2 Samuel 8 Study Notes

8:10 Lesser kings often sought a treaty with a superior king by sending large gifts (2Kg 16:7-9).

8:11 David dedicated these gifts to the Lord, because he had blessed him with victory over all the nations he had subdued.

8:12 David’s victories are summarized here; his victory over the Ammonites is described later (10:1-14; 11:1; 12:26-31). Some manuscripts read “Aram” (Syria) instead of Edom, but Edom is more likely in light of v. 13.

8:13-14 Some early OT manuscripts read Edomites while others say “Arameans.” The only difference between the two words in Hebrew is one slight variation in a letter. Since Salt Valley clearly designates a region by the Dead Sea, “Edomites” is more likely correct (see also v. 14 and Ps 60).

8:15 The phrase So David reigned over all Israel indicates that David now controlled not only his own people’s territory, but the land of all the surrounding peoples; thus, he had secured his borders. David ruled with justice and righteousness, reflecting two aspects of God’s character (Is 9:7; Jr 9:24).

8:16 Joab, David’s nephew, is well known to the story (2:13-30; 3:22-30). Jehoshaphat should not be confused with a descendant of David by the same name (2Ch 17-20). This Jehoshaphat served as court historian (lit “the one causing to remember”), the person who supervised the preservation of important records and who perhaps coordinated the announcement of royal edicts.

8:17 Zadok would serve David throughout his reign (20:25) and also would serve David’s son Solomon (1Kg 1:38-39; 2:35). He descended from faithful Eleazar’s line (Nm 25:7-13); his followers were known as the Zadokites, a term that became “Sadducees” during Jesus’s day (Mt 3:7; 16:1). Abiathar son of Ahimelech had escaped from Nob when Saul slaughtered all the priests (1Sm 22:20-21); he probably named his son Ahimelech in memory of his own father. Seraiah probably assisted Jehoshaphat in his administrative duties.

8:18 Benaiah served Solomon as well as David (1Kg 2:35). The meaning of Cherethites and Pelethites is uncertain, but many believe the terms designate special units of foreign-born royal bodyguards—perhaps from Crete and Philistia. Chief officials is literally “priests”; perhaps David’s sons served as palace consultants to the priesthood (1Ch 18:17). However they served, it is clear David desired a good relationship between his kingship and the priesthood.