CHAPTER VIII _David subdues the Philistines_, 1; _and the Moabites_, 2; _and the king of Zobah_, 3, 4; _and the Syrians in general_, 5-8. _Toi, king of Hamath, sends to congratulate him on his victories_ _over the king of Zobah, and sends him rich presents_, 9-10. _David dedicates all the spo... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:2. _AND MEASURED THEM WITH A LINE - EVEN WITH TWO LINES_] It has been generally conjectured that David, after he had conquered Moab, consigned _two-thirds_ of the inhabitants _to the sword_; but I think the text will bear a meaning much more reputable to that king. The first clause... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:3. _DAVID SMOTE - HADADEZER_] He is supposed to have been king of all Syria, except Phoenicia; and, wishing to extend his dominions to the Euphrates, invaded a part of David's dominions which lay contiguous to it; but being attacked by David, he was totally routed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:4. _A THOUSAND_ CHARIOTS] It is strange that there were a _thousand chariots_, and only _seven hundred horsemen_ taken, and twenty thousand foot. But as the discomfiture appears complete, we may suppose that the _chariots_, being less manageable, might be more easily taken, while th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:6. _BROUGHT GIFTS_] Paid tribute.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:7. _DAVID TOOK THE SHIELDS OF GOLD_] We know not what these were. Some translate _arms_, others _quivers_, others _bracelets_, others _collars_, and others _shields_. They were probably costly ornaments by which the Syrian soldiers were decked and distinguished. And those who are ca... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:9. _TOI KING OF HAMATH_] Hamath is supposed to be the famous city of _Emesa_, situated on the _Orontes_, in Syria. This was contiguous to Hadadezer; and led him to wage war with Toi, that he might get possession of his territories. For a comparison of the 10th verse, see 1 Chronicle... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:13. _DAVID GAT_ HIM _A NAME_] Became a very celebrated and eminent man. The Targum has it, _David collected troops_; namely, to _recruit_ his army when he returned from smiting the Syrians. His many battles had no doubt greatly thinned his army. _THE VALLEY OF SALT_] Supposed to be... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:14. _HE PUT GARRISONS IN EDOM_] He repaired the strong cities which he had taken, and put garrisons in them to keep the country in awe.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:16. _JOAB - WAS OVER THE HOST_] General and commander-in-chief over all the army. _AHILUD - RECORDER_] מזכיר _mazkir, remembrancer_; one who kept a strict journal of all the proceedings of the king and operations of his army; a chronicler. See the margin.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:17. _SERAIAH - THE SCRIBE_] Most likely the king's private secretary. See 1 Chronicles 24:3 (note).... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 2 Samuel 8:18. _BENAIAH_] The chief of the second class of David's worthies. We shall meet with him again. _THE CHERETHITES AND THE PELETHITES_] The former supposed to be those who accompanied David when he fled from Saul; the latter, those who came to him at Ziklag. But the Targum translate... [ Continue Reading ]