2 Samuel
Summary
David expands the borders of Israel through a series of decisive military victories over the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites. He secures vast amounts of gold, silver, and bronze, which he dedicates to the LORD. This chapter also provides a record of David’s administration, highlighting his commitment to justice and fairness, and listing the key officials who served in his government.
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, taking Metheg Ammah from their control.
He also defeated the Moabites. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them with a length of cord. Every two lengths were put to death, and the third length was allowed to live. So the Moabites became subjects to David and brought him tribute.
David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River.
David captured a thousand of his chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all but a hundred of the chariot horses.
When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them.
He stationed garrisons in the Syrian kingdom of Damascus, and the Syrians became subject to him and brought tribute. the LORD gave David victory wherever he went.
David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.
From Tebah and Berothai, towns that belonged to Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze.
When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer,
he sent his son Joram to King David to greet him and congratulate him on his victory in battle over Hadadezer, who had been at war with Tou. Joram brought with him articles of silver, gold, and bronze.
King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued:
Edom and Moab, the Ammonites and the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
David became even more famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. the LORD gave David victory wherever he went.
David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.
Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;
Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelek son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was secretary;
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were royal advisers.