8:3,4
David defeated the king of Zobah, striking down twenty thousand men and lots of chariots and charioteers. These were violent and bloody times. 1 Chron 28:3 tells us that God would not allow David to build a temple because he had too much blood on his hands.
8:5,6
The Arameans of Damascus came to help Zobah, but David struck down twenty two thousand of them. He established garrisons, brought tribute. The picture is of David establishing control over the whole area, going beyond the immediate borders of Israel.
8:7-10
David took more plunder from Hadadezer and twins belonging to him. Hadadezer had caused Tou, king of Hamath, much trouble having been at war with him. So when Tou heard that David had “defeated the entire army of Hadadezer” he was delighted. So he sent his son Joram to congratulate David, and sent gifts of gold, silver and bronze. When God’s people win victories it brings benefits to other people as well.
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