Tuesday 18 March 2014

2 Samuel 8 Victories for David

2 Samuel 8

David appears to be a very able military commander and strategist, I'm sure I noted this before, but in the course of time David defeats all the hostile nations around Israel 
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To the west David defeated and subdued the Philistines taking control of one of the town of Metheg Ammah.
To the south East David defeated the Moabites treating the captives to a brutal treatment - he made every person lie down and measured off with a length of cord - two lengths were killed while the third was allowed to live.

I honestly do not know what to make of this mass murder. I guess it was no worse than other nations did in history, but it makes me in the 21st century uneasy.
Little wonder the surviving Moabites bought David tribute!

He defeated a guy called Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah capturing 1000 chariots and 7000 charioteers along with 20000 foot soldiers.
David hamstrung all but 100 of the horses - the fate of the men is not mentioned 
When the Arameans to the North East of Israel came to the support of Hadadezer, David struck down 22,000 of their soldiers.
David put a garrison of Israelite troops in Damascus and the Arameans paid David tribute.

David also took loot and spoils, he took large gold shields from the men of Hadadezer, and a great quantity of bronze was taken from 2 other towns.

All this war actually bought David some allies - Tou, king of Hamath sent his son Joram to greet king David and congratulate him on his victory - Tou had been at war with Hadadezer for many years.
Joram bought articles of silver and gold which David dedicated to God.

Also to the south East of Israel, Edom also had a battle with David - David's fame in the international stage was cemented when he killed 18000 Edomites at the valley of salt. David also put garrisons in Edom and they paid him tribute.

The Bible records that David ruled Israel doing what was just and right for his people, he did not do this alone his administration had several important servants

Joab - commanded the army
Jehoshophat - was the official recorder
Zadok and Ahimalek - were priests
Seraiah - was the secretary
Benaiah - was in charge of the labour force (the Bible says Kerethites and Pelethites, who I believe were the remnants of people living in the land before the conquest, but subjugated to manual labour for Israel)
David's sons were also involved in running the land

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