TRV
Translation
King James Version
And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And out of Betah, and Berothai (cities of Hadadezer) king Dauid brought exceeding much brasse.
Young's Literal Translation
and from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, hath king David taken very much brass.
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In the KJVVerse 8,218 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 8 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.
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.
3 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.
4 And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.
5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.
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.
7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 explicitly states that David dedicated this bronze to the Lord. Later, 1 Kings 7:15-47 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, 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). He is the one who gathers all things in Himself, reconciling them to God (Ephesians 1:10), 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), and to the Church as His body, built of "living stones" (1 Peter 2:4-5). 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).