Bible Commentaries
2 Samuel 8

Verse 1

8:1 And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the {a} hand of the Philistines.

(a) So that they paid no more tribute.

Verse 2

8:2 And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with {b} 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.

(b) He slew two parts as it pleased him, and reserved the third.

Verse 6

8:6 Then David put garrisons in {c} Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, {d} [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

(c) In that part of Syria, where Damascus was.

(d) They paid yearly tribute.

Verse 7

8:7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to {e} Jerusalem.

(e) For the use of the temple.

Verse 10

8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to {f} 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:

(f) For seeing David victorious, he was glad to ask for peace.

Verse 15

8:15 And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed {g} judgment and justice unto all his people.

(g) He gave judgment in controversies, and was merciful toward the people.

Verse 18

8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the {h} Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief rulers.

(h) The Cherethites and Pelethites were as the king’s guard, and had charge of his person.