Keraia
2 Samuel 8

2 Samuel 8:13

David’s Triumphs · 2 Samuel 8:1–14
Read 2 Samuel 8

Translations

Modern
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
Traditional
And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.
Literal
And David made himself a name when he returned from his striking Edom in the Valley of Salt—eighteen thousand.
Latin
Fecit quoque sibi David nomen cum reverteretur capta Syria in valle Salinarum, cæsis decem et octo millibus:

Original

Hebrew
English
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

Notes

2 Samuel 8:13–14

  • These two verses describe three of David’s military policies:

    1. He inflicted heavy losses on the enemy (about 18,000 casualties).

    2. He forced them into vassalage (they became subject to David’s rule).

    3. He placed army garrisons in the conquered land to keep control.

  • Edomites: In the ancient Hebrew script, the word Edomites looks very similar to Arameans. However, Edomites is more likely here. The Valley of Salt lies near the Dead Sea, which borders Edomite territory, not Aramean territory.

2 Samuel 8:1–18

David’s military victories expanded his kingdom (2 Samuel 8:1–14). He also set up an organized group of officials who helped govern the nation (2 Samuel 8:15–18). Together, these developments fulfilled God’s promise to make David’s name well known and honored (2 Samuel 7:9; see also 8:13).

Theme notes and profiles

David Esau

Events

Parallels

1 Chronicles 18:1–13 Psalm 60:1–12

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Places

Edom: Descendants of Esau; enemy nation southeast of Israel Valley of Salt: Valley where David and his commanders defeated enemies

Glossary

David Edom, Edomites Esau Land Minerals and Metals Numbers, Book of Palestine Samuel, Books of First and Second Tax, Taxation Valley of Salt

Topics

Hadadezer: King of Zobah, Vanquished by David Salt: The Valley of Salt Salt: The Valley of, Celebrated for Victories Syria: Conquest of by David Syria: David: Obtained Renown by his Victory Over Valleys: Salt