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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Samuel 8:1–8. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
God had given David rest from all his enemies that opposed him and made head against him; and he having made a good use of that rest, has now commission given him to make war upon them, and to act offensively for the avenging of Israel's quarrels and the recovery of their rights; for as yet they were not in full possession of that country to which by the promise of God they were entitled.
I.He quite subdued the Philistines, Sa2 8:1.
They had attacked him when they thought him weak (Sa2 5:17), and went by the worst then; but, when he found himself strong, he attacked them, and made himself master of their country. They had long been vexatious and oppressive to Israel. Saul got no ground against them; but David completed Israel's deliverance out of their hands, which Samson had begun long before, Jdg 13:5. Metheg-ammah was Gath (the chief and royal city of the Philistines) and the towns belonging to it, among which there was a constant garrison kept by the Philistines on the hill Ammah (Sa2 2:24), which was Metheg, a bridle (so it signifies) or curb upon the people of Israel; this David took out of their hand and used it as a curb upon them. Thus, when the strong man is disarmed, the armour wherein he trusted is taken from him, and used against him, Luk 11:22. And after the long and frequent struggles which the saints have had with the powers of darkness, like Israel with the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under their feet and make the saints more than conquerors.
II.He smote the Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel, Sa2 8:2.
He divided the country into three parts, two of which he destroyed, casting down the strong-holds, and putting all to the sword; the third part he spared, to till the ground and be servants to Israel. Dr. Lightfoot says, "He laid them on the ground and measured them with a cord, who should be slain and who should live;" and this is called meting out the valley of Succoth, Psa 60:6. The Jews say he used this severity with the Moabites because they had slain his parents and brethren, whom he put under the protection of the king of Moab during his exile, Sa1 22:3, Sa1 22:4. He did it in justice, because they had been dangerous enemies to the Israel of God; and in policy, because, if left in their strength, they still would have been so. But observe, Though it was necessary that two-thirds should be cut off, yet the line that was to keep alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Be sure to give that length enough; let the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost in favorem vitae - so as to favour life. Acts of indemnity must be construed so as to enlarge the favour. Now Balaam's prophecy was fulfilled, A sceptre shall arise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, to the utmost of which the fatal line extended, Num 24:17. The Moabites continued tributaries to Israel till after the death of Ahab, Kg2 3:4, Kg2 3:5. Then they rebelled and were never reduced.
III.He smote the Syrians or Aramites.
Of them there were two distinct kingdoms, as we find them spoken of in the title of the 60th Psalm: Aram Naharaim, - Syria of the rivers, whose head city was Damascus (famed for its rivers, Kg2 5:12), and Aram Zobah, which joined to it, but extended to Euphrates. These were the two northern crowns.
1.David began with the Syrians of Zobah, Sa2 8:3, Sa2 8:4. As he went to settle his border at the river Euphrates (for so far the land conveyed by the divine grant to Abraham and his seed did extend, Gen 15:18), the king of Zobah opposed him, being himself possessed of those countries which belonged to Israel; but David routed his forces, and took his chariots and horsemen. The horsemen are here said to be 700, but Ch1 18:4 they are said to be 7000. If they divided their horse by ten in a company, as it is probable they did, the captains and companies were 700, but the horsemen were 7000. David houghed the horses, cut the sinews of their hams, and so lamed them, and made them unserviceable, at least in war, God having forbidden them to multiply horses, Deu 17:16. David reserved only 100 chariots out of 1000 for his own use: for he placed his strength not in chariots nor horses, but in the living God (Psa 20:7), and wrote it from his own observation that a horse is a vain thing for safety, Psa 33:16, Psa 33:17.
2.The Syrians of Damascus coming in to the relief of the king of Zobah fell with him. 22,000 were slain in the field, Sa2 8:5. So that it was easy for David to make himself master of the country, and garrison it for himself, Sa2 8:6. The enemies of God's church, that think to secure themselves, will prove, in the end, to ruin themselves, by their confederacies with each other. Associate yourselves, and you shall be broken in pieces, Isa 8:9.
IV.In all these wars,
1.David was protected: The Lord preserved him whithersoever he went. It seems, he went in person, and, in the cause of God and Israel, jeoparded his own life in the high places of the field; but God covered his head in the day of battle, which he often speaks of, in his psalms, to the glory of God.
