King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 8:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 8:10 in the King James Version says “Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, a... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: salute: Heb. ask him of peace had wars: Heb. was a man of wars with brought: Heb. in his hand were

2 Samuel 8:10 · KJV


Context

8

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

9

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

10

Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: salute: Heb. ask him of peace had wars: Heb. was a man of wars with brought: Heb. in his hand were

11

Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;

12

Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Military Victories, emphasizing God granting victory and expansion. David's military campaigns demonstrate God's promise-keeping (Genesis 15:18-21) regarding territorial boundaries. The Hebrew emphasizes that "the LORD gave David victory wherever he went," attributing success to divine enablement rather than mere military prowess. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over nations, the legitimacy of defensive/offensive warfare under certain circumstances, and proper use of conquered wealth for God's purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 8 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding God granting victory and expansion provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of God granting victory and expansion?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 31 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח1 of 31

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

תֹּ֖עִי2 of 31

Then Toi

H8583

tou or toi, a syrian king

אֶת3 of 31
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יֽוֹרָם4 of 31

Joram

H3141

joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian

בְּנ֣וֹ5 of 31

his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֶל6 of 31
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ7 of 31

unto king

H4428

a king

דָּ֠וִד8 of 31

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִשְׁאָל9 of 31

to salute

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

ל֨וֹ10 of 31
H0
לְשָׁל֜וֹם11 of 31
H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וּֽלְבָרֲכ֗וֹ12 of 31

him and to bless

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

עַל֩13 of 31
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 31
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִלְחַ֤ם15 of 31

him because he had fought

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

הֲדַדְעָ֑זֶר16 of 31

against Hadadezer

H1909

hadadezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

וַיַּכֵּ֔הוּ17 of 31

and smitten

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

כִּי18 of 31
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִ֛ישׁ19 of 31

had wars

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִלְחֲמ֥וֹת20 of 31
H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

תֹּ֖עִי21 of 31

Then Toi

H8583

tou or toi, a syrian king

הָיָ֣ה22 of 31
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הֲדַדְעָ֑זֶר23 of 31

against Hadadezer

H1909

hadadezer, a syrian king, possibly a royal title

וּבְיָד֗וֹ24 of 31

And Joram brought with him

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הָי֛וּ25 of 31
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וּכְלֵ֥י26 of 31

and vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

כֶ֥סֶף27 of 31

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּכְלֵ֥י28 of 31

and vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

זָהָ֖ב29 of 31

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּכְלֵ֥י30 of 31

and vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃31 of 31

of brass

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)


Study Guide

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 8:10 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 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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