2 Samuel 8

David Runs the Kingdom with Power and Justice

1 After that, David went and shut down the Philistines, took control of their main city, and brought it under Israel’s rule.

2 Then he took on Moab. He made the Moabites lie down in lines and measured them. Two lines were executed; the third line got to live and serve as his workers.

3 David also beat Hadadezer, king of Zobah, when he tried to flex his power near the Euphrates River.

4 David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 chariot riders, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He hamstrung all the horses but kept enough for 100 chariots.

5 When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David smoked 22,000 of them.

6 He set up army bases in Aram, and the people there had to serve him and pay taxes. And the Lord kept blessing David with victory everywhere he went.

7 David grabbed the gold shields that Hadadezer’s men had and brought them back to Jerusalem.

8 He also took a ton of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns, Betah and Berothai.

Respect from All Around

9 When King Toi of Hamath heard David crushed Hadadezer (his old rival),

10 He sent his son Joram to show love, congratulate him, and bring silver, gold, and bronze. David added that to his stash, dedicated to the Lord.

11 David set all the silver and gold aside for the Lord, not just from Toi, but from every nation he conquered.

12 From Edom, Moab, Ammon, the Philistines, Amalek, and from Hadadezer, all their riches were brought before God.

David’s Wins Keep Coming

13 David’s fame grew even more after he came back from wrecking 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

14 He set up army bases all through Edom, and the people there became his subjects. And again, the Lord was with David everywhere he went.

David Leads with Justice

15 David ruled over all of Israel with justice and fairness for everybody.

David’s Leadership Team

16 Joab (son of Zeruiah) ran the army. Jehoshaphat (son of Ahilud) was the royal record keeper.

17 Zadok and Ahimelech were the priests. Seraiah was the king’s secretary.

18 Benaiah ran the special forces, the Cherethites and Pelethites. David’s sons were also top officials in his government.