2 Samuel 8:1-18 “When a Good King Reigns”
This chapter begins summarizing battles that occurred at the end of chapter five. Under David Israel recovered territory lost to the Philistines. David pushed back on neighboring enemies making them his servants and making them pay tribute to him. He also hamstrung their chariot horses reducing his enemies ability to attack and placed garrisons in territories he had conquered maintaining Israel’s safety and security. He took their weapons of value and brought them to Jerusalem. When David’s defeat of Hadadezer was heard by Toi (king of Hamath) he gave David silver and gold which he dedicated to the Lord. David made a name for himself by defeating 18,000 Arameans in the Valley of Salt (13). “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people. (15) David’s wisdom in battle, politics, and spiritual matters is tied to key men he placed in positions of leadership and responsibility. May we yield our will to our king, the Lord Jesus, and allow Him to defeat our enemies and rule over every area of our lives. Only as we allow Him to rule will we enjoy all God has for us.
