King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 8:16 Mean?

2 Samuel 8:16 in the King James Version says “And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; recorder: or, remembrance...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 8:16 · KJV

Context

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

17

And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe; scribe: or, secretary

18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers. chief rulers: or, princes

Read 2 Samuel 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

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 · 9 words
וְיוֹאָ֥ב1 of 9

“And Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

בֶּן2 of 9

“the 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

צְרוּיָ֖ה3 of 9

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

עַל4 of 9
H5921

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

הַצָּבָ֑א5 of 9

“was over the host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וִיהֽוֹשָׁפָ֥ט6 of 9

“and Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

בֶּן7 of 9

“the 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

אֲחִיל֖וּד8 of 9

“of Ahilud”

H286

achilud, an israelite

מַזְכִּֽיר׃9 of 9

“was recorder”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

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 8:16 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 8:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 4:31 Chronicles 11:62 Samuel 19:132 Samuel 20:23-241 Chronicles 18:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 8 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes