2 Samuel 8:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 8:1-8

God had given David rest from all his enemies that opposed him and made head against him; and he having made a good use of that rest, has now commission given him to make war upon them, and to act offensively for the avenging of Israel's quarrels and the recovery of their rights; for as yet they were not in full possession of that country to which by the promise of God they were entitled. I. He quite subdued the Philistines, 2 Sam. 8:1. They had attacked him when they thought him weak (2 Sam.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 8:7

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer ,.... That were found with them, which they had in their hands; these must be supposed to be with the principal officers of his army; or golden chains, as Aquila, or golden bracelets on their arms, as the Septuagint; the Syriac version is "quivers of gold", such as they put arrows into, and so Jarchi and R. Isaiah understand it of such, and refer to Jeremiah 51:11 ; and so Josephus F18 Ut supra, (Antiqu. l. 7. c.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 8:7

David took the shields of gold - We know not what these were. Some translate arms, others quivers, others bracelets, others collars, and others shields. They were probably costly ornaments by which the Syrian soldiers were decked and distinguished. And those who are called servants here, were probably the choice troops or body-guard of Hadadezer, as the argyraspides were of Alexander the Great. See Quintus Curtius. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 8:1-14

( 1 Chronicles 18:1-13 ). ( JERUSALEM .) David's wars and victories. Summary (3) The Ammonites ( 2 Samuel 8:12 ; 2 Samuel 10:1-19 .). (10) The Edomites, in league with (11) the Amalekites ( 2 Samuel 10:12 ) and others, threatening to render previous victories fruitless, overcome (in a third campaign) by Abishai and by Joab ( 2 Samuel 10:13 , 2 Samuel 10:14 ; 1 Chronicles 18:12 ; 1 Kings 11:15 ; Psalms 60:1-12 ; inscription). "David himself came at the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 8:1-18

The historic mirror. The narrative relates a succession of victories and conquests over the Philistines, the Moabites, the Zobahites, the Syrians, the Ammonites, the Amalekites, and the Edomites; the placing of garrisons in Syria and Edom; the voluntary recognition of David's supremacy by the King of Hamath; the military, ecclesiastical, and civil appointments of the kingdom; the dedication of treasure won in conquest and diplomacy to the service of God; the maintenance of a righteous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 8:7

Shields of gold. Probably they were plated with gold, and were borne by Hadarezer's bodyguard. But it is very uncertain whether shields are really meant. The word in Syriac means "quivers." Jerome evidently could not at first find out what it signified, as he in this place translates in the Vulgate "arms," but subsequently he became better, informed. The LXX . renders "bracelets," and adds that they were carried away from Jerusalem by Shishak in the days of Rehoboam. There is no... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 8:7

2 Samuel 8:7. The shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer It hath been the practice of many princes to make the arms of their soldiers ornamental and precious, partly from the love of splendour and magnificence, and partly to influence the courage of those, that carried them: since nothing else could secure them from becoming a property and a prey to the enemy. Some think, however, the meaning here is, Which were with the servants; that is, committed to their custody, as... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 8:1-18

Click image for full-size versionDavid’s military victories (8:1-18)To emphasize that God was strengthening the royal house of David according to his promise, the writer gives a summary of David’s military victories. David conquered the Philistines and the Moabites (8:1-2; 1 Chronicles 18:1-2), then expanded north across the Syrian (Aramean) state of Zobah and even took control of the central Syrian province based on Damascus (3-8).Another Syrian state, Hamath, submitted to David without a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 8:7

shields . Septuagint reads "bracelets". read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 8:7

2 Samuel 8:7. The shields of gold— See Solomon's Song, chap. 2 Samuel 4:4. Note; (1.) The enemies of God's church may associate themselves, but they shall be broken to pieces. (2.) Better to be relied on than shields of gold, is God, the shield and the defence of every spiritual Israelite. read more

Group of Brands