David conquers surrounding nations

2 Samuel Chapter 8

David conquered Gath, the Philistines largest city and also the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row and measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became his servants and brought him tribute money.

David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah who marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River and David captured seventeen hundred charioteers and twenty thousand foot soldiers and crippled all but one hundred of the horses.

When the Arameans from Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David killed twenty thousand of them. Then he placed army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the people there became David's subjects. So the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went and he brought back gold shields of Hadadezer's officers and large amounts of bronze.

When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the army of Hadadezer, he sent his son Joram to congratulate David. Hadadezer and Toi had long been enemies. Joram gave David many fine gifts of silver, gold and bronze. King David dedicated all the gifts to the Lord along with all the other gifts he had gotten from subdued kingdoms. And King David became very famous. And he destroyed eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt and placed garrisons throughout Edom.

David reigned over all Israel and was fair to everyone. Joab son of Zeruiah was his commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah was the court secretary. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king's bodyguard. David's sons served as priestly leaders.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW:The tributes given to David were a tax levied on conquered nations. The tax helped to support Israel's government and demonstrated that the conquered nation was under Israel's control.
David reigned fairly and everyone trusted him. Why was it good for David to pursue justice? 1. it was God's command (Deuteronomy 16:18-20) and in keeping with his character (Deuteronomy 34:4). God's laws were to establish a just society. 2. it was in the nation's best interest because times would arise when each individual would need justice. Justice should characterize the way you relate to people.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? David did not just go and slaughter other nations at random. He had a covenant with God that his enemies would be defeated and no longer oppress his nation. God fulfilled his promise. He fulfills any promise that he makes to you in these times too. Be like David and don't try to become popular to gain praise from people. Praise from people is not important. Do what God expects from you and both God and other people will respect you.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby, but now an issue in her lungs has arisen and she may face more surgery. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed for her and her family too.
Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing.
Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly.
Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.