2 Samuel 8

David's Triumphs

1Now after this it came about that David defeated the Philistines and subdued them; and David took control of the chief city from the hand of the Philistines.

2He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death and one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.

3Then David defeated Hadadezer, the son of Rehob king of Zobah, as he went to restore his rule at the River.

4David captured from him 1,700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers; and David hamstrung the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for 100 chariots.

5When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, king of Zobah, David killed 22,000 Arameans.

6Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus, and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute. And the Lord helped David wherever he went.

7David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

8From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a very large amount of bronze.

9Now when Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated all the army of Hadadezer,

10Toi sent Joram his son to King David to greet him and bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him; for Hadadezer had been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold and of bronze.

11King David also dedicated these to the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all the nations which he had subdued:

12from Aram and Moab and the sons of Ammon and the Philistines and Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

13So David made a name for himself when he returned from killing 18,000 Arameans in the Valley of Salt.

14He put garrisons in Edom. In all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. And the Lord helped David wherever he went.

15So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.

16Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.

17Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, and Seraiah was secretary.

18Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief ministers.