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2 Samuel 8:9

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¶ When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

When Toi {H8583} king {H4428} of Hamath {H2574} heard {H8085} that David {H1732} had smitten {H5221} all the host {H2428} of Hadadezer {H1909},

When To'i king of Hamat heard that David had defeated Hadad'ezer's entire army,

When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer,

And when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

Commentary

Context

This verse immediately follows King David’s decisive victory over Hadadezer, king of Zobah, as detailed in 2 Samuel 8:3-8. David had not only defeated Hadadezer but also captured significant spoils and chariots, effectively neutralizing a major regional threat. Hamath, located to the north of Israel (in modern-day Syria), was a kingdom that likely had its own complex relationship with Zobah, possibly being a rival or under Hadadezer’s influence at times. The news of David's overwhelming military success would have traveled quickly, causing other nations to re-evaluate their positions and strategies in the shifting geopolitical landscape.

Key Themes

  • Recognition of David's Power: The fact that Toi, a king from a distant land, heard and reacted to David's victory underscores David's burgeoning reputation and the widespread acknowledgment of his military might. David was no longer just the king of Israel; he was becoming a dominant force in the ancient Near East.
  • Strategic Alliances: Toi's response, which is elaborated in the following verses, was not one of defiance but of conciliation and alliance. This highlights how David's victories led to the formation of strategic relationships, as smaller or rival kingdoms sought to align with the rising power rather than oppose him.
  • Divine Blessing and Expansion: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative of 2 Samuel consistently attributes David's numerous victories and the expansion of his kingdom to God's favor and presence with him. This era marks a significant step in the fulfillment of God's promises to establish David's throne and expand Israel's borders.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "had smitten" translates the Hebrew verb נָכָה (nakah), which broadly means to strike, beat, or defeat. In this context, it conveys the completeness and decisiveness of David's victory over Hadadezer's entire military force ("all the host"), emphasizing that it was an overwhelming and conclusive defeat.

Practical Application

This verse illustrates the far-reaching impact of significant events and actions. David’s military successes had ripple effects, influencing the political and social dynamics of distant kingdoms. In our own lives, our actions, whether in leadership, personal integrity, or professional endeavors, often create a reputation that precedes us and shapes how others perceive and interact with us. It reminds us that our influence extends beyond our immediate circle, and the news of our character and deeds can travel widely, prompting others to respond accordingly.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:65 (3 votes)

    And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

  • Amos 6:2 (2 votes)

    Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: [be they] better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?

  • 1 Chronicles 18:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah;

  • 2 Chronicles 8:4 (2 votes)

    And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.