What does 2 Samuel 8:11 mean?
ESV: These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued,
NIV: King David dedicated these articles to the Lord, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued:
NASB: King David also consecrated these gifts to the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had consecrated from all the nations which he had subdued:
CSB: King David also dedicated these to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had subdued —
NLT: King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated —
KJV: Which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
NKJV: King David also dedicated these to the Lord, along with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all the nations which he had subdued—
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Second Samuel 8:9–12 records how David gained an ally. His army has crushed the Philistines, killed two-thirds of the Moabites, and conquered Zobah along with its Syrian reinforcements (2 Samuel 8:1–8). King Toi of Hamath is relieved that Israel defeated Zobah. He sends his son Joram to secure a treaty and to offer a tribute of gold, silver, and bronze. David adds these to the plunder from the battles. Finally, he nearly destroys the Edomites and stations garrisons to keep them under control (2 Samuel 8:13–14).
Chapter Summary:
In 2 Samuel 8, God protects David's kingdom. God has promised David an eternal, peaceful dynasty (2 Samuel 7:10–12). True peace won't come until Jesus is king, but God still protects His people as David defeats the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, and Hadadezer's army. David collects spoils, establishes garrisons, and allies with Toi, Hadadezer's grateful enemy. His military, religious, and civil officials contribute greatly to his success. Secure in his reign, David honors Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son and King Saul's grandson, instead of killing him as a rival (2 Samuel 9).
Chapter Context:
Second Samuel 8 recounts David's military victories and names his top officials. After bringing the ark to Jerusalem, David asked to build a temple. Instead, God promised him a lasting dynasty and, ultimately, peace from his enemies (2 Samuel 7). Until then, David's army commanders, administrators, priests, and sons join David's fight against enemy nations from Syria to Edom. Because of David's skill in battle, the new king of Amon will mistake David's kindness for espionage and foolishly provoke the army of Israel to war (2 Samuel 10).
Book Summary:
Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.
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