Bible Commentaries

With slight variations, this chapter is identical with 2 Samuel 8:1-18. It tells the story of David's victories over surrounding foes by which he made the boundaries of his kingdom secure, and put himself in position to increase his trading facilities. First, he dealt with the Philistines on the southwest, and then turned to the northeast, where he secured a position on the great river. The Edomites were defeated by Joab and Abishai, and so security and opportunity to trade were made certain.

In view of the desire of the king to build the Temple of God, this chapter is of special interest, as it shows how in all these wars David was amassing treasure with that end in view. The Moabites and the Syrians brought presents. Shields of gold and much brass were gathered from the cities and servants of Hadarezer. Vessels of gold and silver and brass were sent by Tou. All these things were dedicated to the Lord.

Thus through all the days of conflict, and notwithstanding the fact that he was not to be personally permitted to build, the desire to accomplish his purpose burned in his heart.

The story suggests to us the possibility of our helping very really the work of God to which, in some respects, we may not be permitted to put our hands. The passion of the heart may have been to go into the foreign field of service, and for some reason the way is blocked, evidently by God. The temptation is to think that therefore we are excluded from that work. Let us rather set ourselves to gather treasure for the work, and so keep the passion burning.