2 Samuel 8:12

KJV

Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Syria {H758}, and of Moab {H4124}, and of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and of the Philistines {H6430}, and of Amalek {H6002}, and of the spoil {H7998} of Hadadezer {H1909}, son {H1121} of Rehob {H7340}, king {H4428} of Zobah {H6678}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aram, Mo'av, the people of 'Amon, the P'lishtim, 'Amalek, and the spoil taken from Hadad'ezer son of Rechov, king of Tzovah.

Berean Standard Bible

from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines and Amalekites, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

American Standard Version

of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 8:12 provides a precise inventory of the vast spoils and tribute that King David meticulously collected from his victorious military campaigns against surrounding nations. This verse, embedded within a broader summary of David's reign (2 Samuel 8:1-14), meticulously details the extent of his dominion and the immense material wealth acquired from the subjugation of formidable adversaries such as Syria (specifically Zobah), Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and the Amalekites. The specific mention of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, highlights a particularly significant conquest. This enumeration underscores the tangible outcome of David's divinely-empowered victories, all of which, as the preceding verse indicates, were consecrated to the Lord for the purposes of the kingdom and the future construction of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [2 Samuel 8](/2_samuel/8 "2 Samuel 8 - David's Victories and Dominion"), a pivotal chapter that comprehensively summarizes King David's military triumphs and the subsequent consolidation of his kingdom. It follows David's establishment of Jerusalem as his capital and the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant there in [2 Samuel 5-6](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5-6 - David King of Israel and the Ark"). Crucially, [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") records God's unconditional covenant with David, promising an enduring dynasty and rest from his enemies. Chapter 8 then serves as a powerful demonstration of the practical outworking of this divine favor through David's successful military expansion. Verse 12 functions as a detailed inventory, elaborating on the "silver and gold" mentioned in [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David's Dedication of Spoils"), explicitly listing the nations and rulers from whom these precious spoils were taken. It underscores the scope of David's victories, particularly the significant defeat of Hadadezer in [2 Samuel 8:3-8](/2_samuel/8-3-8 "2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David Defeats Hadadezer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's military campaigns unfolded during a period of relative geopolitical flux in the ancient Near East. Major powers like Egypt and Mesopotamia were in decline or not yet fully ascendant, creating a power vacuum that allowed regional kingdoms, including Israel, to expand their influence. The nations enumerated in [2 Samuel 8:12](/2_samuel/8-12 "2 Samuel 8:12 - David's Spoils of War")—Syria (specifically Zobah, a powerful Aramean kingdom), Moab, Ammon, the Philistines, and Amalek—were long-standing adversaries or contentious neighbors of Israel, frequently engaging in border conflicts or vying for regional dominance. The collection of "spoil" (booty, plunder) and "tribute" (regular payments from subjugated peoples) was a common and expected practice in ancient warfare, serving as a clear sign of conquest, submission, and the transfer of wealth and power. Furthermore, the dedication of such spoils to a deity was a widespread cultural practice, acknowledging divine assistance in securing victory. For David, dedicating these treasures "unto the LORD" (as explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord")) was a profound act of worship and an acknowledgment that his victories were divinely ordained, setting a crucial precedent for the use of national wealth for sacred purposes, particularly for the future Temple.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident in [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **David's Military Dominance and God's Empowerment**, showcasing his strategic prowess and the strength of his army, while ultimately attributing his success to divine favor, as implied by the dedication of spoils to the Lord. Secondly, it vividly illustrates the **Consolidation and Expansion of the Davidic Kingdom**, as the decisive defeat of these surrounding nations secured Israel's borders and established its regional hegemony, thereby fulfilling aspects of the land promises made to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Thirdly, and perhaps most significantly, it emphasizes **Dedication and Stewardship of Resources to God**. The fact that these immense spoils were consecrated to the Lord, rather than hoarded for personal gain, underscores David's piety and his understanding that all blessings and victories originate from God. This act of dedication directly foreshadows the use of these very resources for the construction of the Temple under Solomon, as noted in [1 Kings 7:51](/1_kings/7-51 "1 Kings 7:51 - Solomon Brings Dedicated Things to the Temple"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Fulfillment of Divine Promises**, demonstrating how God was indeed making David's name great and establishing his kingdom, just as promised in [2 Samuel 7:9](/2_samuel/7-9 "2 Samuel 7:9 - God's Promise to David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spoil (Hebrew, שָׁלָל _shâlâl_):** This noun refers to plunder, booty, or goods taken from a defeated enemy during warfare. Its usage in this verse emphasizes the substantial material wealth—including metals, livestock, and other valuable assets—acquired through David's extensive military campaigns. The term signifies not merely the act of taking, but the valuable nature of the seized assets. The dedication of this _shalal_ to the Lord, as explicitly stated in the preceding verse ([2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils")), transforms it from mere plunder into a consecrated offering, highlighting David's piety and the sacred nature of Israel's national wealth.