2.He was enriched. He took the shields of gold which the servants of Hadadezer had in their custody (Sa2 8:7) and much brass from several cities of Syria (Sa2 8:8), which he was entitled to, not only jure belli - by the uncontrollable right of the longest sword ("Get it, and take it"); but by commission from heaven, and the ancient entail of these countries on the seed of Abraham.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
In the second book of Kings [Samuel], where David defeated the Moabites, Scripture records the measuring out of two separate lines for life and two for death. The significance of setting aside some Moabites for life and others for death is made clear by the story of Orpah and Ruth. Orpah, who turned back to idolatry and her ancient country, was destined for death; Ruth, following her mother-in-law, whose name means “pleasant,” says, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”
The history of the Kings [Samuel] recounts that David won these victories after he succeeded Saul in the kingship, and it seems inappropriate to introduce them into our ordered arrangement here since they are known to be recounted extensively there. But we must realize that these wars are a description in figure of the Lord Savior’s victories which he wins throughout the whole world over pagans and the faithless. It is their words which this psalm will utter, so that when truly dislodged from their old superstition they may deserve to be changed through the grace of the new man.
"And he struck down Moab, and measured them with a line, aligning them to the ground, etc." [2 Samuel 8:2] What is written about David: "And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, laying them on the ground," should be understood hyperbolically. For it was not possible that men living on the earth would be so humbled that, lying on the ground, they would appear equal with the ground itself, as confirmed by a line stretched over them; but the Scripture wanted to accumulate the immense humiliation of the captured and oppressed nation with this word, to say they were made equal to the ground, as if by God they were emasculated and despised, so that they living on earth no longer mattered more than the ground that had no people. You have many examples of this kind of expression in the Scriptures, such as that one from the Gospel: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did; if they were written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" (John XXI). For how could the world not contain the books that could have been written in the world? But to imply the greatness and multitude of the Lord's deeds, the Scripture wished to use such an expression. And in David's lament, "They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions" (II Samuel I). Which is similar to that secular expression: "Who would surpass the whiteness of snow, in their courses the winds." That he said "measured them with a line," he put the line allegorically for destiny, because fields are usually measured by a line. Hence it is written: "And he divided the land to them by lot with a measuring line." It means that David would distribute the regions of the Moabites to the heirs according to his will, as freely as any possessor might divide his own fields at his whim by stretching the line here and there. He measured two lines, one for putting to death, and one for keeping alive. And this is said allegorically, signifying that David had the power, with no one contradicting, to put to death those who were rebellious and to spare those who were submissive.
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Summary
2 Samuel 8:2 vividly recounts King David's decisive and severe subjugation of Moab, a long-standing adversary of Israel. Following his initial military triumphs, David implemented a unique and brutal policy of conquest, systematically dividing the Moabite population: two-thirds were executed, while one-third was spared. This act not only solidified David's dominion over the region but also transformed the Moabites into a tributary vassal state, thereby demonstrating David's burgeoning military might and the divinely empowered consolidation of his kingdom.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed at the outset of 2 Samuel 8, immediately following David's victory over the Philistines in 2 Samuel 8:1. It initiates a crucial series of military campaigns that establish David's regional supremacy. Chapter 8 functions as a pivotal account of David's consolidation of power, meticulously detailing his conquests over various surrounding nations—including Moab, Zobah, Aram, and Edom—all of which contribute to the expansion and security of his nascent kingdom. These sweeping victories are consistently attributed to the Lord's enabling presence, serving as tangible fulfillments of the covenant promises made to David in 2 Samuel 7. The narrative here shifts dramatically from internal political and religious consolidation to external military expansion, thereby laying the groundwork for the era of prosperity and relative peace that characterized much of David's reign.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Moabites, whose lineage traces back to Lot (as recorded in Genesis 19:37), maintained a long and frequently adversarial relationship with Israel. Their history includes the attempt to curse Israel through Balaam (Numbers 22:6), oppression of Israel during the period of the Judges under King Eglon (Judges 3:12-30), and, paradoxically, offering refuge to David's family during Saul's persecution (1 Samuel 22:3-4). Despite David's own Moabite ancestry through Ruth (Ruth 4:17), this passage records a definitive and exceptionally severe subjugation. The practice of "measuring with a line" was a method of systematic culling, not entirely uncommon in ancient Near Eastern warfare, though its precise execution varied. It signified absolute control and a deliberate, calculated decision regarding the fate of the conquered population, often employed to prevent future rebellions, establish a clear hierarchy of power, or diminish a rival's strength.
