2 Samuel 8:7

KJV

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} took {H3947} the shields {H7982} of gold {H2091} that were on the servants {H5650} of Hadadezer {H1909}, and brought {H935} them to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David took the gold shields which Hadad'ezer's servants were wearing and brought them to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 8:7 records a pivotal moment in King David's reign, detailing his acquisition of valuable gold shields from the defeated Aramean king Hadadezer of Zobah, and their subsequent transport to Jerusalem. This act not only signifies David's decisive military victory and the immense wealth accrued by Israel under his leadership but also underscores the transfer of power and prestige from a formidable regional adversary to the nascent Israelite kingdom, further solidifying Jerusalem's status as the nation's political and religious capital and a repository for dedicated spoils of war.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Samuel 8, a chapter that comprehensively catalogues King David's military triumphs and the expansion of his kingdom. Following his consolidation of power within Israel and Judah, David embarks on a series of campaigns against surrounding nations. The chapter opens with his subjugation of the Philistines ([2 Samuel 8:1](/2_samuel/8-1 "2 Samuel 8:1 - David Subdues the Philistines")), establishing his dominance to the west. The narrative then shifts eastward to the significant conflict with Hadadezer, king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom ([2 Samuel 8:3](/2_samuel/8-3 "2 Samuel 8:3 - David Defeats Hadadezer")). The capture of these gold shields, along with vast quantities of bronze and other spoils ([2 Samuel 8:8](/2_samuel/8-8 "2 Samuel 8:8 - David Takes Bronze from Hadadezer's Cities")), serves as tangible proof of Hadadezer's complete defeat and the transfer of his power and resources to David. The chapter concludes with a summary of David's righteous reign and his administrative structure ([2 Samuel 8:15-18](/2_samuel/8-15 "2 Samuel 8:15-18 - David's Administration")), demonstrating how these military successes contributed to the stability and prosperity of his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hadadezer, king of Zobah, was a powerful Aramean ruler whose influence extended across significant trade routes in Syria, making his defeat crucial for Israel's regional dominance. Zobah was a prominent Aramean state, often vying for control with Damascus. The "shields of gold" mentioned in this verse were not typical battle shields but likely ceremonial or decorative items, perhaps belonging to Hadadezer's elite personal guard, royal officers, or displayed as symbols of his kingdom's opulence and military prestige. In the ancient Near East, the spoils of war, especially precious metals and unique artifacts, were highly valued not just for their material worth but as symbols of victory, power, and the subjugation of defeated enemies. Bringing such items to the capital city, Jerusalem, was a common practice, signifying the victor's authority and enriching the national treasury, often with a portion dedicated to the deity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the Books of Samuel and David's reign. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Blessing and Victory**, as David's consistent military success is repeatedly attributed to God's presence and favor with him ([2 Samuel 8:6](/2_samuel/8-6 "2 Samuel 8:6 - The Lord Gave David Victory Wherever He Went")). The acquisition of such valuable spoils is seen as a direct outcome of this divine enablement. Secondly, the theme of **Spoils of War and Wealth** is prominent; these captured riches, particularly the gold and bronze, were not merely for personal enrichment but were consecrated for a higher purpose. [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord") explicitly states that David dedicated these spoils to the Lord, foreshadowing their use in the construction and furnishing of the future Temple in Jerusalem, a task David prepared for even though he was not permitted to build it himself ([1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Cannot Build the Temple")). Lastly, the act of bringing these precious items to Jerusalem reinforces the theme of the **Centralization of Power in Jerusalem**, solidifying its status as the political, economic, and religious capital of Israel, the hub where the kingdom's wealth and symbols of victory were gathered, reinforcing David's authority and the city's prominence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shields of Gold (Hebrew: מָגִנֵּי הַזָּהָב, _māginnê hazzāhāḇ'_):** The term "shields" (מָגִן, _māgēn_) typically refers to a defensive weapon. However, the addition of "gold" (זָהָב, _zāhāḇ_) strongly suggests these were not ordinary battle shields for active combat. Instead, they were likely ceremonial, ornamental, or parade shields, perhaps made of wood overlaid with gold, or solid gold for smaller, decorative pieces. Such items would have been incredibly valuable, symbolizing the immense wealth, prestige, and royal authority of Hadadezer's court. Their capture by David represented a complete subjugation of Hadadezer's power and the transfer of his kingdom's visible glory and resources to Israel. This detail emphasizes the richness of the plunder and the complete subjugation of a formidable enemy, highlighting the extent of David's victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David took the shields of gold":** This phrase immediately highlights David's active role as the victorious sovereign. The act of "taking" (לָקַח, _lāqaḥ_) signifies appropriation and possession, a direct consequence of his military triumph. The "shields of gold," as discussed, were not merely valuable items but potent symbols of Hadadezer's power and majesty. David's acquisition of them was a public declaration of his supremacy over Zobah.
* **"that were on the servants of Hadadezer":** This specifies the provenance of the shields. "Servants" (עֶבֶד, _ʿeved_) in this context likely refers to Hadadezer's high-ranking officials, royal bodyguards, or elite military personnel, rather than common soldiers. These individuals would have been entrusted with carrying or displaying such valuable and symbolic items, underscoring their importance and the king's grandeur. Their presence "on" these servants suggests they were either worn as part of ceremonial attire or carried as insignia of rank and loyalty. Their capture from these specific individuals further emphasizes the depth of Hadadezer's defeat, as even his most trusted and honored personnel were stripped of their symbols of authority.
* **"and brought them to Jerusalem":** This final clause is profoundly significant. Jerusalem, recently established as David's capital and the spiritual center of Israel, became the destination for these high-value spoils. This act served multiple purposes: it physically centralized the wealth and symbols of victory within David's kingdom, reinforcing Jerusalem's status as the heart of the nation; it demonstrated to all Israel and surrounding nations the extent of David's dominion; and crucially, as [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord") elaborates, these spoils were dedicated to the Lord, earmarked for the future construction and adornment of the Temple, transforming symbols of earthly power into resources for divine worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "shields of gold" serving as powerful symbols. They represent not just material wealth but also the military might, prestige, and royal authority of Hadadezer, which are now decisively transferred to David. Their capture symbolizes the complete subjugation of Zobah. The act of bringing them to Jerusalem further symbolizes the centralization of power and the establishment of God's chosen city as the preeminent hub of the kingdom. There is also an element of **Narrative Economy**, where a concise statement conveys a wealth of information about the outcome of a major conflict, the transfer of power, and the subsequent enrichment and consolidation of David's kingdom. The specificity of "shields of gold" also creates a vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the opulence of the defeated kingdom and the tangible nature of David's victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The capture of Hadadezer's gold shields and their dedication to Jerusalem is a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty over nations and His active role in establishing and blessing His chosen king. David's victories are consistently presented not as mere military prowess but as divine enablement, demonstrating that the Lord fights for His people and grants victory to those who walk in His ways. This transfer of wealth from a pagan king to the treasury of Israel, destined for God's sanctuary, illustrates the principle that all earthly resources ultimately belong to God and can be consecrated for His purposes. It foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where the "wealth of the nations" will be brought into the New Jerusalem, serving the glory of God.