* **Hadadezer (Hebrew, הֲדַדְעֶזֶר _Hădadʻezer_):** Meaning "Hadad is his help" or "Hadad is my help," Hadadezer was the powerful king of Zobah, a prominent Aramean kingdom situated north of Damascus. His specific mention within this comprehensive list of conquered nations underscores the immense significance of David's victory over him, a triumph detailed earlier in [2 Samuel 8:3-8](/2_samuel/8-3-8 "2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David Defeats Hadadezer"). Hadadezer's defeat represented a major strategic achievement for David, as it opened up vital trade routes and secured Israel's northern frontier, yielding a substantial and particularly valuable portion of the enumerated spoils.
* **King (Hebrew, מֶלֶךְ _melek_):** This noun denotes a monarch or ruler. The designation of Hadadezer as "king of Zobah" highlights his royal status and the formidable nature of the kingdom he governed. The defeat of such a powerful and established king, rather than a mere chieftain or local leader, further magnifies David's military prowess and the extent of his dominion. It signifies the subjugation of a significant regional power, underscoring the comprehensive nature of David's conquests and the consolidation of his own royal authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek":** This initial clause provides a comprehensive enumeration of the primary nations and peoples against whom David waged successful campaigns. Each group represented a significant threat or historical adversary to Israel. "Syria" here refers specifically to the Aramean kingdoms, particularly Zobah, a dominant force. Moab and Ammon were Transjordanian kingdoms, frequently in conflict with Israel over territory. The Philistines were a formidable coastal power, a constant thorn in Israel's side since the time of the Judges. Amalek was an ancient, nomadic enemy whose defeat was a long-standing divine command (e.g., [1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2-3 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). The inclusion of these diverse enemies demonstrates the breadth and completeness of David's military dominance, solidifying Israel's security and regional influence.
* **"and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah":** This specific and detailed mention of Hadadezer and his kingdom of Zobah highlights the particular importance and immense wealth derived from this singular victory. While other nations are listed generally, Hadadezer is singled out by name, title, and lineage ("son of Rehob"), indicating the magnitude of his power and the strategic significance of his defeat. The phrase "spoil of Hadadezer" suggests that a particularly large or valuable portion of the dedicated treasures came from this specific campaign, further emphasizing the pivotal nature of this conquest in David's consolidation of his kingdom and the fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [2 Samuel 8:12](/2_samuel/8-12 "2 Samuel 8:12 - David's Spoils of War") is **Enumeration** (also known as a **Catalog** or **List**). The verse systematically provides a detailed list of the nations and rulers from whom David collected spoils. This technique serves to powerfully emphasize the vast scope of David's military victories and the extensive reach of his dominion. By meticulously listing each distinct entity—Syria, Moab, Ammon, the Philistines, Amalek, and then specifically Hadadezer of Zobah—the text conveys a profound sense of comprehensive conquest and the immense wealth that consequently accrued to Israel. The specificity of the enumeration reinforces the historical reality and tangible nature of David's achievements and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the extent of Israel's territory and influence. The inclusion of Hadadezer by name, along with his full title and lineage, also acts as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing particular attention to this singularly significant victory within the broader catalog of conquests, thereby highlighting its strategic and material importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Samuel 8:12](/2_samuel/8-12 "2 Samuel 8:12 - David's Spoils of War"), read in conjunction with the preceding verse, profoundly illustrates the theological principle that all success, wealth, and victory ultimately derive from God and should be consecrated back to Him. David's dedication of these vast spoils to the Lord is not merely a cultural practice but a deeply theological statement: he acknowledges God as the true source of his power and prosperity. This act foreshadows the future use of these dedicated resources for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, establishing a precedent for national wealth being channeled towards divine purposes. It underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to David, demonstrating that the expansion and security of Israel's kingdom were a direct result of divine favor and intervention.

* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [1 Chronicles 29:14](/1_chronicles/29-14 "1 Chronicles 29:14 - All Things Come from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed list of conquered nations and collected spoils in [2 Samuel 8:12](/2_samuel/8-12 "2 Samuel 8:12 - David's Spoils of War") offers a powerful historical testament to David's reign, but it also provides profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as David recognized that his victories and the resulting wealth were gifts from God, we are called to acknowledge divine providence in every aspect of our lives. Our talents, resources, successes, and even our very lives are ultimately on loan from God. The act of dedicating these spoils to the Lord, as David did, serves as a timeless model for stewardship: rather than hoarding blessings for personal gain or pride, we are to consecrate them back to God for His purposes and glory. This verse challenges us to consider how we are using our "spoils"—our time, talents, and treasures—to advance God's kingdom and honor His name. It reminds us that true security and lasting prosperity are found not in accumulated wealth or worldly power, but in obediently walking with God and entrusting all we have to Him, knowing that He is the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced "victories" or received significant "spoils" (blessings, resources, achievements)?**
* **How do you, like David, intentionally acknowledge God as the source of these blessings?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "dedicate" your resources, talents, or successes back to the Lord for His purposes?**
* **How does the principle of God's sovereignty over David's victories encourage you in facing your own challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific list of conquered nations and Hadadezer so important in this verse?**

Answer: The detailed enumeration in [2 Samuel 8:12](/2_samuel/8-12 "2 Samuel 8:12 - David's Spoils of War") is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the **magnitude and comprehensiveness** of David's military achievements. These were not minor skirmishes but decisive victories over powerful, long-standing adversaries of Israel (Syria/Zobah, Moab, Ammon, Philistines, Amalek). This list demonstrates that David effectively secured Israel's borders and established its regional dominance, fulfilling God's promises regarding the extent of the land and the stability of the kingdom (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, the specific mention of "Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah" highlights a particularly significant and lucrative conquest, detailed earlier in [2 Samuel 8:3-8](/2_samuel/8-3-8 "2 Samuel 8:3-8 - David Defeats Hadadezer"). This specific reference emphasizes the strategic importance of defeating such a powerful Aramean king and the immense wealth (including gold shields and much bronze) that came from this victory, which was subsequently dedicated to the Lord. The list collectively paints a picture of a secure and prosperous Israel under David's divinely-blessed reign, demonstrating the tangible outworking of God's covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Samuel 8:12](/2_samuel/8-12 "2 Samuel 8:12 - David's Spoils of War") describes David's earthly victories and the consolidation of his temporal kingdom, it finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's conquests, which brought a measure of peace and prosperity to Israel and saw the dedication of spoils to God, powerfully foreshadow the spiritual victories of the true Son of David. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, decisively defeated the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil (e.g., [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He did not merely collect earthly spoils but secured an eternal spiritual kingdom, gathering to Himself a people from every nation, tribe, and tongue (e.g., [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Redeems People from Every Nation")). The vast wealth and resources David dedicated to the Lord for the earthly temple find their greater reality in the spiritual temple, the Church, which is built upon Christ as the cornerstone (e.g., [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church")). All things, including the "spoils" of His cosmic victory—redeemed humanity, spiritual blessings, and ultimate dominion—are ultimately dedicated by Christ to the glory of God the Father, establishing a reign that is not merely regional but universal, eternal, and truly peaceful (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:24-28](/1_corinthians/15-24-28 "1 Corinthians 15:24-28 - Christ Delivers the Kingdom to God the Father")). David's reign was a shadow; Christ's is the glorious, enduring reality of God's sovereign rule.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 10:14

And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 18:11

Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all [these] nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.

1 Samuel 27:8

¶ And David and his men went up, and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites, and the Amalekites: for those [nations were] of old the inhabitants of the land, as thou goest to Shur, even unto the land of Egypt.

1 Samuel 30:20

And David took all the flocks and the herds, [which] they drave before those [other] cattle, and said, This [is] David's spoil.

2 Samuel 10:11

And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee.

2 Samuel 5:17

¶ But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard [of it], and went down to the hold.