2 Samuel 8:13

And David gat [him] a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, [being] eighteen thousand [men].

And David {H1732} gat {H6213} him a name {H8034} when he returned {H7725} from smiting {H5221} of the Syrians {H758} in the valley {H1516} of salt {H4417}, being eighteen {H8083}{H6240} thousand {H505} men.

David gained more fame on returning from killing 18,000 men from Aram in the Salt Valley.

And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, even eighteen thousand men.

Commentary

Context of David's Reign and Conquests

2 Samuel 8:13 is situated amidst a significant period in King David's reign, detailing his military successes and the expansion of the Israelite kingdom. This chapter serves as a summary of David's widespread victories over surrounding nations, establishing his dominance and securing Israel's borders. The mention of "the Valley of Salt" points to a specific geographic location, likely south of the Dead Sea, near the territory of Edom. While this verse mentions "Syrians," a parallel account in 1 Chronicles 18:12 attributes this victory to Abishai, Joab's brother, over the Edomites, and Psalm 60's superscription also references Joab and Edom in this valley. Scholars generally agree that "Syrians" here is a textual variant for "Edomites," and the victory was a decisive one over Edom, a long-standing adversary of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • David's Renown and Fame: The phrase "David gat him a name" emphasizes David's growing reputation and the widespread recognition of his power and authority. This was not merely personal glory but a testament to God's presence and blessing on his leadership, fulfilling the promise that God would make David's name great.
  • Divine Favor and Military Success: David's consistent victories, including this decisive one in the Valley of Salt, are presented as evidence of God's hand empowering him. His military prowess was a direct result of God fighting for Israel through its king, as stated in 2 Samuel 8:6 and 2 Samuel 8:14 that "the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went."
  • Consolidation of the Kingdom: These conquests were crucial for establishing the borders and security of the unified kingdom of Israel under David, paving the way for a period of relative peace and prosperity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "gat him a name" (ื•ึทื™ึทึผืขึทืฉื‚ ืœื•ึน ืฉึตืื - wayya'as lo shem) literally means "he made for himself a name." This idiomatic expression signifies achieving great fame, renown, or a lasting reputation. It suggests a significant accomplishment that brings widespread recognition and honor. In the biblical context, such a "name" is often associated with divine blessing and a legacy that endures, as seen in God's promises to Abraham to make his name great.

Practical Application and Reflection

2 Samuel 8:13 reminds us that true honor and a lasting "name" often come through faithful and victorious service, particularly when empowered by God. David's fame was not sought for its own sake but was a byproduct of his obedience and God's favor upon his endeavors. For believers today, this can be understood as a call to live lives that bring glory to God, recognizing that any success or reputation we gain is ultimately from Him. Our ultimate aim should be to honor God's name, trusting that He will establish our paths and, if it pleases Him, grant us a good name in His sight and in the eyes of others. It underscores that God blesses those who walk in His ways and that His preservation leads to significant impact.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 14:7 (5 votes)

    He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

  • 2 Samuel 7:9 (4 votes)

    And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great [men] that [are] in the earth.

  • 1 Chronicles 18:12 (3 votes)

    Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:11 (2 votes)

    And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.

  • Psalms 60:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.