at Jewish commentaries the opinion is that these battles took place after the events of chapter 7.
In fact, if you look at the parallel chapter of , it reads:
After this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its towns from the hand of the Philistines.
It seems that the “after this” points back to the events of , which are the same as 2 Samuel 7.
So, there it seems to tell us that these things happened AFTER the events of .
That being said, some very intelligent Bible scholars hold to these things happening before , though I’m not quite sure why.
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Whatever the case, we’ll see that the Lord helped David to overcome Israel’s enemies on the west (v. 1), east (v. 2), north (vv. 3–12), and south (vv. 13–14).
The Lord helped David, Joab, and Abishai to overcome Israel’s enemies on the west (v. 1), east (v. 2), north (vv. 3–12), and south (vv. 13–14).
told us that King Saul had fought many of these same enemies.
And the victories and blessings that David enjoyed are what God wanted to do through Saul.
But Saul resisted God and rebelled against His Spirit.
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Now, God had made a covenant with Israel through Abraham (, ) … which God further expressed to Moses () and then as we saw last week to David ().
Now, God had made a covenant with Israel through Abraham (, ) … which God further expressed to Moses () and then as we saw last week to David ().
So, we talked about these covenants a lot last week in chapter 7.
So, we talked about these covenants a lot last week in chapter 7.
One prominent feature of God’s promise was LAND.
The Lord had promised Israel the land from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates River back in , but the condensed version is found in
Do not read below:
And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”
“The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: ‘You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey, and go to the mountains of the Amorites, to all the neighboring places in the plain, in the mountains and in the lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the River Euphrates. See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.’
Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.
Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing. So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
The Lord used David to help partially fulfill the promise he had made to Abraham.
And during the reign of Solomon, Israel occupied much of that land, but there is some doubt as to whether they occupied all the land of the promise.
Of course, they will … but I believe that Israel will occupy all the land of God’s promise at a future time … during the millennial reign of Christ.
Now, there is some disagreement among Christians on this.
Abraham was originally promised that his ancestors would be given the land of Canaan in .
The book of Joshua reads:
So the Lord gave to Israel all the land of which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it and dwelt in it.
And while Israel was in Canaan and battled to take possession of it … they certainly did not have control over all parts of it all the time.
AND, that would have only fulfilled the first land promise of .
That promise was later expanded in to include land all the way from the Euphrates to the river of Egypt to the wilderness of Lebanon.
As we know from our own study through Joshua, Judges … and 1-2 Samuel, they did not have all of this territory.
BUT there is evidence in the Bible that during the reign of Solomon they did.
“Now if the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers, and gives you the land which He promised to give to your fathers, and if you keep all these commandments and do them, which I command you today, to love the Lord your God and to walk always in His ways, then you shall add three more cities for yourself besides these three,
Deuteronomy 18
As we know, Israel established 3 of the 6 cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan.
AND reveals that they established the remaining 3 cities of refuge on the west side of the Jordan.
BUT, those cities may have represented only the fulfillment of the land … that is Canaan proper.
What about the land outside of Canaan … from the river of Egypt (the Nile) to the Euphrates and in the wilderness of Lebanon?
Well, reads:
So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
Okay, now … that still leaves some land that was promised … or at least it doesn’t explicitly say it was owned by Israel.
But what if they did?
Does that in any way mean that God is done with Israel?
Does it imply that God has transferred His promises over to the church?
Of course not.
In fact, if you look back at , you will see that the land was promised to Israel “FOREVER.”
It’s a Hebrew word, olam, which means … always … for the duration of all time.
However, God warned Israel in , that if they did not obey Him, “[they] shall be plucked from off the land which [they] go to possess.”
And it shall be, that just as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess.
you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess.
). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
God was patient with Israel and disciplined them for generations.
God was patient with Israel and disciplined them for generations.
But the day came when He followed through with His promise and they were uprooted from the land and scattered.
But the day came when He followed through with His promise and they were uprooted from the land and scattered.
But we have seen a great re-gathering of Israel back into her land and the re-establishment of the Jewish nation.
They do not occupy all the land now … but God says it is theirs “forever” and so there is a future fulfilment coming when Israel will occupy all of the land and dwell there in security and peace.
This will not happen under any rule of man.
As we saw last week in God’s promise to David, a Messiah would come through his line, and His throne would be established forever.
