King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 8:14 Mean?

2 Samuel 8:14 in the King James Version says “And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And th... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

2 Samuel 8:14 · KJV


Context

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.

13

And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. smiting: Heb. his smiting

14

And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

15

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

16

And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; recorder: or, remembrancer, or, writer of chronicles


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

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 · 19 words
שָׂ֣ם1 of 19

And he put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אֱד֖וֹם2 of 19

and all they of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

נְצִבִ֔ים3 of 19

garrisons

H5333

something stationary, i.e., a prefect, a military post, a statue

בְּכָל4 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱד֖וֹם5 of 19

and all they of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

שָׂ֣ם6 of 19

And he put

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

נְצִבִ֔ים7 of 19

garrisons

H5333

something stationary, i.e., a prefect, a military post, a statue

וַיְהִ֥י8 of 19
H1961

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

כָל9 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֱד֖וֹם10 of 19

and all they of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

עֲבָדִ֣ים11 of 19

servants

H5650

a servant

דָּוִ֔ד12 of 19

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיּ֤וֹשַׁע13 of 19

preserved

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוָה֙14 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת15 of 19
H853

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

דָּוִ֔ד16 of 19

David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּכֹ֖ל17 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר18 of 19
H834

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

הָלָֽךְ׃19 of 19

whithersoever he went

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)


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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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