2 Samuel 8:8

KJV

And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And from Betah {H984}, and from Berothai {H1268}, cities {H5892} of Hadadezer {H1909}, king {H4428} David {H1732} took {H3947} exceeding {H3966} much {H7235} brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From Betach and Berotai, cities of Hadad'ezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze.

Berean Standard Bible

And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a large amount of bronze.

American Standard Version

And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 8:8 meticulously records a significant outcome of King David's decisive victory over Hadadezer, the formidable king of Zobah: the acquisition of an immense quantity of bronze (often translated "brass" in older versions) from the conquered cities of Betah and Berothai. This substantial material gain not only underscored the practical and strategic consolidation of David's burgeoning kingdom but also served as tangible evidence of God's abundant provision and foresight, as these precious resources were providentially reserved for the future construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within 2 Samuel 8, a pivotal chapter that comprehensively chronicles King David's extensive military campaigns and the subsequent consolidation of his kingdom. Following his anointing as king over all Israel and the establishment of Jerusalem as his capital, David embarked on a series of strategic conquests designed to secure Israel's borders and expand its influence, thereby fulfilling God's promises of a stable and powerful monarchy. The immediate preceding verses, particularly [2 Samuel 8:3-7](/2_samuel/8-3-7 "2 Samuel 8:3-7 - David's Victory Over Hadadezer"), detail David's decisive defeat of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, a powerful Aramean ruler whose dominion extended to the Euphrates River. The taking of "exceeding much brass" from Hadadezer's cities is presented as a direct consequence and significant spoil of this victory, highlighting the substantial material gains that accompanied David's divinely-enabled military successes and the expansion of his kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the acquisition of vast quantities of metal, particularly copper and its alloy, bronze (often translated as "brass" in older versions like the KJV), was a clear indicator of wealth, power, and strategic importance. Bronze was an indispensable material for crafting weapons, tools, and valuable cultic objects, making its control vital for any dominant power. Hadadezer's kingdom of Zobah was a significant Aramean state, located north of Damascus, and its defeat marked a major geopolitical shift, extending Israel's influence northward and establishing David's hegemony. Betah and Berothai were likely key administrative or resource-rich centers within Hadadezer's territory, possibly involved in mining or metalworking, making their capture and the seizure of their metallic wealth a profound blow to Zobah and an immense boon to David's burgeoning empire. This act was not merely plunder but a common practice of asserting sovereignty and integrating conquered territories' resources into the victor's domain.
* **Key Themes:** The acquisition of "exceeding much brass" in [2 Samuel 8:8](/2_samuel/8-8 "2 Samuel 8:8 - David Acquires Bronze from Hadadezer") contributes to several overarching themes in the broader narrative of David's reign and God's covenant with Israel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Provision and Blessing**. David's military victories were consistently presented not merely as human achievements but as direct outcomes of God's hand guiding and prospering him, in fulfillment of the promises made in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). The immense wealth acquired signifies God's abundant blessing on David's reign, enabling the material flourishing of His chosen kingdom. Secondly, this verse highlights the theme of **Resources for Future Purposes**. As explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 18:8](/1_chronicles/18-8 "1 Chronicles 18:8 - David's Acquisition of Bronze for the Temple"), this very bronze was later designated by David and used by his son Solomon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, particularly for the massive bronze laver (the "molten sea") and the grand pillars. This foresight underscores God's long-term plan and how present victories and material gains can provide for future sacred endeavors. Lastly, it emphasizes the **Consolidation of Power and Kingdom Building**, as the collection of such valuable resources underscored David's growing authority and the wealth accumulating within his kingdom, solidifying his position as the dominant regional power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** While the King James Version translates this as "brass," the Hebrew term _nᵉchôsheth_ (H5178) more accurately refers to copper or, more commonly in the ancient world, bronze (an alloy of copper and tin). Bronze was a vital metal in the ancient Near East, used extensively for weaponry (swords, shields), tools (axes, chisels), household implements, and especially for cultic and architectural purposes, such as vessels and decorative elements in temples. Its abundance signified great wealth, strategic importance, and technological advancement.
* **Took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** The Hebrew verb _lâqach_ (H3947) is a primitive root meaning "to take" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it signifies David's act of seizing or acquiring the bronze as spoils of war. This "taking" is not merely passive reception but an active, decisive act of appropriation following military victory, highlighting David's authority and success as a divinely appointed king and commander.
* **Exceeding much (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd râbâh'_):** This phrase combines two Hebrew words: _mᵉʼôd_ (H3966), meaning "vehemence" or "very," and _râbâh_ (H7235), meaning "to increase" or "to be much." Together, _mᵉʼôd râbâh_ forms an intensive adverbial phrase emphasizing that the amount of bronze David acquired was not merely "much" but "very much" or "exceedingly much." This hyperbolic expression highlights the immense scale of the spoils and, by extension, the totality of David's victory over Hadadezer, conveying a sense of overwhelming abundance and profound material benefit to David's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer":** This clause precisely specifies the geographical origin of the acquired material. Betah (H984) and Berothai (H1268) were identified as key cities within the dominion of Hadadezer (H1909), king of Zobah. Their explicit naming grounds the narrative in specific locations, emphasizing the tangible nature of David's conquest and the extensive reach of Hadadezer's defeated kingdom. These cities were likely centers of industry, trade, or resource extraction, making them rich sources of the valuable bronze David sought.
* **"king David took":** This phrase clearly identifies the agent of the action. David (H1732), as the victorious king (H4428) and commander, is the one who seized these valuable spoils. While the military victory was enabled by God, David's leadership, strategic prowess, and execution were instrumental in securing these resources for his kingdom. This highlights his active role as the divinely appointed leader responsible for the material well-being and security of Israel.
* **"exceeding much brass":** This final phrase states the specific nature and immense quantity of the acquired wealth. The immense amount of bronze (H5178), intensified by the phrase "exceeding much" (H3966 H7235), signifies the profound material gain for David's kingdom, transforming the spoils of war into a significant strategic asset. This material wealth was not merely for immediate use but, as later revealed in the broader biblical narrative, for a higher, sacred purpose in the future construction of the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively and powerfully. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "exceeding much brass," which emphasizes the extraordinary quantity of metal acquired, underscoring the magnitude of David's victory and the immense wealth of the conquered territories. This exaggeration serves to impress upon the reader the vastness of God's provision through David's conquests. The mention of "cities of Hadadezer" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the cities (H5892) stand in for the wealth and resources contained within them, particularly the valuable metal deposits or accumulated stores. This allows the narrative to concisely convey the source of the spoils without listing every specific item. Furthermore, the precise naming of Betah and Berothai functions as **Narrative Detail**, lending historical authenticity and specificity to the account. This detail grounds the theological message within a concrete historical event, reinforcing the reality of God's work in David's kingdom and the tangible results of His blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The acquisition of "exceeding much brass" in 2 Samuel 8:8 is far more than a mere record of war spoils; it is a profound theological statement about God's active provision for His kingdom purposes. David's victories were not simply military triumphs but divine empowerments, enabling him to gather the very materials necessary for the future Temple, a dwelling place for God's presence among His people. This demonstrates God's long-term vision, using the present circumstances of war and conquest to lay the material foundation for sacred endeavors that would extend beyond David's lifetime. It teaches that God's blessings, even in the form of material prosperity, are often given with a grander, redemptive purpose in mind, intended to facilitate the expansion and glorification of His kingdom. This act of gathering resources for a future, greater work exemplifies faithful stewardship and a trust in God's overarching plan, even when the immediate purpose of such abundance is not fully clear to the recipient.