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The fact that Israel is back in her land should cue us in to the fact that Jesus’ return is imminent.
And when He does return, all of God’s promises will be completely fulfilled.
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Now, back to our text … Israel had lost territory to her enemies during the reign of King Saul, and David recaptured it.
Now, back to our text … Israel had lost territory to her enemies during the reign of King Saul, and David recaptured it.
He also expanded Israel’s borders and acquired land that hadn’t been conquered in Joshua’s time.
He also expanded Israel’s borders and acquired land that hadn’t been conquered in Joshua’s time.
David established many of these other nations as vassals and set up garrisons in their lands to maintain Israel’s authority.
A man of faith, David believed God’s promises and acted upon them for the blessing of his people.
But David’s victories also meant a measure of peace and safety for the people of Israel so they could live normal lives and not feel constantly threatened by their neighbors.
Israel had a great work to perform on earth in bearing witness to the true and living God and bringing the written Scriptures and the Messiah into the world.
Furthermore, David’s victories brought riches so that the material was available for Solomon to build the temple.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for everyone here this evening. Thank You that You know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with You. Lord, we open up Your word desiring to hear from You ... not man's word or wisdom, but Your Words and Wisdom. Please soften our hearts to receive from You.
v1
v1
This chapter summarizes the victories of the army of Israel over their enemies, events that most likely occurred between chapters 6 and 7 of 2 Samuel (see 7:1). The Lord helped David, Joab, and Abishai to overcome Israel’s enemies on the west (v. 1), east (v. 2), north (vv. 3–12), and south (vv. 13–14). For a parallel account, see . King Saul had fought many of these same enemies ().
So we start with conquests in the west.
So we start with conquests in the west.
We must look at David’s military activities in the light of God’s covenants with Israel through Abraham (, ), Moses () and David (). The Lord had promised Israel the land from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates River (; ; ; ), and the Lord used David to help fulfill the promise. Israel had lost territory to her enemies during the reign of King Saul, and David recaptured it, but he also expanded Israel’s borders and acquired land that hadn’t been conquered in Joshua’s day (). David established vassal treaties with most of these nations and set up garrisons in their lands to maintain Israel’s authority (v. 6). A man of faith, David believed God’s promises and acted upon them for the blessing of his people.
But David’s victories also meant peace and safety for the people of Israel so they could live normal lives and not be constantly threatened by their neighbors. Israel had a great work to perform on earth in bearing witness to the true and living God and bringing the written Scriptures and the Messiah into the world. Furthermore, David’s victories enriched the treasury of the Lord so that the material was available for Solomon to build the temple (vv. 11–13; ). The church today doesn’t use military weapons to fight God’s battles (; ; ), but we could use the faith and courage of David and his soldiers and reclaim lost territory for the Lord.
The Philistines were the traditional enemies of Israel.
The Philistines were the traditional enemies of Israel.
And they were very opportunistic … taking every opportunity to attack the Jews and take advantage of them.
Later on in chapter 21, the text describes at least 4 different Philistine campaigns.
In , at least four different Philistine campaigns are mentioned (see also ), and the text describes the slaying of several giants as well as the defeating of the Philistines.
It also describes the slaying of several giants … brothers and sons of Goliath ... as well as the defeating of the Philistines.
Here, in chapter 8, Metheg Ha’amah is the same as Gath.
Gath was the primary city-state of the Philistines.
We learned from that although there were 5 Philistines city-states, only the governor of Gath was called a king.
This indicates that Gath was the greatest of these cities.
In fact, it’s name given here … Metheg ha’am-mah means “Harness of the Arm” because Gath was the control of the entire nation.
seems to indicate that even though David captured Gath, he allowed Achish to remain king there … as a vassal king.
He was still a vassal king in the time of Solomon.
Perhaps this mercy from David was given in appreciation for having given David refuge when he was on the run from Saul.
Gath was also the home of Goliath.
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Gath was also the home of Goliath.
As a young man, David had killed Goliath.
As a young man, David had killed Goliath.
But chapter 21 records that during this first campaign he was unable to slay the giant Ishbi-benob, and David’s nephew Abishai had to rescue him.
But chapter 21 records that during this first campaign he was unable to slay the giant Ishbi-benob, and David’s nephew Abishai had to rescue him.
