2 Samuel 8:14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
He placed garrisons in Edom
The term "garrisons" refers to military outposts or fortifications. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "נְצִיבִים" (netsivim), which indicates a strategic military presence. This action by David signifies not only a military conquest but also a means of maintaining control and influence over Edom. Historically, Edom was a neighboring nation to Israel, often in conflict with it. By placing garrisons, David ensured a continued dominance and peace in the region, reflecting his wisdom in governance and military strategy.

and all the Edomites became subject to David
The phrase "became subject" is translated from the Hebrew "וַיְהִי כָל־אֱדוֹם לַעֲבָדִים" (vayehi kol-Edom la'avadim), meaning they became servants or vassals. This indicates a complete subjugation and integration of Edom into David's kingdom. Historically, this was significant as Edom was a persistent adversary of Israel. The subjugation of Edom under David's rule fulfilled earlier prophecies and promises of Israel's dominance over its enemies, showcasing God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went
This phrase underscores the divine favor and providence that accompanied David's reign. The Hebrew word for "victory" is "יְשׁוּעָה" (yeshuah), which can also mean salvation or deliverance. This highlights that David's successes were not merely due to his military prowess but were gifts from the LORD. The consistent victories David experienced were a testament to God's covenantal promises and His active role in the history of Israel. This divine endorsement of David's kingship serves as an inspiration for believers, emphasizing the importance of aligning with God's will to experience His blessings and victories in life's endeavors.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, anointed by God, who expanded the kingdom and established a strong rule. His leadership is marked by military conquests and a heart after God.

2. Edom
A nation descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Historically, Edom had a contentious relationship with Israel. David's conquest of Edom signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to subdue Israel's enemies.

3. Garrisons
Military outposts established by David in Edom to maintain control and ensure peace. These garrisons symbolize the extension of David's influence and the security of his kingdom.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who grants David victory. This highlights the divine favor and support that underpins David's success.

5. Victory
The success and triumph that David experiences, attributed to the LORD's intervention and blessing. This victory is both military and spiritual, showcasing God's faithfulness to His promises.
Teaching Points
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
David's victories are attributed to the LORD, yet he actively engages in battle and leadership. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty while faithfully fulfilling their responsibilities.

Fulfillment of God's Promises
The subjugation of Edom is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Christians can find assurance in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His word.

Establishing God's Kingdom
David's establishment of garrisons in Edom reflects the expansion of God's kingdom. Believers are encouraged to be active participants in advancing God's kingdom through evangelism and discipleship.

Peace through Strength
The presence of garrisons ensured peace in Edom. Similarly, spiritual strength and vigilance are necessary for maintaining peace in our lives and communities.

Victory through Obedience
David's success was a result of his obedience to God. Christians are reminded that true victory comes through aligning with God's will and commands.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's conquest of Edom demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness in our lives?

2. In what ways can we balance trusting in God's sovereignty with taking personal responsibility in our daily walk with Him?

3. How can the concept of establishing "garrisons" be applied to our spiritual lives to ensure peace and security?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's victories about the importance of obedience to God in achieving success?

5. How can we actively participate in the expansion of God's kingdom in our communities and beyond, following David's example?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 25:23
The prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau, where God declares that the older (Esau/Edom) will serve the younger (Jacob/Israel). David's conquest of Edom fulfills this prophecy.

Psalm 60:8
A psalm attributed to David, where Edom is mentioned as a place of triumph. This reflects David's victories and God's sovereignty over the nations.

1 Chronicles 18:13
A parallel account of David's victories, emphasizing the LORD's role in granting success and establishing peace.
God's Preserving CareB. Dale 2 Samuel 8:14
David's Wars and VictoriesB. Dale 2 Samuel 8:1-14
David's Foreign WarsW. G. Blaikie, M. A.2 Samuel 8:1-18
The Victorious KingF. B. Meyer, B. A.2 Samuel 8:1-18
God Over ManPulpit Analyst2 Samuel 8:6-14
The Garrison of the GracesSpurgeon, Charles Haddon2 Samuel 8:6-14
People
Abiathar, Ahilud, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Aram, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Edomites, Hadadezer, Hadoram, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Joab, Joram, Kerethites, Moabites, Pelethites, Rehob, Seraiah, Syrians, Tebah, Toi, Tou, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Amalek, Aram, Berothai, Betah, Damascus, Edom, Euphrates River, Hamath, Israel, Jerusalem, Metheg-ammah, Moab, Valley of Salt, Zobah
Topics
Armed, David, David's, Edom, Edomites, E'domites, Forces, Garrisons, Helped, Overcome, Preserved, Putteth, Saveth, Servants, Stationed, Subject, Throughout, Victory, Wherever, Whithersoever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 8:14

     4207   land, divine gift
     5315   fortifications
     6634   deliverance

2 Samuel 8:1-14

     5087   David, reign of
     5366   king

2 Samuel 8:1-18

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

2 Samuel 8:13-15

     5088   David, character

Library
'More than Conquerors through Him'
'And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. 9. When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: 10. And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The King --Continued.
The second event recorded as important in the bright early years is the great promise of the perpetuity of the kingdom in David's house. As soon as the king was firmly established and free from war, he remembered the ancient word which said, "When He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there" (Deut. xii. 10, 11). His own ease rebukes him; he regards his tranquillity
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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