Keraia
2 Samuel 8

2 Samuel 8:14

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

Translations

Modern
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
Traditional
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
Literal
And he put garrisons in Edom. Throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all Edom became servants of David. And YHWH preserved David everywhere he went.
Latin
…et posuit in Idumæa custodes, statuitque præsidium: et facta est universa Idumæa serviens David, et servavit Dominus David in omnibus ad quæcumque profectus est.

Original

Hebrew
English
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

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

Glossary

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

Topics

Edomites: Garrisons Garrison: A Military Camp The Edomites: David Subdued