David Consolidates His Kingdom
March 12, 2021
Commentary
Part of God’s covenant with David included the promise that Israel’s enemies would be defeated and would no longer oppress His people (1SA 7:10–11). God fulfilled this promise by helping David defeat the surrounding nations. The peoples and places mentioned in this chapter were those that bordered Israel and occupied land God had promised to give His people (GEN 12:1–18; EXO 23:31). These were not great world powers, but smaller kingdoms that had repeatedly threatened Israel’s peace. David’s victories showed that God was keeping His covenant promises exactly as He had spoken.
David first defeated the Philistines, Israel’s troublesome neighbor to the west (8:1). Once David became king, the Philistines quickly attacked, hoping to stop him before his kingdom became strong. They failed, and David brought their oppression to an end. He then turned east and defeated the Moabites, descendants of Lot, who had posed both military and spiritual danger to Israel (8:2). Though David once had friendly ties with Moab through his family history, he now subdued them completely as God established his rule.
David next moved north to defeat Hadadezer, king of Zobah, near Damascus (8:3–8). When the Syrians came to help Zobah, they too were defeated. Toi, king of Hamath, responded by honoring David with gifts of gold, silver, and bronze (8:9–12). David also defeated the Edomites to the south, bringing enemies on every side under control (8:13–14). Through each victory, David recognized that success came from the LORD and not from military strength alone. His simple court grew into an organized kingdom, and David ruled with justice and righteousness over all Israel (8:15–18).
Application
When I see success in my life, do I remember that it comes from God? Do I trust His promises, even when challenges surround me? When I gain influence or responsibility, do I use it with justice and humility? Today I will ask God to help me rely on Him, give Him credit for every victory, and live in a way that honors Him.
2 Samuel 8:1–18 (NET)
1 Later David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. David took Metheg Ammah from the Philistines. 2 He defeated the Moabites. He made them lie on the ground and then used a rope to measure them off. He put two-thirds of them to death and spared the other third. The Moabites became David’s subjects and brought tribute. 3 David defeated King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah when he came to reestablish his authority over the Euphrates River. 4 David seized from him 1,700 charioteers and 20,000 infantrymen. David cut the hamstrings of all but 100 of the chariot horses. 5 The Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, but David killed 22,000 of the Arameans. 6 David placed garrisons in the territory of the Arameans of Damascus; the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The Lord protected David wherever he campaigned. 7 David took the golden shields that belonged to Hadadezer’s servants and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 From Tebah and Berothai, Hadadezer’s cities, King David took a great deal of bronze.
9 When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, 10 he sent his son Joram to King David to extend his best wishes and to pronounce a blessing on him for his victory over Hadadezer, for Toi had been at war with Hadadezer. He brought with him various items made of silver, gold, and bronze. 11 King David dedicated these things to the Lord, along with the dedicated silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations that he had subdued, 12 including Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. This also included some of the plunder taken from King Hadadezer son of Rehob of Zobah.
13 David became famous when he returned from defeating the Edomites in the Valley of Salt; he defeated 18,000 in all. 14 He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. The Lord protected David wherever he campaigned. 15 David reigned over all Israel; he guaranteed justice for all his people.
16 Joab son of Zeruiah was general in command of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was secretary; 17 Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was scribe; 18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada supervised the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.
G. Campbell Morgan – A Wonderful Promise
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