Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Samuel 8
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Samuel 8
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Samuel 8
"And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines. And he smote Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute. David smote also Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River. And David took from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David hocked all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for a hundred chariots. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah, David smote of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went. And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass." — 2 Samuel 8:1-8 (ASV)
David subdued the Philistines. They had long been troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under foot and make the saints more than conquerors.
He smote the Moabites and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep alive, even though it was only one, is commanded to be a full line. Let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost.
He also smote the Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, and for this, in his psalms, he often gives glory to God.
"And when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to 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: These also did king David dedicate unto Jehovah, with the silver and gold that he dedicated of all the nations which he subdued; of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah. And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, even eighteen thousand men. And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went." — 2 Samuel 8:9-14 (ASV)
All the precious things David possessed were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed (2 Samuel 5:21), but the vessels of gold he dedicated.
Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, whatever stands in opposition to God must be destroyed—every lust must be mortified and crucified—but whatever may glorify Him must be dedicated; in this way, its essential character is altered. God employs His servants in various ways: some, like David, in spiritual battles; others, like Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, so that God may have the glory of all.
"And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed justice and righteousness unto all his people. And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Seraiah was scribe; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David`s sons were chief ministers." — 2 Samuel 8:15-18 (ASV)
David neither committed wrong, nor denied or delayed justice to anyone. This speaks of his diligent commitment to his duties, and also his readiness to receive all petitions and appeals made to him. He showed no partiality in judgment. In this, he was a type of Christ.
Let us submit to Him, seek His friendship, and consider His service our pleasure, diligently attending to the work He assigns to each of us. David made his sons chief rulers; but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are more highly favored, for they are made kings and priests to our God (Revelation 1:6).
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