2 Samuel 8:1-18
Q.1. How far did David extend his reign? On what basis? Was it right for David to hamstring horses? – (2 Sam.8:1-6 c.f. Deut.17:16; Ps.20:7)
God had told both Abraham and Moses – I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates … (Exo.23:31 c.f. Gen.15:18-21). This chapter recorded the progress made in securing the land that was promised in God’s covenant with Abraham (i) From the Red Sea – 2 Sam.8:14; (ii) The sea of the Philistines (i.e. the Mediterranean Sea) – 2 Sam.8:1; (iii) The Wilderness (on the east) – 2 Sam.8:2; (iv) The Euphrates River (often referred to as the River) – 2 Sam.8:3. This territory was consolidated under David’s son, King Solomon who – ruled over all the kingdoms from the River (Euphrates) to the land of the Philistines (Mediterranean Sea) and to the border of Egypt (Red Sea); They brought tribute to Solomon all the days of his life (1 Kgs.4:21 c.f. 2 Chron.9:26). David subjected the surrounding kingdoms and made them pay tribute (2 Sam.8:2 & 6). David heeded the warning not to multiply soldiers and horses … something Solomon failed to obey. David wrote – Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord (Ps.20:7 c.f. Deut.17:16; 1 Kgs.9:22; 10:26). By hamstringing the chariot horses, he prevented them from participating in war (2 Sam.8:4).
Q.2. What did David do with the spoils of victory? What was Joram’s mission? How did David control his empire? – (2 Sam.8:7-18 c.f. 1 Kgs.4:21; 7:51)
David brought the spoils of battle, especially the gold, silver, and bronze to the treasury in Jerusalem and – dedicated these to the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all the nations which he had subdued (2 Sam.8:11 c.f. 2 Sam.8:7 & 10). Joram was the son of Toi, the king of Hamath … some four hundred and seventy-five kilometres north of Jerusalem. Hamath had been defeated by Hadadezer, whom David had vanquished. He brought David treasures of gold, silver, and bronze (2 Sam.8:10-11). When Solomon had finished building the temple, he – brought in the things dedicated by his father David, the silver and gold, and the utensils, and he put them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord (1 Kgs.7:51 c.f. 1 Chron.22:14-16). David controlled the conquered nations by placing military garrisons in their territories (2 Sam.8:6 & 14).