So, David’s men advised him to stop waging war personally, and he heeded their advice.
Blessed is that leader who admits his weaknesses and admits when he needs to make changes! The name “Metheg-ammah” means “the bridle of the mother city” and probably refers to a key Philistine city that Israel captured, the location of which is a mystery to us. To “take the bridle” of anything means to gain control and force submission.
v2
v2
Now for the east.
Now for the east.
The Moabites were in the east.
The Moabites were in the east.
In , they had been friendly to David because they thought he was Saul’s enemy.
East: the Moabites (v. 2) had been friendly to David because they thought he was Saul’s enemy (), and David was related to the Moabites through his great-grandmother Ruth (). While living in exile, David had even put his parents in the custody of the king of Moab (). The Moabites were actually related to the Jews because Abraham’s nephew Lot was the father of their ancestor Moab (). Because the Moabites had hired Balaam the prophet to curse Israel and then led Moab in seducing the men of Israel (), the Lord declared war on Moab, and David was only continuing that crusade. Most conquerors would have slaughtered the entire army, but David spared every third soldier and settled for tribute from the nation.
But also, David was related to the Moabites through his great-grandmother Ruth.
In fact, back in , David had even put his parents in the care of the king of Moab to keep them safe.
While living in exile, David had even put his parents in the custody of the king of Moab ().
The Moabites were actually related to the Jews because as we know from , Abraham’s nephew Lot was the father of their ancestor Moab.
But later in Numbers , during the wilderness wandering, the Moabites had hired Balaam the prophet to curse Israel and then led Moab to send women to seduce the men of Israel.
Because the Moabites had hired Balaam the prophet to curse Israel and then led Moab in seducing the men of Israel (), the Lord declared war on Moab, and David was only continuing that crusade. Most conquerors would have slaughtered the entire army, but David spared every third soldier and settled for tribute from the nation.
The Lord declared war on Moab.
And despite their earlier help … and the fact that they were related … David had to continue that crusade against them.
Yet as he did to the Philistine king Achish, David showed mercy to the Moabites.
You see, most conquerors would have slaughtered the entire army.
Instead, David spared every third soldier and settled for tribute from the nation.
The Midrash, which is ancient Jewish commentary on the scriptures, says something different about David’s reason for killing 2/3 of the Moabite army.
It says that the Moabites had killed David’s family while they were with them.
So then this could have been both a continuation of the Lord’s campaign against the Moabites and an act of revenge by David.
But, this is not a detail that is given in scripture, so take it with a grain of salt.
v3
v3
David wrote to commemorate these wars.
David wrote to commemorate these wars.
It begins by stating that these nations had made incursions into Israelite territory and that the Jews had suffered greatly at their hands.
It begins by stating that these nations had made incursions into Israelite territory and that the Jews had suffered greatly at their hands.
Now we get to David’s conquest of the North … which was the Arameans and Syrians.
In the Psalm, David attributes victory to those who fear God.
Aram corresponds roughly to Syria and Lebanon today.
lets us know that Zobah was a kingdom somewhere within Aram.
Further, tells us that this battled occurred in or near the city of Hamath.
Hamath still exists today, in Syria, about 150 miles north of Damascus.
However, just because it was in modern day Syria doesn’t mean that this group were Syrians as some translations refer to them.
This group was more accurately “the Arameans.”
North: the Arameans and Syrians (vv. 3–13). Zobah was located north of Damascus and was part of a confederacy of nations called “the Syrians” in some translations, but more accurately they are “the Arameans.” However, their neighbors the Syrians tried to come to their rescue and were defeated themselves, so that the whole area north to the Euphrates came under David’s authority. This gave Israel important military installations and also control of the valuable caravan routes that passed through that territory. Israel could levy duty as the traders passed through and thereby increase its income. By defeating the Arameans and the Syrians, David also made friends with their enemies and received tribute from them (vv. 6–10).
They are more accurately “the Arameans.”
And their neighbors were the Syrians.
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Hadadezer, the king of Zobah was trying to expand his empire.
Hadadezer, the king of Zobah was trying to expand his empire.
In the process he overran parts of Israel.
In the process he overran parts of Israel.
The Euphrates River runs all the way from the East in modern Kuwait and Iraq to the north into modern day Syria and even further north.
