2 Samuel 8 Time of War
David will restore lands to Israel that were formerly lost during times of judgment. David engages in a lengthy time of war, that God blesses.
God stands with David in tomes of battle. Wars that he had no hope of winning miraculously end in victory. Not since the time of Joshua has Israel experienced victory on this scale. These victories come from the same Source as those of Joshua; the Lord. David’s relationship with God is the foundation for his military victory.
We are not given a lot of detail regarding this time in David’s life. There are a few things that we do know. 1) David went into battle with his men during this time. 2) He was victorious over several nations. 3) These results were from the Lord. We have brief snippets of some of the events surrounding some of the battles, but nothing in-depth. I find it very challenging to put together a story for us using these tidbits. But I’m leaving that task up to the Holy Spirit. Let’s see where he takes us during this season of David’s life.
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David is determined to provide raw material for the construction of the House of the Lord. He can’t build it himself, but he wants the material available for his son to do the work; whichever one the Lord chooses for this task. This means seeking these materials in battle. Up until this time, David has concentrated in his western neighbors, the Philistines. He had subjugating their five main cities; Gaza, Gath, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Ekron. David did not put the Philistines to death, but required tribute from them.
After dealing with the Philistines, David turns his attention to the east. He goes after the territory of Moab. He soundly defeats their armies. Rather than kill all the people, David had them lie down in three lines. He could not let them retain their numbers, lest they rise up against him. So, he devoted two of the three lines of people to be killed. The third line of people, he allowed to live. They would serve David and pay him tribute. All the spoils and tribute would be put into the storehouse for the building of the House of the Lord.
David then turns his attention to the far north. When giving the boundaries of the Promised Land to Moses and Joshua, the Lord included the lands up to the Euphrates River. David decides it’s time that Israel move into this promised region. War was waged against Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah. As David was battling against Hadadezer, the Syrians from Damascus sought to help defeat David. Instead, David defeated 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from Hadadezer and 22,000 men of the Syrian armies.
After defeating both these armies, David hamstrung the horses that pulled chariots. He saved enough horses to pull 100 chariots. These he added to his arsenal. He put a garrison in Damascas.
Another benefit David received was a new ally. Toi king of Hamath had been having trouble with Hadadezer for some time. With David’s defeat of him, Toi was relieved of an adversary. Toi was so thankful that he sent his son, Joram, to “ask about his health and to bless him” (2 Samuel 8:10b)
Joram came to Jerusalem with a large entourage. He flew his father’s royal banner and brought with him many gifts for King David.
The guard at the gate stopped Joram as he entered only long enough to ensure that he posed no danger to his king.
“I’m assuming that you are here to see King David. May I tell him who is seeking audience with him?”
“I am Joram, son of King Toi, king of Hamath. I come to honor King David for his actions near the Euphrates River.”
“I will announce you at once. Please follow me.”
Joram dismounted his camel and followed the guard. His men fell in behind him, leading their animals through the city streets.
Joram is ushered into David’s throne room. He bows deeply before addressing David.
“King David, my father, King Toi of Hamath, sends you blessings.”
“Welcome to Jerusalem. Thank your father for me. I trust he is well?”
“He is. Especially so, now that Hadadezer is no longer troubling him. He asks after your health too. Did you suffer and ill from your engagement?”
“The Lord God fights for Israel wherever we go. We suffered very few losses.”
“Israel serves a mighty God. Would that our gods fought so valiantly for us.”
David nods his head.
“I have gifts to present to you from my father. Please accept them from my hand.” Joram turns and motions one of his servants who was waiting near the door to come forward. “I present you with these precious items from my father’s own treasury.” Joram pulls from the bag that his servant is holding and exquisite goblet made of silver. He pulls a bronze statue. And he pulls a gold plate. “These are but a sampling of what my farther has sent to King David.”
“I would be honored to accept these gifts from your hands and your father’s hands; King Toi of Hamath” said David.
Joram and David leave the throne room and come to where the rest of Joram’s men are waiting. David is given many more items from the coffers of King Toi. David passes all that he has received onto his scribe to be put into the treasury of the Lord’s house. Once all the gifts are received, David offers Joram a tour of the city.
As they walk, David points out the sites of interest, ensuring to include showing Joram how Jerusalem is being strengthened even now to protect against enemy assault.
“So, you are ready for any challenge” observes Joram.
“We do all we can to be ready, but trust in our God goes beyond anything man could choose to defend himself with. HE is our fortress and strong tower.”
Joram nods again, wishing he had the faith in his gods that David has in his.
A feast for the honored guests follows that night and Joram departs for his own country the next morning.
Everything David has gathered in spoils has gone into the storehouse for the Lord’s House. His number of materials is climbing, but there is still a LONG way to go before David has all the materials that will be needed. He sets his eyes on another target; Edom.
Edom is beyond Moab when moving south. David came around the southern end of the Dead Sea and attacked Moab in the Valley of Salt. This battle gave David great fame after he struck down 18,000 Edomites in the conflict. After defeating Edom, David put garrisons throughout Edom, and the people became David’s servants.
It took King David more than ten years to subdue all these ‘neighbors’ and he had a lot of help during this time. “David administered justice and equity to all his people. Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were priests.” (2 Samuel 8:15-18) There would be more battles in David’s future, but the Lord would continue to watch over David in all he did.
(to be continued)
Israel, by the time David died, came closer to meeting the boundaries of the Promised Land than at any other time in Israel’s history. I suppose this too was one of those, “be patient” answers. There were little bits missing but Israel was no longer a small nation. She was a global leader. NOT because David was such an amazing fighter, leader, or king. But because David honored the Lord and put his trust in Him alone. God blessed everything David did; militarily at least.
Father God, You have blessed my life far above what I could imagine. I pray that I am honoring You with all I have and all I do. I want a heart like David, when it comes to honoring You. I know he was NOT a perfect man, and I don’t want to follow in his footsteps of folly, but I want a heart like his! One that is ready to admit when I sin as well as fully trusting in You, and patiently waiting for YOU to do Your work in my life.
