1 And after this it came to pass that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

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.

3 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

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.

5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

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.

7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.

9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

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:

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;

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.

13 And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.

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.

15 And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;

18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And David took - Gath and her towns, as it is expressed in the parallel place, (1 Chronicles 18:1) . Which are called Metheg - ammah, or the bridle of Ammah, Gath was situate in the mountain of Ammah; and because this being the chief city of the Philistines, and having a king, which none of the rest had, was the bridle which had hitherto kept the Israelites in subjection.
McArther Bible Commentary
These verses outline the expansion of David's kingdom under the hand of the Lord (2Sa 8:6, 2Sa 8:14). Israel's major enemies were all defeated as David's kingdom extended north, south, east, and west. See 1Ch 18:1-13. This conquering occurred before the event of chapter 7 (see 2Sa 7:1).
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 11:33 Hebrews 11:34 2 Samuel 19:9 2 Samuel 22:44 1 Chronicles 18:1 Psalm 18:43 Psalm 60:8

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Moab - For although the king of Moab, out of hatred to Saul, gave protection to his parents, (1 Samuel 22:3-4) , yet the Moabites were perpetual and sworn enemies to the Israelites, who therefore were forbidden to admit them into the congregation of the Lord. And though God commanded them in their march to Canaan, to spare the Moabites, yet afterwards they proved fierce enemies to God and his people, and thereby provoked God to alter his carriage towards them. Measured them - That is, having conquered the land, he made an estimate of it, and distributed the towns and people into three parts. Casting down - Overthrowing their towns, and utterly destroying their people in manner following. And now that prophecy, (Numbers 24:17) , was accomplished.
McArther Bible Commentary
Moab. David also defeated the Moabites who lived in Transjordan, east of the Dead Sea. This represented a change from the good relationship David once enjoyed with the Moabite royalty (cf. 1Sa 22:3-4). He defeated his enemies to the east. he measured off. This could mean that David spared the young Moabites (whose height was approximately one cord) and executed the adults (whose height was two cords) or that one out of three rows of soldiers was arbitrarily chosen to be spared from execution. Such was a common practice of eastern kings in dealing with deadly enemies.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 24:17 1 Samuel 22:3 1 Samuel 22:4 2 Samuel 8:6 2 Samuel 8:12 1 Kings 4:21 2 Kings 1:1 2 Kings 3:4 2 Kings 17:3 Psalm 60:8

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
As he went - David, remembering the grant which God had made to his people of all the land as far as Euphrates, and having subdued his neighbouring enemies, went to recover his rights, and stablish his dominion as far as Euphrates.
McArther Bible Commentary
David defeated his enemies to the north. He had already defeated the Amalekites to the south (1Sa 30:16-17).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 14:47 2 Samuel 10:6 2 Samuel 10:15 2 Samuel 10:16 2 Samuel 10:19 2 Samuel 23:36 1 Kings 11:23 Psalm 60:1

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Seven hundred - Or, seven hundred companies of horsemen, that is, in all seven thousand; as it is (1 Chronicles 18:4) , there being ten in each company, and each ten having a ruler or captain. Houghed - - That is, cut the sinews of their legs, that they might be useless for war.
McArther Bible Commentary
seven hundred. The reading of "7,000" in 1Ch 18:4 is preferable. See note on 1Ch 18:4. hamstrung all the chariot horses. Hamstringing the horses disabled them from military action by cutting the back sinews of the hind legs (Jos 11:6).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 49:6 Joshua 11:6 Joshua 11:9

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Of Damascus - That is, who were subject to Damascus, the chief city of Syria.
McArther Bible Commentary
Syrians. I.e., Aramaeans, who were peoples located around the city of Damascus as well as in the area of Zobah.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 10:6 1 Kings 11:23

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:18 2 Samuel 8:2 2 Samuel 8:7 2 Samuel 8:14 2 Samuel 10:19 1 Kings 4:21

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
On the servants - Or rather, which were with the servants, that is, committed to their custody, as being kept in the king's armoury: for it is not probable they carried them into the field.
McArther Bible Commentary
shields of gold. Ceremonial or decorative insignias that were not used in battle, but for decoration.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:6 2 Samuel 8:8 2 Kings 11:10