When it says that David went to recover his territory at the River Euphrates it probably speaks of the bend of the river at Emar, to the north of Hamath.
If you have maps in the back of your Bible you probably have one named “The nations of ” that will show the Euphrates River.
Then if you turn to the map named “The Kingdom Years” you should see Zobah at the top.
David was intent on expanding Israel northward to secure the nation against foreign aggression.
This land was also part of the promise of God, so David considered it a “recovery mission.”
v4-5
v4-5
As verse 3 said, David had the victory of Hadadezer.
As verse 3 said, David had the victory of Hadadezer.
Again, David seems to have shown some mercy here.
Again, David seems to have shown some mercy here.
David took 700 horsemen, but there is no mention of any captives being killed.
Now, note that the parallel passage in says that:
David took from him one thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. Also David hamstrung all the chariot horses, except that he spared enough of them for one hundred chariots. When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed twenty-two thousand of the Syrians.
1 Chronicles 18
Why the difference in numbers?
Well, in 2 Samuel it was the officers that were counted.
In 1 Chronicles, it was the total number of soldiers.
Now, both agree that David took 1000 chariots from Hadadezer.
And David also hamstrung the horses.
Why didn’t David keep all the horses for himself?
Well, it could have been because the Torah states:
But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’
David didn’t hamstring all the horses, though.
He left some for the chariots.
A chariot requires a team of horses … depending on the size of the chariots either 2 or 4.
So, David left between 200 and 400 horses unharmed.
What chariots?
Well, David left Hadadezer with one hundred chariots.
A chariot requires a team of horses … depending on the size of the chariots either 2 or 4.
So, David left between 200 and 400 horses unharmed.
Some suspect that David released any captives for a ransom and a promise that there would be no attacks against Israel.
However, if that is the case, Hadadezer had no intention to keep the promise.
An Assyrian king contemporary to David recorded significant trouble from an Aramean king seeking to expand territory.
It is likely that this was Hadadezer.
And Hadadezer’s aspirations got the best of him, for chapter 10 records that he continued to make war with Israel and was defeated.
Now, verse 5 records that another group heard of Hadadezer’s defeat, they tried to come to the rescue.
And they tried to come to the rescue and were defeated themselves, so that the whole area north to the Euphrates came under David’s authority.
But they were also defeated, and 22,000 were killed … so that the whole area north to the Euphrates came under David’s authority.
v6-8
v6-8
David was now able to establish important military installations here.
David was now able to establish important military installations here.
He placed Garrisons … which essentially means this area of Syria was annexed.
He placed Garrisons … which essentially means this area of Syria was annexed.
This gave Israel some level of security.
It also gave Israel control of the valuable trade routes that passed through that territory.
Israel could levy duty as the traders passed through and thereby increase its income.
However, it seems that while Damascus and the surrounding area was annexed, Aram of Zobah was not subjugated, since Hadadezer was able to launch another attack later.
Speaking of Hadadezer, verse 7 records that David took from him shields of gold that belonged to his “servants.”
The word here is עֶ֫בֶד ebed which can mean servant but also minister and official.
It would probably be better translated as official here.
The Hebrew term here was obscure and the translators thought “shield” to be the best choice.
However, with more archaeological discovery and better understanding of ancient languages, it is now recognized as a term borrowed from Aramaic.
שֶׁ֫לֶט
The word is שֶׁ֫לֶט selet (shell-eht).
It refers to a bow case.
These gold cases would have been ceremonial, probably carried by ranking officials or warrior-priests.
In fact, ceremonial bow cases are pictured in Persian reliefs.
The text says that David took them back to Jerusalem.
The text says that David took them back to Jerusalem.
These would have been a part of the preparations for the Temple, which didn’t need bow cases, but did need gold.
Along these same lines, David took a large amount of bronze from cities located between Damascus and Hamath.
says it was from this copper that Solomon later built the “sea” (that is, the water tank), the 2 pillars, and the other copper vessels of the Temple.
says it was from this copper that Solomon later built the “sea” (that is, the water tank), the 2 pillars, and the other copper vessels of the Temple.
Do not read below:
Also from Tibhath and from Chun, cities of Hadadezer, David brought a large amount of bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze Sea, the pillars, and the articles of bronze.
v9-12
v9-12
By defeating the Arameans and the Syrians, David also made friends with their enemies and received tribute from them.
