Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
2 Samuel 8:1
CHAPTER VIII
David subdues the Philistines, 1;
and the Moabites, 2;
and the king of Zobah, 3, 4;
and the Syrians in general, 5-8.
Toi, king of Hamath, sends to congratulate him on his victories
over the king of Zobah, and sends him rich presents, 9-10.
David dedicates all the spoils to God, 11-13.
He garrisons Edom, 14;
and reigns over all Israel, 15.
An account of his chief officers, 16-18.
NOTES ON CHAP. VIII
Verse 2 Samuel 8:1. David took Metheg-ammah] This is variously translated. The Vulgate has, Tulit David fraenum tributi, David removed the bondage of the tribute, which the Israelities paid to the Philistines. Some think it means a fortress, city, or strong town; but no such place as Metheg-ammah is known. Probably the Vulgate is nearest the truth. The versions are all different. See the following comparison of the principal passages here collated with the parallel place in 1 Chr: -
2 Samuel 8:1 - David took Methegammah
1 Chronicles 18:1 - David took Gath and her towns.
2 Samuel 8:3. David smote Hadadezer
1 Chronicles 18:3, 1 Chronicles 18:3. David smote Hadarezer
2 Samuel 8:4. And David took from him 1000 and 700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot.
1 Chronicles 18:4, 1 Chronicles 18:4. And David took from him 1000 chariots, and 7000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot.
2 Samuel 8:6. Then David put garrisons in Syria
1 Chronicles 18:6. Then David put in Syria
2 Samuel 8:8. And from Betah and Berothai cities of Hadadezer.
1 Chronicles 18:8, 1 Chronicles 18:8. And from Tibhath and Chun cities of Hadarezer.
2 Samuel 8:9. When Toi heard that David had smitten Hadadezer
1 Chronicles 18:9, 1 Chronicles 18:9. When Tou heard that David had smitten Hadarezer
2 Samuel 8:10. Then Toi sent Joram his son
1 Chronicles 18:10, 1 Chronicles 18:10. He sent Hadoram his son
2 Samuel 8:12 - Syria and Moab
1 Chronicles 18:11 - Edom and Moab
2 Samuel 8:13. - Syrians, in the valley of salt, 18,000
1 Chronicles 18:12. - Edomites, in the valley of salt, 18,000
2 Samuel 8:17 - Ahimelech - and Seraiah was the scribe.
1 Chronicles 18:16, 1 Chronicles 18:16 - Abimelech - and Shausha was scribe.
2 Samuel 10:16. Shobach the captain
1 Chronicles 19:16, 1 Chronicles 19:16. Shophach the captain
2 Samuel 10:17. David passed over Jordan, and came הלאמה to Helam.
1 Chronicles 19:17. David passed over Jordan and came אלהם upon them
2 Samuel 10:18. David slew 700 chariots of the Syrians,
1 Chronicles 19:18, 1 Chronicles 19:18. David slew of the Syrians 7000 chariots,
2Sa. and 40,000 horsemen;
1Ch. and 40,000 footmen;
2Sa. and smote Shobach, c.
1Ch. and killed Shophach, c.