* [1 Chronicles 22:14](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Vast Preparations for the Temple")
* [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")
* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David acquiring "exceeding much brass" serves as a powerful reminder that God's provision for His kingdom is often abundant and multifaceted, sometimes arriving through unexpected means or even through the crucible of conflict. For believers today, this verse invites us to consider how God might be providing resources—whether material, spiritual, relational, or experiential—in our lives, not just for our immediate needs, but for His larger, long-term purposes. David gathered materials for a Temple he would never personally build, illustrating the profound principle of faithful stewardship and a long-term vision that extends beyond our personal lifespans and direct involvement. We are called to recognize God's hand in our "spoils" (our blessings, talents, opportunities, and even lessons learned from challenges overcome) and to steward them with a kingdom mindset, preparing for future generations or for works that others may ultimately complete. Our prosperity, when divinely given, is never solely for personal consumption but is a sacred trust from God to be invested in His eternal purposes, contributing to the building of His spiritual dwelling place in the world and the advancement of His gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's provision in my own life, particularly in unexpected or difficult circumstances that might yield unforeseen resources?**
* **In what specific ways am I being called to steward resources (such as time, talent, or treasure) not just for immediate personal gain, but for long-term kingdom purposes that may extend beyond my direct involvement or even lifetime?**
* **What "brass" (valuable resources, unique opportunities, or even wisdom gained from overcoming challenges) has God given me that might be intended for a future, greater purpose in His overarching redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is "brass" mentioned, when bronze was more common in that era?**