Key Themes
The conquest of Moab, as depicted in this verse, illuminates several profound theological and narrative themes. First, it powerfully underscores Divine Empowerment and David's Reign, unequivocally demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in establishing David's kingdom and fulfilling the promises of the Davidic Covenant. David's military successes are consistently portrayed as divinely orchestrated, securing his throne and extending his influence across the region. Second, the severe judgment meted out upon Moab starkly illustrates the Consequences of Persistent Hostility towards God's chosen people. Moab's enduring history of antagonism against Israel culminates in this decisive defeat, serving as a potent reminder of divine judgment against nations that actively oppose God's redemptive purposes. Third, this victory significantly contributes to the Establishment of Empire, as David consolidates his control over surrounding territories, transforming Israel from a loose tribal confederation into a formidable regional power with numerous vassal states obligated to pay tribute. This strategic expansion was indispensable for the stability, security, and prosperity of the nascent Israelite kingdom.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies a decisive, often violent, blow or strike. In a military context, as here, it implies a complete defeat, rout, or crushing blow that invariably results in casualties. The use of nâkâh emphasizes the totality and finality of David's military victory over Moab, indicating not merely a skirmish but a devastating and conclusive act of subjugation.
Literally meaning "cord" or "rope," chebel in this context refers to a measuring line. Its application here describes a highly unusual and deliberate method of dealing with the conquered Moabites. The "line" was used as an instrument for systematic division and selection, highlighting David's methodical and calculated approach to conquest and control, rather than a chaotic, indiscriminate slaughter. It represents the means by which the population was apportioned for life or death.
This primitive root means "to die" or, causatively, "to kill." In this verse, it explicitly refers to the act of execution. The phrase "measured he to put to death" underscores the deliberate and calculated nature of the culling. It was not an accidental outcome but a direct, intentional act of taking life, applied to a specific proportion of the conquered population, signifying the absolute power David exercised over them.
Verse Breakdown
"And he smote Moab"
This opening clause succinctly states the primary action: David's military conquest of the Moabite nation. It signifies a decisive and complete victory, laying the groundwork for the subsequent, detailed actions described. This establishes David's military prowess and the initial subjugation.
"and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground"
This describes the unique and brutal method David employed after the initial military victory. The act of "casting them down to the ground" likely refers to making the Moabite captives lie prostrate, enabling a systematic division using a measuring cord or rope. This was a public, humiliating, and dehumanizing act, emphasizing the Moabites' complete submission, vulnerability, and the absolute authority of the conqueror.
"even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive"
This clause precisely clarifies the specific outcome of the "measuring" process. It reveals the stark 2:1 ratio: two-thirds of the Moabite captives were designated for execution ("to put to death"), while one-third were allowed to live ("to keep alive"). The term "full line" for those spared might imply a complete measure of life, emphasizing the deliberate nature of their survival, perhaps to serve as laborers, tribute-payers, or a remnant. This precise division underscores the calculated and severe nature of David's policy, aimed at both punishing the Moabites for their historical enmity and ensuring their future subservience by decimating their fighting capacity.
"And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts"
This final clause states the immediate and lasting consequence of David's victory and the preceding culling. The surviving Moabites were reduced to the status of a vassal state, obligated to serve David and provide regular tribute ("gifts"). This signifies their complete subjugation, the expansion of David's burgeoning empire, and the establishment of a new political and economic order in the region.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark and impactful message. The most prominent is Synecdoche, where the "line" (חֶבֶל, chevel) stands for the entire, complex, and brutal process of measuring, dividing, and determining the fate of life or death for the Moabite population. This single concrete object encapsulates a horrific act of systematic culling. The text also exemplifies Narrative Economy, conveying a profoundly significant and violent event in a remarkably concise and unadorned manner. This brevity, rather than diminishing the impact, forces the reader to infer the full horror and methodical nature of the scene. Furthermore, there is a powerful Contrast explicitly delineated by the "two lines" for death and "one full line" for life, highlighting the absolute power David wielded over the conquered and the stark binary of their fate. The imagery, though brief, is vivid and visceral, effectively evoking the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the absolute subjugation of the defeated.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The conquest of Moab, while undeniably brutal by modern ethical standards, is presented within the broader biblical narrative as an integral part of God's sovereign plan to establish David's kingdom and secure Israel's borders. It reflects the concept of divine judgment against nations that had historically and persistently opposed God's chosen people and His redemptive purposes. This victory, alongside others detailed in 2 Samuel 8, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to David, ensuring the stability of his reign and the security of his kingdom. It also illustrates the principle that God utilizes human instruments, even in their severity and within the context of a fallen world, to accomplish His overarching redemptive plan, establishing a secure lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.
