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.

And he smote {H5221} Moab {H4124}, and measured {H4058} them with a line {H2256}, casting them down {H7901} to the ground {H776}; even with two {H8147} lines {H2256} measured {H4058} he to put to death {H4191}, and with one full {H4393} line {H2256} to keep alive {H2421}. And so the Moabites {H4124} became David's {H1732} servants {H5650}, and brought {H5375} gifts {H4503}.

He also defeated Mo'av; making them lie down on the ground, he measured them with a length of cord; for every two lengths to be put to death he designated one length to be kept alive. The people of Mo'av became subjects of David and paid tribute.

David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.

And he smote Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute.

Commentary

2 Samuel 8:2 KJV describes a pivotal moment in King David's consolidation of power, detailing his severe victory over the Moabites. This verse highlights David's military prowess and the harsh realities of ancient warfare.

Context

Following his triumph over the Philistines (as seen in 2 Samuel 8:1), David turns his attention to Moab, an ancient enemy of Israel. The Moabites, descended from Lot, had a long history of animosity towards Israel, notably seen in their involvement with Balak and Balaam's attempts to curse Israel (Numbers 22:6) and their later oppression during the time of the Judges (Judges 3:12-30). Despite David having Moabite ancestry through Ruth (Ruth 4:17), this passage records a definitive subjugation of the nation.

The method of "measured them with a line" is striking. While its exact practice is debated, it implies a systematic and deliberate culling of the population, with two-thirds executed and one-third spared. This was a harsh act demonstrating complete dominance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and David's Reign: This victory, like others in chapter 8, underscores God's faithfulness in establishing David's kingdom. It demonstrates God's hand empowering David to fulfill aspects of the Davidic Covenant, bringing peace and stability through decisive military action.
  • Consequences of Hostility: The severe judgment upon Moab serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by nations that consistently opposed God's chosen people. It reflects a divine judgment on Moab's long-standing antagonism.
  • Establishment of Empire: Through these conquests, David is consolidating his control over surrounding territories, transforming Israel from a loose confederation into a regional power with vassal states paying tribute.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "measured them with a line" uses the Hebrew word chevel (Χ—ΦΆΧ‘ΦΆΧœ), which refers to a measuring cord or rope. This unique action suggests a precise, calculated division of the Moabite captives. It was not a random slaughter but a systematic selection, perhaps by making them lie down and using the rope to designate who would live and who would die. This emphasizes the deliberate and methodical nature of David's conquest.

Practical Application

While the brutality of ancient warfare can be difficult for modern readers to reconcile, this passage illustrates several enduring principles. It reminds us of God's sovereignty in history, raising up leaders and establishing kingdoms according to His plan. It also shows the consequences of opposition to God's purposes. For believers, David's victories can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate triumph over all opposition, establishing His eternal kingdom of peace and justice (Revelation 19:11-16). Just as the Moabites became servants to David, all will ultimately bow before the King of Kings.

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

Cross-References

  • Numbers 24:17

    I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

  • Psalms 60:8

    Moab [is] my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.

  • 2 Samuel 8:6

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 10:27

    But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

  • 2 Kings 3:4

    And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

  • 2 Kings 3:27

    Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him [for] a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to [their own] land.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:8

    And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad [even] to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened [himself] exceedingly.
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