2 Samuel Chapter 8

David’s Victories

1 After that, David defeated the Philistines and took Methegammah.

2 He defeated Moab and counted them off in lines and made them lie down on the ground. Two lines he counted off to be put to death, and one line he let live. The Moabites served him and brought tribute.

3 David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the Euphrates River. 4 He took 1,700 cavalry and 20,000 infantry. He hamstrung the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots.

5 When the Arameans from Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them 6 and put garrisons around Damascus, the Aramean capital. The Arameans served him and paid tribute money. 7 The gold shields that Hadadezer’s officers carried, he took to Jerusalem. 8 He took a large store of bronze from Betah and Berothai, towns that belonged to Hadadezer.

2 Sam 8:1-8

9 Toi/Tou, king of Hamath, heard that David had defeated Hadadezer’s whole army. 10 He sent his son Joram to greet him and congratulate him. Hadadezer had fought several wars with Toi/Tou. Joram brought articles made out of silver, gold, and bronze. 11 David dedicated them to the LORD together with the silver and gold from the nations he subdued: 12 Aram, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, along with the spoils from Hadadezer.

                  13David’s reputation kept growing. When he came back, he killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 14 He put garrisons all over Edom, and the Edomites served him. The LORD gave him victory wherever he went.

David’s Officials

15 David ruled Israel and administered justice fairly to his people.

            16 Joab son of Zeruiah was general over the army;

            Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;

            17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests;

            Seraiah was secretary;

            18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of David’s bodyguard;

            David’s sons were chief administrators.                                                 

2 Sam 8:9-18

From the CNT translation by Virgil Warren, PhD