* [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord")
* [1 Chronicles 22:8](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8 - David Cannot Build the Temple")
* [Isaiah 60:5-6](/isaiah/60-5 "Isaiah 60:5-6 - Nations Bring Their Wealth to Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of David taking the gold shields of Hadadezer reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that He orchestrates events to fulfill His divine purposes. Just as He granted David victory and provided abundant resources, He continues to empower His people to overcome spiritual challenges and provides what is needed for His kingdom's advancement. This narrative calls us to reflect on our own "spoils"—our talents, resources, time, and influence—and how we are stewarding them. David did not hoard these valuable items for personal gain but dedicated them for the Lord's service, particularly for the future Temple. This teaches us the profound importance of consecrating our blessings to God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, recognizing that true prosperity lies not in accumulation but in faithful stewardship and generosity. Our victories, whether personal or corporate, should always lead us to acknowledge God's hand and to dedicate the "spoils" for His praise and purposes, contributing to the building of His spiritual house.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life has God granted you "victory" or provided significant "spoils" (resources, talents, opportunities)?**
* **How are you currently dedicating these blessings to the Lord's service, rather than hoarding them for personal gain?**
* **What "symbols of power" in your life or culture might need to be "taken" and consecrated to God's kingdom?**
* **How does the centralization of spoils in Jerusalem encourage you to prioritize Christ and His church as the center of your life and resources?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "shields of gold" in ancient warfare or culture?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, "shields of gold" were highly symbolic and valuable items, typically not used for active combat due to their weight and precious material. Instead, they were likely ceremonial or decorative, signifying immense wealth, royal prestige, and military might. They might have been carried by elite bodyguards or displayed in royal treasuries as a testament to a king's power and opulence. Their capture by David was a profound symbolic act, demonstrating the complete subjugation of Hadadezer and the transfer of his kingdom's glory and resources to Israel. This is similar to how Solomon later made 200 large shields of beaten gold for the House of the Forest of Lebanon, purely for display and prestige ([1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Golden Shields")).

