2 Samuel 8 5

2 Samuel 8:5 kjv

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

2 Samuel 8:5 nkjv

When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed twenty-two thousand of the Syrians.

2 Samuel 8:5 niv

When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them.

2 Samuel 8:5 esv

And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians.

2 Samuel 8:5 nlt

When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them.

2 Samuel 8 verses

2 Samuel 8 5 Meaning

2 Samuel 8:5 recounts a significant military engagement where the Aramean forces from Damascus came to assist Hadadezer, the powerful king of Zobah, in battle against David. Despite this reinforcement, David inflicted a crushing defeat, killing twenty-two thousand Syrian soldiers. This verse underscores David's growing military dominance, his kingdom's expansion, and the divine assistance that empowered his victories.

2 Samuel 8 5 Context

This verse falls within 2 Samuel Chapter 8, which provides a concise summary of David's military victories and the establishment of his kingdom. Following his anointing as king over all Israel (2 Sam 5), David consolidated his power by capturing Jerusalem (2 Sam 5) and defeating the Philistines (2 Sam 5). Chapter 7 presents God's covenant with David, promising an enduring dynasty. Chapter 8 then details the fulfillment of this covenant's promise of victory and expansion. Verse 5 specifically focuses on David's significant confrontation with the powerful Aramean coalition led by Hadadezer of Zobah, an important regional adversary, and their allies from Damascus. This victory over a formidable foreign power illustrates God's faithfulness to David and establishes Israel's dominion over surrounding territories, contributing to the boundaries outlined in ancient promises.

2 Samuel 8 5 Word analysis

• And when the Syrians of Damascus: This refers to אֲרַם דַּמֶּשֶׂק (Aram Dammeseq), literally "Aram of Damascus." Aram was a significant regional power, and Damascus was a major Aramean city-state. Their intervention signifies a large, formidable allied force. It shows Hadadezer's extensive network and the scale of the threat David faced.

• came to succour: From the Hebrew root עזר ('azar), meaning "to help," "to assist," "to support." In this military context, it means to come as reinforcement or aid in battle. The term highlights the specific purpose of the Damascus contingent: to bolster Hadadezer's forces against David.

• Hadadezer: From the Hebrew הֲדַדְעֶזֶר (Hadad'ezer), meaning "Hadad is help" or "Hadad is my help." Hadad (also known as Adad) was a prominent Aramean and Canaanite storm and thunder god, a major deity in their pantheon. The king's name itself reflects a theological reliance on a false god for strength and assistance, setting up an implicit polemic where the help of "Hadad" utterly fails against David, whom Yahweh empowers.

• king of Zobah: Zobah (צוֹבָה - Tsovah) was one of the most powerful and influential Aramean kingdoms at this time, often competing with Damascus for regional dominance. Its king's leadership over the coalition emphasizes the military significance of this engagement.

• David slew: The Hebrew וַיַּךְ דָּוִד (vayach David) implies a decisive and violent striking or defeating. It indicates David's direct and forceful role in the victory, enabled by divine power. This is not just a skirmish but a total routing.

• of the Syrians: Specifically, these were the forces from Damascus who came to help, showing the complete destruction of the reinforcing army.

• two and twenty thousand men: Hebrew עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁנַיִם אֶלֶף אִישׁ ('esrim u'shnayim 'elef 'ish), literally "twenty-two thousand men." This large number signifies an overwhelming victory for David and suggests that God was undeniably fighting for him. In ancient Near Eastern battle accounts, large numbers often emphasize the magnitude of divine intervention and the glory of the victor, demonstrating absolute domination over a formidable enemy.

• Words-group by words-group analysis

  • "When the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah": This phrase details the powerful alliance that converged against David. It sets the scene of a formidable foe, showing Hadadezer was not isolated but could summon substantial regional aid. This portrays the high stakes of the battle, highlighting that David was not fighting small tribes but significant kingdoms.
  • "David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men": This declares the decisive and crushing outcome. The vast number of casualties demonstrates the completeness of David's victory and Yahweh's superiority over any pagan deity, directly challenging the notion that "Hadad" could offer effective help. It emphasizes the extent of God-given triumph and David's growing regional power.

2 Samuel 8 5 Bonus section

The scale of David's victory over Zobah and Damascus, resulting in 22,000 casualties, represents not just a military conquest but a major shift in geopolitical power in the ancient Near East. Prior to David, Zobah was a significant regional hegemon, even mentioned as reaching as far as the Euphrates. David's triumph brought this vast territory under Israelite control, expanding the boundaries of the promised land more fully than any previous leader. This victory would secure Israel's northern border and open trade routes, further solidifying the nation's strength and prosperity under David's reign. The repeated accounts of overwhelming enemy losses in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18 serve to underscore the divine favor on David and to build confidence in Yahweh's power to fulfill His promises to Israel.

2 Samuel 8 5 Commentary

2 Samuel 8:5 portrays a pivotal moment in David's military campaigns, highlighting God's direct hand in establishing his kingdom. The decisive victory over the combined forces of Zobah and Damascus, potent Aramean powers, goes beyond mere military strategy; it reveals Yahweh's covenant faithfulness and overwhelming power. The king of Zobah's very name, Hadadezer ("Hadad is my help"), serves as a potent theological counterpoint. The utter defeat of his forces, even with allied support, proclaims that the pagan god Hadad offers no help against the God of Israel. This narrative implicitly teaches reliance not on worldly alliances or the strength of human forces, but on God alone for victory. It demonstrates how God establishes and expands His kingdom through chosen leaders, granting overwhelming triumph against even the most formidable adversaries. It signifies the fulfilling of the ancient promises of land and dominion, extending Israel's influence significantly.