2 Samuel 8 - David's Military Victories | Bible Podcast, David Alley, Peace Christian Church

In this video listen to 2 Samuel Chapter 8, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.

In 2 Samuel Chapter 8 we have an outline of how David defeated all the enemies of Israel, but its a summary chapter, not giving any sense of how long it took, or what order. But his victories are comprehensive over the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Syrians, and more. The Philistines were such a major threat to Israel for so long, but from David on, they are never a problem for Israel again. Today we get the name Palestine from the Philistines.

David also cuts the Moabite army by two-thirds, which seems overly forceful. According to Jewish tradition, David’s parents were killed in Moab after David trusted them to the King, and some think this is why he seems to have changed his attitude to Moab from earlier. When attacking King Hadadezer of Zobab, he hamstrung many horses. In Deuteronomy 17:16 it says the king should not acquire many horses. David follows this command.

But Solomon later does not. Just as David struck down all his enemies, so Christ. Colososians 2:15 says Christ led his enemies in triumph, and humiliated them. David’s victories are symbolic of greater victories in the heavenlies. At the end of the chapter is a short list of special positions in David's system. The Cherethites and the Pelethites were David’s bodyguard, special soldiers that seem to have come from elsewhere, but were highly loyal.

We too have been brought into the Lord’s army to show him loyalty. You are called to be a Cherethite and Pelethite for Christ… his bodyguard, someone who will defend Christ.