Keraia
2 Samuel 8

2 Samuel 8:2

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

Translations

Modern
David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
Traditional
And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David’s servants, and brought gifts.
Literal
And he defeated Moab, and he measured them off with a line, forcing them down to the ground. And he measured off with two lines those to be put to death, and the fullness of the line those to be kept alive. And the Moabites became servants of David, lifting up tribute.
Latin
Et percussit Moab, et mensus est eos funiculo, coæquans terræ: mensus est autem duos funiculos, unum ad occidendum, et unum ad vivificandum: factusque est Moab David serviens sub tributo.

Original

Hebrew
English
David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.

Notes

2 Samuel 8:2

  • Moab was on the east side of the Dead Sea. Earlier, the people of Moab had provided David’s parents with refuge during Saul’s reign (1 Samuel 22:3–4). David’s great-grandmother Ruth came from Moab. By David’s time, however, there was no longer a close or friendly relationship between Israel and Moab.

  • two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared: This is the only time in 2 Samuel that David executed captives taken in battle (see Numbers 21:29; 24:17; Deuteronomy 2:9).

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 Moab and Ammon

Events

Parallels

1 Chronicles 18:1–13 Psalm 60:1–12

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Places

Moab: Ancient kingdom east of the Dead Sea in Jordan

Glossary

David Dibon Land Moab, Moabites Numbers, Book of Palestine Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Captive: Cruelty to Putting to Death Cord: Ancient Uses of Measuring Ground King: Presents Measures: Distances Measured by Rods and Lines Moabites: David Conquers Moabites: Made Tributary to David Presents were Given: As Tribute