2 Samuel 8

11. Which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord--Eastern princes have always been accustomed to hoard up vast quantities of gold. This is the first instance of a practice uniformly followed by David of reserving, after defraying expenses and bestowing suitable rewards upon his soldiers, the remainder of the spoil taken in war, to accumulate for the grand project of his life--the erection of a national temple at Jerusalem.

13. David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians--Instead of Syrians, the Septuagint version reads "Edomites," which is the true reading, as is evident from 2 Samuel 8:14 . This conquest, made by the army of David, was due to the skilful generalship and gallantry of Abishai and Joab. ( 1 Chronicles 18:12 ; compare Psalms 60:1 , title.) The valley was the ravine of salt (the Ghor), adjoining the Salt Mountain, at the southwestern extremity of the Dead Sea, separating the ancient territories of Judah and Edom [ROBINSON].

2 Samuel 8:15-18 . HIS REIGN.

15. David executed judgment and justice unto all his people--Though involved in foreign wars, he maintained an excellent system of government at home, the most eminent men of the age composing his cabinet of ministers.

16. Joab . . . was over the host--by virtue of a special promise ( 2 Samuel 5:8 ).
recorder--historiographer or daily annalist, an office of great trust and importance in Eastern countries.

17. Zadok . . . and Ahimelech . . . were the priests--On the massacre of the priests at Nob, [ 1 Samuel 22:19 ], Saul conferred the priesthood on Zadok, of the family of Eleazar ( 1 Chronicles 6:50 ), while David acknowledged Ahimelech, of Ithamar's family, who fled to him. The two high priests exercised their office under the respective princes to whom they were attached. But, on David's obtaining the kingdom over all Israel, they both retained their dignity; Ahimelech officiating at Jerusalem, and Zadok at Gibeon ( 1 Chronicles 16:39 ).

18. Cherethites--that is, Philistines ( Zephaniah 2:5 ).
Pelethites--from Pelet ( 1 Chronicles 12:3 ). They were the valiant men who, having accompanied David during his exile among the Philistines, were made his bodyguard.