Reflection and Application
The severity of David's actions in 2 Samuel 8:2 can be profoundly challenging for contemporary readers to reconcile with a loving and merciful God. However, understanding this passage necessitates acknowledging the historical context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where such decisive and often harsh acts were a common, albeit brutal, means of establishing dominance, securing national borders, and preventing future threats. Theologically, this passage serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His justice, which can manifest in judgment against those who persistently oppose His purposes and people. For believers today, this passage invites profound reflection on the serious consequences of rebellion against God's will and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. Just as David, as God's anointed, established a secure realm through decisive action, God is continually at work in history, bringing about His ultimate redemptive purposes, even through difficult and morally complex circumstances. It also powerfully foreshadows a greater King who will ultimately subdue all opposition, not through physical lines and executions, but through the transformative power of His cross and resurrection, establishing an eternal kingdom of justice, peace, and righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was David's action against Moab morally justifiable?
From a modern ethical perspective, David's actions were undeniably brutal and would be considered a war crime today. However, within the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, such decisive and severe measures were not uncommon for establishing dominance and securing a nation's future. The biblical narrative presents this event as part of God's judgment against Moab, a nation with a long and consistent history of hostility towards Israel, including attempts to curse them through Balaam (Numbers 22:6) and oppressing them during the period of the Judges (Judges 3:12-30). The text emphasizes God's hand in David's victories (e.g., 2 Samuel 8:6 and 2 Samuel 8:14), suggesting that these conquests were part of God's sovereign plan to secure Israel's borders and establish David's kingdom as a crucial precursor to the messianic line. While the method is jarring to contemporary sensibilities, the biblical account frames it within the divine prerogative to bring judgment and establish order in a fallen world.
What does "measured them with a line" actually mean?
The phrase "measured them with a line" (Hebrew: chebel) refers to a systematic and deliberate method of dividing the conquered Moabite population. While the exact procedure is not explicitly detailed in the text, scholars generally interpret it as the Moabites being made to lie on the ground, and David's forces using a measuring rope or cord to mark off specific groups. The text then specifies the precise ratio: two "lines" (or segments) were designated for execution ("to put to death"), and one "full line" was spared ("to keep alive"). This indicates a precise 2:1 ratio, meaning two-thirds of the captives were put to death, and one-third were allowed to live, likely to become slaves or tribute-payers. This was not a random massacre but a calculated act of subjugation, designed to eliminate potential threats, break the Moabites' power, and ensure complete control over the remaining population, thereby preventing future rebellion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
David's conquest of Moab, while a historical event rooted in the harsh realities of ancient warfare, powerfully points forward to the ultimate, cosmic victory of a greater King, Jesus Christ. David, as God's anointed king, established his earthly kingdom through military might, subduing formidable enemies and bringing rebellious nations into submission, thereby securing a measure of peace and stability for Israel. This earthly triumph foreshadows Christ, the true Son of David, who establishes His eternal, spiritual kingdom not through physical conquest and the sword, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. He conquers the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the powers of darkness, triumphing over them publicly (Colossians 2:15). Just as the Moabites became servants to David, all creation will ultimately bow before Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, acknowledging His supreme authority (Philippians 2:10-11). His reign brings true and lasting peace, not through the extermination of physical foes, but through the radical transformation of hearts and the establishment of a spiritual kingdom where justice, righteousness, and eternal life prevail (Revelation 19:11-16). David's historical triumph, though marked by severity, is a shadow of Christ's comprehensive victory, where all things are put under His feet (Hebrews 2:8), and the last enemy, death itself, is utterly destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:25-26).