King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 8:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 8:2 in the King James Version says “And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to pu... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 8:2 · KJV


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

4

And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen : and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots. from: or, of his. chariots: as 1.Chr.18.4


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 21 words
וַיַּ֣ךְ1 of 21

And he smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת2 of 21
H853

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

מוֹאָב֙3 of 21

And so the Moabites

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וַיְמַדֵּ֤ד4 of 21

and measured

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

הַחֶ֖בֶל5 of 21

line

H2256

ruin

הַשְׁכֵּ֣ב6 of 21

casting them down

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אוֹתָ֣ם7 of 21
H853

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

אַ֔רְצָה8 of 21

to the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיְמַדֵּ֤ד9 of 21

and measured

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

שְׁנֵֽי10 of 21

even with two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַחֶ֖בֶל11 of 21

line

H2256

ruin

לְהָמִ֔ית12 of 21

he to put to death

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וּמְלֹ֥א13 of 21

and with one full

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

הַחֶ֖בֶל14 of 21

line

H2256

ruin

לְהַֽחֲי֑וֹת15 of 21

to keep alive

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וַתְּהִ֤י16 of 21
H1961

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

מוֹאָב֙17 of 21

And so the Moabites

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

לְדָוִ֔ד18 of 21

became David's

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לַֽעֲבָדִ֖ים19 of 21

servants

H5650

a servant

נֹֽשְׂאֵ֥י20 of 21

and brought

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִנְחָֽה׃21 of 21

gifts

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)


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 8:2 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 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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