**Why were these spoils brought specifically to Jerusalem?**

Answer: Bringing the spoils to Jerusalem served multiple critical purposes. Firstly, it solidified Jerusalem's status as the political capital and center of David's kingdom. It was the seat of power where the kingdom's wealth and symbols of victory were gathered. Secondly, and most importantly, [2 Samuel 8:11](/2_samuel/8-11 "2 Samuel 8:11 - David Dedicates Spoils to the Lord") reveals that David dedicated these spoils, along with other captured treasures, to the Lord. These resources were intended for the future building and furnishing of the Temple, which David's son Solomon would eventually construct in Jerusalem. This act underscored David's piety and his role as a preparer for God's dwelling place, transforming symbols of earthly conquest into resources for divine worship and national spiritual identity.

**Who was Hadadezer, and why was his defeat so significant?**

Answer: Hadadezer was the powerful king of Zobah, a prominent Aramean kingdom located in what is modern-day Syria. His realm controlled crucial trade routes and exerted significant influence in the region. His defeat was highly significant because it eliminated a major rival to Israel's regional dominance, allowing David to extend his influence and secure his borders to the Euphrates River ([2 Samuel 8:3](/2_samuel/8-3 "2 Samuel 8:3 - David Defeats Hadadezer")). This victory not only brought vast material wealth to Israel but also established David as the preeminent ruler in the Levant, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the extent of Israel's territory ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's decisive victory over Hadadezer and the acquisition of the gold shields, destined for Jerusalem and the future Temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ. David, as a type of Christ, conquers formidable foes and brings their wealth into the holy city, preparing for God's dwelling place. Similarly, Christ, the true King of Kings, has achieved a far greater victory over the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He did not take material spoils but gathered a spiritual inheritance—a redeemed people—who are themselves the "spoils" of His victory, brought into His eternal kingdom. Just as the gold shields were brought to earthly Jerusalem for the Temple, believers are now living stones being built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")), a new Jerusalem not made with hands ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). The wealth of the nations, symbolized by the gold, will ultimately be brought into the New Jerusalem to glorify God ([Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Walk in the Light of the New Jerusalem")), demonstrating that Christ's victory is comprehensive, eternal, and establishes a kingdom that will never end, far surpassing David's earthly dominion.

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 Chronicles 9:15

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of beaten gold went to one target.

2 Chronicles 9:16

And three hundred shields [made he of] beaten gold: three hundred [shekels] of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

1 Kings 10:16

And king Solomon made two hundred targets [of] beaten gold: six hundred [shekels] of gold went to one target.

1 Kings 10:17

And [he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

1 Chronicles 18:7

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 14:26

And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

1 Kings 14:27

And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed [them] unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house.