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his psalms he often gives glory to God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
From Betah, &c. - In (1 Chronicles 18:8) , it is, from Tibhath, and from Chun. Either therefore the same cities were called by several names, as is usual, the one by the Hebrews, the other by the Syrians, or those were two other cities, and so the brass was taken out of these four cities.
McArther Bible Commentary
bronze. First Chronicles 1Ch 18:8 notes three towns belonging to Hadadezer which yielded bronze that was later used in the construction of the temple.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:7 Ezekiel 47:16

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The spoil dedicated.
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.
McArther Bible Commentary
Toi king of Hamath. Hamath was another Aramaean territory located about 100 miles north of Damascus. The king, Toi, was thankful to see his enemy Zobah crushed and desired to establish good relations with David. So he gave David gifts to indicate that he voluntarily submitted to him as his vassal.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:10 1 Kings 8:65 2 Chronicles 8:4

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The spoil dedicated.
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:9 2 Samuel 8:11 2 Chronicles 32:23

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The spoil dedicated.
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 8:10 1 Kings 7:51 1 Chronicles 26:26 2 Chronicles 5:1

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The spoil dedicated.
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.
McArther Bible Commentary
Syria. Edom is the preferred variant. These were David's enemies to the south.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 15:8 1 Samuel 27:8 1 Samuel 30:17 2 Samuel 5:17 2 Samuel 8:2 2 Samuel 10:14

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The spoil dedicated.
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.
McArther Bible Commentary
a name. The Lord began to fulfill His promise of giving David a great name (see 2Sa 7:9). Syrians. There is an alternate manuscript reading that makes this a reference to David's defeat of the Edomites, not the Syrians. See note on verse 2Sa 8:12. This reading is supported by Psalm 60 and 1Ch 18:12. Valley of Salt. An area south of the Dead Sea.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 11:4 2 Samuel 7:9 2 Kings 14:7

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The spoil dedicated.
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The Lord preserved, &c. - All David's victories were typical of the success of the gospel over the kingdom of Satan, in which the Son of David rode forth, conquering and to conquer, and will reign 'till he has brought down all opposing rule, principality and power.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 27:37 Numbers 24:17 Numbers 24:18 2 Samuel 8:6 2 Samuel 8:15 1 Kings 11:15 1 Kings 22:47 Psalm 60:8

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's government and officers.
David neither did wrong, nor denied or delayed right to any. This speaks his close application to business; also his readiness to admit all addresses and appeals made to him. He had no respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of Christ. To Him let us submit, his friendship let us seek, his service let us count our pleasure, diligently attending to the work he assigns to each of us. David made his sons chief rulers; but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are better preferred, for they are made kings and priests to our God, (Revelation 1:6).
McArther Bible Commentary
judgment and justice. David ruled his kingdom in a righteous manner, and in the future the Messiah will rule in similar fashion (Isa 9:7; Jer 23:5; Jer 33:15).
Bible Cross References
Hebrews 11:33 2 Samuel 8:14 2 Samuel 8:16 1 Kings 10:9 Psalm 119:121

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's government and officers.
David neither did wrong, nor denied or delayed right to any. This speaks his close application to business; also his readiness to admit all addresses and appeals made to him. He had no respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of Christ. To Him let us submit, his friendship let us seek, his service let us count our pleasure, diligently attending to the work he assigns to each of us. David made his sons chief rulers; but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are better preferred, for they are made kings and priests to our God, (Revelation 1:6).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Recorder - The treasurer, who examined all the accounts, and kept records of them.
McArther Bible Commentary
Joab. David's general (2Sa 2:13; 1Sa 26:6). Jehoshaphat… recorder. The keeper of state records, and possibly the royal herald (1Ki 4:3).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 2:13 2 Samuel 8:15 2 Samuel 19:13 2 Samuel 20:23 1 Kings 4:3 2 Kings 18:18 2 Kings 18:37 1 Chronicles 11:6

