2 Samuel 8:3

David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

David {H1732} smote {H5221} also Hadadezer {H1909}, the son {H1121} of Rehob {H7340}, king {H4428} of Zobah {H6678}, as he went {H3212} to recover {H7725} his border {H3027} at the river {H5104} Euphrates {H6578}.

David, on his way to establish his dominion as far as the Euphrates River, also defeated Hadad'ezer the son of Rechov king of Tzovah.

David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River.

David smote also Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River.

Commentary

Context

This verse, found within 2 Samuel chapter 8, details King David's decisive military campaigns that consolidated his rule and expanded the borders of Israel. Hadadezer, king of Zobah, was a powerful Aramean ruler whose territory lay north of Damascus. His expedition 'to recover his border at the river Euphrates' signifies an ambitious attempt by Hadadezer to reassert or extend his dominion over strategic trade routes and lands, potentially encroaching on areas significant to Israel's promised inheritance. David's action was a direct response to this regional power play, securing Israel's position.

Key Themes

  • David's Divinely Enabled Victories: David's triumph over Hadadezer is presented as part of a larger pattern of divine blessing and fulfillment of God's promises to establish David's kingdom securely. These military successes were not merely human achievements but evidence of God's hand upholding His chosen king.
  • Territorial Expansion and Security: By defeating Hadadezer, David not only neutralized a significant regional threat but also extended Israel's sphere of influence towards the Euphrates, a boundary mentioned in God's original promise to Abraham regarding the land. This victory helped secure Israel's northern frontier and established a period of regional dominance, paving the way for the peaceful reign of Solomon, as hinted in 1 Kings 4:21.
  • David as a Warrior King: The account highlights David's role as a formidable warrior and strategic leader, essential for consolidating the nascent kingdom of Israel and protecting its people from external threats.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "smote" (nakah) indicates a thorough and decisive defeat, not just a minor skirmish. It implies a significant blow that crippled Hadadezer's power. The phrase "to recover his border" (literally 'to turn back his hand' or 'to restore his power') suggests Hadadezer was making a move to re-establish or extend his control, perhaps over territories he felt were historically his or strategically important for trade along the Euphrates.

Practical Application

This account reminds us of God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition through human instruments. Just as David was empowered to secure the physical borders of Israel, believers are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting God to establish and defend their spiritual boundaries. It also highlights the importance of discerning and confronting threats that would hinder God's purposes in our lives or communities, relying on divine strength for victory and the establishment of peace.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 14:47 (5 votes)

    ¶ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].

  • 2 Samuel 10:16 (4 votes)

    And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that [were] beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer [went] before them.

  • 2 Samuel 10:19 (4 votes)

    And when all the kings [that were] servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

  • 1 Chronicles 18:3 (3 votes)

    And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

  • 2 Samuel 10:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

  • Genesis 15:18 (2 votes)

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Psalms 72:8 (2 votes)

    He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.