Answer: The term "brass" in older English translations like the King James Version (KJV) for the Hebrew word _nĕchosheth_ (H5178) is an archaic translation. In the ancient Near East, true brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) was either rare or unknown. The metal referred to here is almost certainly bronze, an alloy primarily of copper and tin, which was widely used for tools, weapons, and religious artifacts due to its strength, durability, and workability. The KJV's use of "brass" reflects the common English terminology of its time, where "brass" was often used broadly to refer to various copper alloys. Regardless of the specific alloy, the key point is the immense quantity of a valuable and strategically important metal acquired.

**What was the "exceeding much brass" used for?**

Answer: This immense quantity of bronze, acquired by King David, was specifically designated for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, which would ultimately be built by his son, Solomon. [1 Chronicles 18:8](/1_chronicles/18-8 "1 Chronicles 18:8 - David's Acquisition of Bronze for the Temple") explicitly states that David dedicated this bronze to the Lord. Later, [1 Kings 7:15-47](/1_kings/7-15-47 "1 Kings 7:15-47 - Solomon's Bronze Work for the Temple") details how Solomon used this bronze to cast the massive "molten sea" (a large basin for priestly ablutions), the two grand pillars named Jachin and Boaz that stood at the Temple's entrance, and numerous other vessels, altars, and implements essential for the Temple's service. This highlights God's long-term plan and David's crucial role in preparing the material foundations for a sacred future.

**What was the significance of Hadadezer and his cities?**

Answer: Hadadezer (H1909), king of Zobah, was a powerful Aramean ruler whose kingdom posed a significant threat to Israel's northern borders and its regional dominance. His decisive defeat by David, as recounted in [2 Samuel 8:3-7](/2_samuel/8-3-7 "2 Samuel 8:3-7 - David Defeats Hadadezer"), was a pivotal moment in David's consolidation of power, extending Israel's influence all the way to the Euphrates River. The cities of Betah (H984) and Berothai (H1268) were likely strategic locations within Hadadezer's territory, possibly centers for metalworking, trade, or military strongholds, making them rich sources of the valuable bronze David acquired. Their capture and the seizure of their wealth symbolized the complete subjugation of Hadadezer and the transfer of his kingdom's resources to David's growing empire, further establishing Israel as the preeminent power in the region.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "exceeding much brass" acquired by King David from the defeated Hadadezer serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the immeasurable riches and resources gathered by the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, for the building of His eternal kingdom. Just as David's spoils were dedicated to the earthly Temple, a physical dwelling place for God, so too does Christ, through His decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (the ultimate Hadadezer, Satan, and his dominion), acquire all things for the construction of His spiritual Temple—the Church. The vast quantity of bronze speaks not merely to material wealth, but to the boundless spiritual resources available in Christ, specifically the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). He is the one who gathers all things in Himself, reconciling them to God ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - God's Plan to Unite All Things in Christ")), making available the spiritual "materials"—redeemed lives, spiritual gifts, and divine grace—to build a living sanctuary. The earthly Temple, built with physical bronze and other precious materials, pointed to Christ as the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")), and to the Church as His body, built of "living stones" ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones Building a Spiritual House")). Thus, David's acquisition of resources for a physical structure finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Christ's triumph, which provides the spiritual abundance for His eternal, spiritual kingdom, a kingdom that requires no physical temple because God and the Lamb are its temple ([Revelation 21:22](/rev_21/22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

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

1 Chronicles 18:8

Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

1 Chronicles 22:16

Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, [there is] no number. Arise [therefore], and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.

1 Chronicles 22:14

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

2 Chronicles 4:1

¶ Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

2 Chronicles 4:18

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

1 Chronicles 29:7

And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.

Ezekiel 47:16

Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which [is] between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which [is] by the coast of Hauran.