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's government and officers.
David neither did wrong, nor denied or delayed right to any. This speaks his close application to business; also his readiness to admit all addresses and appeals made to him. He had no respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of Christ. To Him let us submit, his friendship let us seek, his service let us count our pleasure, diligently attending to the work he assigns to each of us. David made his sons chief rulers; but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are better preferred, for they are made kings and priests to our God, (Revelation 1:6).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Scribe - Or, secretary of state.
McArther Bible Commentary
Zadok the son of Ahitub. Zadok, meaning "righteous," was a Levitical priest descended from Aaron through Eleazar (1Ch 6:3-8, 1Ch 6:50-53), who, along with his house, was the fulfillment of the oracle by the man of God in 1Sa 2:35. Future sons of Zadok will be priests in the millennial kingdom of Messiah (Eze 44:15). Later, he became the only high priest in Solomon's reign, fulfilling God's promise to Phinehas (cf. Num 25:10-13). Ahimelech the son of Abiathar. See 1Sa 22:20, which indicates that Abiathar is the son of Ahimelech. This is best accounted for by a scribal copying error (cf. 1Ch 18:16; 2Sa 24:3, 2Sa 24:6, 2Sa 24:31). Abiathar was David's priest along with Zadok (2Sa 15:24, 2Sa 15:35; 2Sa 19:11). Abiathar traced his lineage through Eli (1Ki 2:27) to Ithamar (1Ch 24:3). With Abiathar's removal (1Ki 2:26-27), God's curse on Eli was completed (1Sa 2:33), and God's promise to Phinehas of Eleazar's line was fulfilled (cf. Num 25:10-13; 1Sa 2:35). Seraiah was the scribe. His name means "The Lord prevails," and he served as the official secretary of David.
Bible Cross References
Mark 2:26 2 Samuel 15:24 2 Kings 12:10 2 Kings 18:18 1 Chronicles 6:4 1 Chronicles 6:8 1 Chronicles 12:28 1 Chronicles 16:39 1 Chronicles 16:40 Jeremiah 36:10

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
David's government and officers.
David neither did wrong, nor denied or delayed right to any. This speaks his close application to business; also his readiness to admit all addresses and appeals made to him. He had no respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of Christ. To Him let us submit, his friendship let us seek, his service let us count our pleasure, diligently attending to the work he assigns to each of us. David made his sons chief rulers; but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are better preferred, for they are made kings and priests to our God, (Revelation 1:6).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Cherethites, &c. - The Cherethites and Pelethites were undoubtedly soldiers, and such as were eminent for their valour and fidelity. Most probable they were the king's guards, which consisted of these two bands, who might be distinguished either by their several weapons, or by the differing time or manner of their service. They are supposed to be thus called either, first, from their office, which was upon the king's command to cut off or punish offenders, and to preserve the king's person, as their names in the Hebrew tongue may seem to imply. Or, secondly, from some country, or place to which they had relation. As for the Cherithites, it is certain they were ether a branch of the Philistines, or a people neighbouring to them, and so might the Pelethites be too, though that be not related in scripture. And these Israelites and soldiers of David might be so called, either because they went and lived with David when he dwelt in those parts or, for some notable exploit against, or victory over these people.
McArther Bible Commentary
Benaiah. His name means "The Lord builds," and he served as the commander of David's personal bodyguard. He later became the commander-in-chief of Solomon's army (1Ki 2:34-35; 1Ki 4:4), after he killed Joab, David's general (cf. 1Ki 2:28-35). Cherethites and the Pelethites. See note on 1Sa 30:14. chief ministers. Though the Hebrew text referred to the sons of David as priests, the LXX referred to them as "princes of the court." The latter reading is supported by 1Ch 18:17, which refers to David's sons as "chief ministers at the king's side."
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 30:14 2 Samuel 15:18 2 Samuel 20:7 2 Samuel 20:23 2 Samuel 23:20 1 Kings 1:8 1 Kings 1:38 1 Kings 1:44 1 Kings 2:25 1 Kings 4:4 1 Chronicles 11:22 1 Chronicles 18:17