By defeating the Arameans and the Syrians, David also made friends with their enemies and received tribute from them.
Hamath was another kingdom in the area that was at war with Hadadezer.
Hamath was another kingdom in the area that was at war with Hadadezer.
And by defeating him, David did this kingdom a favor.
So King Toi sent his son, Joram with good wishes and a large gift.
This gift consisted of silver, gold, and bronze … all of which David dedicated to the LORD.
Also there were precious metals that he took from other nations and these, too, he dedicated.
This means that they were donated to the sanctuary’s treasury … in this case, it would have gone towards the future building of the temple.
This not only was in preparation for the later building of the Temple, but it satisfied the requirement of that the king shall not “Greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.”
Do not read below:
Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself.
“From Amalek” in the end of verse 11 is interesting.
Neither here nor in 1 Chronicles is there mention of a war with Amalek after David became king.
This probably refers back to David’s raid against the Amalekites when he was in Ziklag.
If so, this reveals a lot of forethought that David had put into this … that he would be saving silver and gold for the Temple even while he was in exile from Saul.
However, it could be that David went again to war against the Amalekites.
You may remember that Saul had failed to fulfill God’s command to wipe out the Amalekites.
From the days of Moses, the Lord had declared war on Amalek, and perhaps this brief mention means that David was continuing the crusade.
So, just as the Lord promised back in chapter 7, David was victorious over his enemies.
David’s reputation increased dramatically because of these victories (v. 13), and David was careful to give God the glory (8:11–12).
v13-14
v13-14
Now we get to the south and the Edomites (and possibly Syrians and Arameans).
Now we get to the south and the Edomites (and possibly Syrians and Arameans).
The Valley of Salt is located in Edom.
The Valley of Salt is located in Edom.
We know this from
He killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel to this day.
We know this from the text here, and 3 other verses.
Verse 1 of identifies Edomites as those killed in the Valley of Salt … 12,000 in fact.
also says Edomites, though the number given there is 18,000.
And then there is , which also mentions it being Edomites.
That being said, it’s possible that the Syrians and Arameans at this time were in control of Edom and were also involved in the battle.
So, what is going on here is that while Israel was attacking the Syrians and Arameans in the north, the Moabites attacked them from the south, but the Lord gave Israel the victory.
It appears that while Israel was attacking the Syrians and Arameans in the north, the Moabites attacked them from the south, but the Lord gave Israel the victory.
Why the discrepancy in numbers of 12,000 in and 18,000 in 1 Chronicles?
Well, it all depends on who was being counted … or there could have been multiple battles with different numbers of casualties in each battle.
Another possible explanation comes from .
David had multiple commanders in his army .. and 1 Chronicles lists Abishai in the battle and this chapter calls Joab as being over the army.
It could be that Abishai killed one number and his brother Joab killed another number.
And then there is , which also mentions it being Edomites.
That being said, it’s possible that the Syrians and Arameans at this time were in control of Edom and were also involved in the battle.
It appears that while Israel was attacking the Syrians and Arameans in the north, the Moabites attacked them from the south, but the Lord gave Israel the victory.
David gave God the glory when David commemorated the victory in .
In verse 8 he writes, “Over Edom I will cast My shoe.”
Do not read below:
Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Philistia, shout in triumph because of Me.”
It is a metaphorical expression that may have a dual meaning.
“Over Edom I will cast My shoe” (60:8 nkjv) is a metaphorical expression that may have a dual meaning: (1) God claims Edom as His territory, and (2) God treats Edom like a slave who cleans the master’s shoes. It expresses the humiliation God brought to the proud Edomites whom David conquered.
(1) God claims Edom as His territory, and
(2) God treats Edom like a slave who cleans the master’s shoes.
It expresses the humiliation God brought to the proud Edomites when David conquered them.
And David also made them subjects, setting up garrisons throughout all Edom.
Placing garrisons allowed Israel to extend its supply line and to monitor activities and maintain control.
Placing garrisons in annexed territories or in vassal countries allowed a country to extend its supply line and to monitor activities and maintain control. Food supplies and arms could be stored there, and the military personnel could be ready to deal with any deviation from treaty stipulations or to put down any uprisings. Likewise tribute could be collected and merchant activity controlled.
Food supplies and arms could be stored there, and the military personnel could be ready to deal with any uprising.
