2 Samuel 8

 The success of David

3 groups of repeated words in ch 8: 

a. David defeated the Philistines and subdued them v.1, defeated the Moabites v.2, the Moabites became David's subjects and brought tribute v.2, David defeated King Hadadezer v.3, David placed garrisons in the territory of the Arameans of Damascus; the Armeans became David's subjects and brought tribute v.6, he placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David's subjects.

From the time of judges until David became the king, Israel had never enjoyed that kind of military and political success. No doubt the success came from the LORD, who was with David.

b. King Hadadezer was wealthy and David took from him and his cities, the bronze and golden shields v.7-8. Also his enemy, King Toi, brought silver, gold, and bronze items to David. 

 

v.11 King David dedicated these things to the LORD, along with the dedicated silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations that he had subdued,

From the subdued nations David got a lot, but he knew where they came from and therefore he gave them back to the LORD.

(NAC) Bringing Damascus under Israelite control was of immense financial significance to David’s kingdom for two reasons. First, this city was the junction point for the Way of the Sea and the King’s Highway, the two major caravan routes connecting Asia with Africa. By controlling this location and stationing garrisons along the caravan routes, Israel was able to collect revenues from itinerant merchants in exchange for safe passage on the roads. Second, David was able to tap the reserves of wealth already in place within the region.

c.  At the end of his military success  v.1-6 the author of the book has this conclusion, "the LORD protected David wherever he campaigned"  v.6b and at the end of the chapter the same phrase repeated again v.14b. The phrases were exactly the same. 

Reflection: God's promise of the permanent king was validated by the success of the first king, David. He has unpresidential success. It was because of the protection from God, Who promised him the permanent ruling of his dynasty. 

We knew from Scriptures that Israel was later on destroyed and not until WWII, their nation was rebuilt again. In the future, Jesus, who is the descendant of king David, will come again and be the King of kings. We know that the promise of God will be fulfilled.

David was in control of the major wealth at that time and he dedicated them to the LORD. Will you do the same thing? Will it become harder for you to offer to God when the sum of your money gets more? 

Audrey

2024

B:

Repeated word: defeated v.2,3,5,9, 10. This passage did not just record how many nations David had defeated, but also how did David made them to serve Israel. E.g. Moabites were weakened by only having 1/3 of their population and then they could not have the power to fight back. They could only became servant of David and brought tribute to Israel. v.2. He did similar things to the Zobahites and the Arameans v.3-6. 

A. David had unprecedented military power.  During the period of judges the P was an undefeatable enemies. Now, they could only occupied 1 verse in the list of David's victory. Moab (Nm 21:21, 22; Jgs 11:17) was one of the enemies during the time of Joshua, but no longer under David. 

In v.6, 14 to explain the military might of David and it was the blessing of the LORD: 

6 The LORD protected David wherever he campaigned.

14b The LORD protected David wherever he campaigned

B. David gain a lot of people and treasures. On one hand, it showed his wisdom, on the other hand, they became his glory. 

7 David took the golden shields that belonged to Hadadezer’s servants and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 From Tebah and Berothai, Hadadezer’s cities, King David took a great deal of bronze. 

10 b He brought with him various items made of silver, gold, and bronze.

i. David dedicated these things back to the LORD as a responded to His blessings:

11 King David dedicated these things to the LORD, along with the dedicated silver and gold that he had taken from all the nations that he had subdued, 

ii. David ruled with God's standard:

15 David reigned over all Israel; he guaranteed justice for all his people.

R:

1. I do not see a big success like David in our church's ministry, but am I willing to follow David in his response back to God even in small success?

2. I pray that I will give  back the glory to God and doing the ministry in God's way. 

Q:

1. David Offered a Prayer to God after he heard God's blessing to his house.

2. Became a showcase of God's glory

3. They were the neighbor of Israel and Israel were never able to defeat them until now. They would be very impressed of what the LORD had done in David. 

v.13 David became famous when he returned from defeating the Edomites in the Valley of Salt

4. He dedicated these things to the LORD. 

5. Justice for all his people. 

6. In ch 3, he and his family were cursed by David for what he had done to Abner. 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was general in command of the army, and he was involved for all those military success. It was because the incident of Jebusites (1 Ch 11:6  David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become commanding general!” So Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first and became commander). 

7. I'm standing in the grace of God because of Jesus Christ. When I received Him I need to walk in His path.