2 Samuel 8: David conquers an empire

Synopsis:

David smites and subdues the Philistines and takes Metheg-ammah. Then he smote Moab and killed all the adults. He also smote Hadadezer, king of Zobah – even though the Syrians of Damascas came to Zobah’s aid, David still triumphed. David put garrisons in Damascus, Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Amalek. They were all servants to David and paid him tribute. He took all the chariots and gold and silver from Hadadezer (king of Zobah) and brought it back to Jerusalem. Then David apppointed Joab to manage the army, Jehoshaphat was the recorder, Zadok and Ahimelech were priests, Seraiah was scribe. Benaiaah was over the Cherethites and teh Pelethites and David’s sons were chief rulers.

In other words:

David conquer A LOT of areas and put his people in charge.

Favorite bit:

2 Samuel 8:5,6 – And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezerk king of Zobah David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.  (I’m actually really impressed that he managed to rule Syria).

2nd favorite bit:

2 Samuel 8:4 – And David took from him (Hadadezer) a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots

Least favorite bit:

2 Samuel 8:4 – houghing is apparently cutting of the achilles tendon. So, David basically hobbled the horses so they couldn’t run or be used in warfare. Seems cruel.  Why not just kill the horses if you aren’t going to use them.

Interesting bit:

2 Samuel 8:16-18 – we are given the specific names of the people who helped manage David’s empire.

Moral lesson learned:

Good management requires good delegation (2 Samuel 8)

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