Also, tribute could be collected and trade could be controlled.
Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary: Old Testament (electronic ed., ). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
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So, with all these victories, David’s reputation increased dramatically, and he was careful to give God the glory .
v15-18
v15-18
Winning battles was one thing.
But managing the affairs of that burgeoning nation were quite another.
David proved himself to be capable in both war and administration.
David proved himself to be capable in both war and administration.
And it says that he ruled with justice and judgment and served all the people.
And it says that he ruled with justice and judgment and served all the people.
In his last words as recorded in chapter 23, David compared a man who rules justly to the sunrise and the sunlight after rain.
David brought a new day to Israel after the darkness of Saul’s reign, and God used David to bring calm after the storm.
says that God loves righteousness and justice and manifests both as He rules over His universe.
He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
The King’s strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, And God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness.
But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.
But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.
And it’s a theme that’s repeated many times over in the Bible and also speaks of the ministry of Jesus Christ.
In the way that David ruled he revealed that he was indeed was a man after God’s own heart.
David needed help administering the kingdom.
And so he raised up others who could minister according to his direction.
David’s nephew Joab had treacherously killed Abner (3:27–39), but David still made him head of the army.
We know little about Jehoshaphat or his position in David’s government.
The “recorder” was probably the officer who kept the records and advised the king as today’s secretary of state does.
He may have been the chairman of the king’s council.
indicates that the recorder was a person of high rank in the king’s administration.
Zadok and Ahimelech were both serving as priests.
2 were needed, because the Ark was in Jerusalem and the tabernacle was at Gibeon.
This is not the same Ahimelech that was priest during Saul’s rule.
Ahimelech the priest was slain by Doeg at Saul’s command in .
But his son Abiathar survived the slaughter of the priests at Nob and joined with David.
Abiather must have fathered a son whom he named Ahimelech after his father.
When he came of age, the boy served with his father and Zadok.
In fact, you find Zadok and Abiathar working together when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem (, ) and when Absalom revolted against David (; ).
In this case, Zadok, a descendent of Elazar son of Aaron, was the High Priest and Ahimelech was his assistant.
Seriah the scribe was also known variously as Sheva, Shavsha (), and Shisha ().
The reference in Kings informs us that 2 of his sons later inherited his position.
I think the most interesting appointment is that of Benaiah.
There are 2 terms here … Kerethites and Pelethites.
These were groups of mercenaries who served David as bodyguards rather than as members of the standing army.
The Kerethites are identified as immigrants from Crete and are closely associated with the Philistines … in that they were believed to come from the same area of the Aegean.
The Pelethites are known only from passages such as this, where they are associated with the Kerethites.
Not only was he over these mercenaries and himself a warrior, but he was also the son of Jehoiada the priest … making him a priest as well.
He was later promoted by Solomon to be commander of the army.
In the Old Testament, it wasn’t unusual for a priest to become a prophet (Jeremiah, Ezekiel), but for a priest to become an army officer was unusual.
In the Old Testament, it wasn’t unusual for a priest to become a prophet (Jeremiah, Ezekiel), but for a priest to become an army officer was unusual. The Cherethites and Pelethites were exceptional mercenaries from other nations who made up David’s personal bodyguard. Benaiah became an invaluable aide to Solomon (, ).
Finally, David’s own sons were made chief ministers.
Benaiah became an invaluable aide to Solomon (, ).
While not all of David’s sons proved to be worthy men, he had them serving as officers in his government.
It was not only good for them, but it was one way for him to get information concerning what was going on in the nation.
The title “chief rulers” (“royal advisers” niv) is a translation of the Hebrew word for “priests,” Kohen.
But since David belonged to the tribe of Judah, neither he nor his sons could minister as priests.
so the word probably means “.”
So, these were men who had access to the king and assisted him in directing the affairs of the kingdom.
But this also meant that they had the ears of the kingdom themselves.
This would prove to be a problem later on with the slanderous and rebellious Absalom.
One thing I notice here is that though David was very much a warrior, he showed mercy.
And I’m reminded of our Lord Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Father we thank You for this time we’ve had together studying Your Word. Thank You for loving us so much and may our words and actions reflect Your heart. We thank You for the abundance of Your mercies. You are faithful. Help us to submit to You in all things; in humility and in faith.