Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Samuel Ch.8 / 24 Ch.s
2SA:8
* David subdues the Philistines, the Moabites, and the Syrians.
(1-8) The spoil dedicated. (9-14) David's government and
officers. (15-18)
#1-8. David subdued the Philistines. They had long been
troublesome to Israel. And after the long and frequent struggles
the saints have with the powers of darkness, like Israel with
the Philistines, the Son of David shall tread them all under
foot, and make the saints more than conquerors. He smote the
Moabites, and made them tributaries to Israel. Two parts he
destroyed, the third part he spared. The line that was to keep
alive, though it was but one, is ordered to be a full line. Let
the line of mercy be stretched to the utmost. He smote the
Syrians. In all these wars David was protected, for this in his
psalms he often gives glory to God.
#9-14 All the precious things David was master of, were
dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple.
The idols of gold David destroyed, #2Sa 5:21|, but the vessels
of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the
grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must
be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but
what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it
is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as
David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual
buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may
have the glory of all.
#15-18 David neither did wrong, nor denied or delayed right to
any. This speaks his close application to business; also his
readiness to admit all addresses and appeals made to him. He had
no respect of persons in judgment. Herein he was a type of
Christ. To Him let us submit, his friendship let us seek, his
service let us count our pleasure, diligently attending to the
work he assigns to each of us. David made his sons chief rulers;
but all believers, Christ's spiritual seed, are better
preferred, for they are made kings and priests to our God, #Re
1:6|.