II Samuel Chapter 8
Please read: II Samuel 8 –
There is an overriding theme throughout this chapter and the entire reign of David as king of Israel, and that is that God blessed the reign of David because he sought the Lord’s guidance in all that he did. This chapter is a recording of many of the victories that Israel obtained under David’s leadership. At last, the promises of God were fulfilled in that they possessed more of the land that God had promised in His covenant with Abraham than ever before.
Let's Reflect
1. The Philistines had been a rival of Israel for a long time. They had been taking territory from Israel including Metheg-ammah (or Gath). David and his men regained control of Gath. The Bible says that David defeated them and _________________ them. This is an interesting turn of events since David had once sought asylum within Philistine territory. But now that he had learned to trust God, God gave him victory over one of Israel’s greatest problems.
2. We do not know what hostilities there were between Israel and the Moabites, but the Bible says that David had victory over them too. David captured them and some he put to death and others he did what to them?
3. The chapter lists many victories over enemies. Even when the Syrians combined forces, they were defeated by David’s army. The armies of Damascus joined forces with King of Zobah and yet David had the victory. These were not small armies. How many Syrians were fighting against the army of Israel?
4. David incapacitated the enemies’ horses that pulled chariots, saving only 100 of them for Israel. He could have amassed all the horses for himself, but David preferred to trust His God rather than chariots. What did David do to the surviving Syrians? See verse 6.
5. What does verse 7 tell us about King David?
6. Not only did David collect the spoils of war, but he obtained wealth from other kings, who when they recognized the power of Israel, did what?
7. David made a name for himself. He was not only successful in battle but verse 15 records something about his reign that is a greater success. What was it?
