2 Samuel – Chapter 8

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

2 Samuel 8 opens with the words: "And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of tribute out of the…" David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of tribute out of the hand of the Philistines,

2And he defeated Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the earth: and he measured with two lines, one to put to death, and one to save alive: and Moab was made to serve David under tribute.

3David defeated also Adarezer the son of Rohob king of Soba, when he went to extend his dominion over the river Euphrates.

4And David took from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and houghed all the chariot horses: and only reserved of them for one hundred chariots.

5And the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Adarezer the king of Soba: and David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

6And David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and Syria served David under tribute, and the Lord preserved David in all his enterprises, whithersoever he went.

7And David took the arms of gold, which the servants of Adarezer wore and brought them to Jerusalem.

8And out of Bete, and out of Beroth, cities of Adarezer, king David took and exceeding great quantity of brass.

9And Thou the king of Emath heard that David had defeated all the forces of Adarezer.

10And Thou sent Joram his son to king David, to salute him, and to congratulate with him, and to return him thanks: because he had fought against Adarezer, and had defeated him. For Thou was an enemy to Adarezer, and in his hand were vessels of gold, and vessels of silver, and vessels of brass:

11And king David dedicated them to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all the nations, which he had subdued:

12Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalec, and of the spoils of Adarezer the son of Rohob king of Soba.

13David also made himself a name, when he returned after taking Syria in the valley of the saltpits, killing eighteen thousand:

14And he put guards in Edom, and placed there a garrison: and all Edom was made to serve David: and the Lord preserved David in all enterprises he went about.

15And David reigned over all Israel: and David did judgment and justice to all his people.

16And Joab the son Sarvia was over the army: and Josaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:

17And Sadoc the son of Achitob, and Achimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests: and Saraias was the scribe:

18And Banaias the son of Joiada was over the Cerethi and Phelethi: and the sons of David were the princes.

Important Verses in 2 Samuel 8

And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of tribute out of the hand of the Philistines,

2 Samuel 8:1

And David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and Syria served David under tribute, and the Lord preserved David in all his enterprises, whithersoever he went.

2 Samuel 8:6

And king David dedicated them to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all the nations, which he had subdued:

2 Samuel 8:11

And he put guards in Edom, and placed there a garrison: and all Edom was made to serve David: and the Lord preserved David in all enterprises he went about.

2 Samuel 8:14

Historical Context

2 Samuel addresses israel, taught that even great kings stand under God's law and mercy within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 8 of 24 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of…" It concludes: "And Banaias the son of Joiada was over the Cerethi and Phelethi: and the sons of David were the princes. " The wider setting of 2 Samuel is this: Second Samuel chronicles David's forty-year reign: the capture of Jerusalem, the bringing of the Ark, God's covenant promise of an everlasting dynasty (2 Sam 7), and David's grave sins and repentance. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

Who Wrote It

Court traditions compiled by inspired editors, drawing on records of Nathan and Gad

When It Was Written

Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile

Catholic Commentary

This chapter traces lines of descent that connect earlier promises to later figures in salvation history. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of tribute out of the hand of the…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1988). Here, the promise to David finds fulfillment in Christ, Son of David (CIC 437-439). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God establishes an eternal kingdom. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Samuel 8 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.

People in This Chapter

David20 mentions

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents 2 Samuel Chapter 8 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the promise to David finds fulfillment in Christ, Son of David (CIC 437-439). The passage calls believers to grasp that God establishes an eternal kingdom.

Let 2 Samuel Chapter 8 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Samuel Chapter 8 about?

2 Samuel 8 contains 18 verses. It opens with "And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of…" and closes with "And Banaias the son of Joiada was over the Cerethi and Phelethi: and the sons of David were the princes. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Samuel 8?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of tribute out of the hand of the Philistines," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Samuel Chapter 8?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote 2 Samuel and when?

Court traditions compiled by inspired editors, drawing on records of Nathan and Gad. Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

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