2 Samuel 8
David’s Military Victories
1After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town.*8:1 Hebrew by conquering Metheg-ammah, a name that means “the bridle,” possibly referring to the size of the town or the tribute money taken from it. Compare 1 Chr 18:1.
3David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River.
5When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them.
7David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem,
9When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of Hadadezer,
11King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated—
13So David became even more famous when he returned from destroying 18,000 Edomites*8:13 As in a few Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions (see also 8:14; 1 Chr 18:12); most Hebrew manuscripts read Arameans. in the Valley of Salt.
15So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.