King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 8:1 Mean?
“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. Methegammah: or, the bridle of Ammah”
Context
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. Methegammah: or, the bridle of Ammah
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. Hadadezer: or, Hadarezer
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(1) **Subdued them.**—In its connection this implies not merely the victory of a single battle, but the reversal of the former relation of the Philistines to Israel, and their reduction to a condition of inferiority and tribute.
**Took Metheg-ammah.**—No place of this name is known. The first word means *bridle, *and the other is probably, although not certainly, a derivation from the word *mother, *and has the sense *metropolis. *The translation will then be, *took the bridle *(*i.e., *the key) *of the metropolis, *and this seems sustained by the parallel phrase in 1Chronicles 18:1, “took Gath and her towns (*lit *daughters).” Gath appears to have been already the principal among the five Philistine cities (1Samuel 27:2), and with the rest of the country remained tributary to Solomon (1Kings 4:21; 1Kings 4:24).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Samuel 8:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Samuel 8:1
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge