2Sa 8:1 | KingComments | STEP | It is good to see David sitting on the throne in this chapter. Yet it does not reach the scene of the previous chapter, where we saw David sitting before the LORD. As believers, we are destined to sit on thrones. But it is better to get off these thrones, to prostrate ourselves at the feet of the Redeemer and throw down our crowns there. Just as sitting in the LORD’s presence is the high point of David’s life, so is our high point that we prostrate ourselves before Him. Worshiping is greater than reigning. In this chapter we see David as the man of faith. He breaks the power of the enemy and takes his goods. He also makes preparations for the government of peace and prosperity of his son Solomon. We also see him as the picture of the Lord Jesus, the King of Zion, Who gains the victory over the enemies of Israel and Who gives His people the possession of the promised land right up to the Euphrates ( ). David rules over all Israel and exercises justice and righteousness over all the people. Those who have shared his wanderings now also share in the glory of his kingdom. In everything we see a picture of the reign of Christ. David successively overcomes the Philistines, the Moabites, the king of Zobah, the Arameans and the Edomites. He also deals with the Ammonites and the Amalekites. All these enemies represent sin in its many manifestations. All these manifestations are as many enemies who want to have influence in our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God described in Ephesians 6 is given to us ( ). If we put it on, without forgetting a part, we can stand and be victors. “Now after” means that there is a link with the foregoing. After the house of David in the previous chapter, in this chapter comes his kingdom. When the house is established, there is also strength to fight. David has been in the sanctuary and is now coming outside to gain victories. We can overcome enemies by the Spirit. The Lord Jesus has conquered the world and we can do so in the power of His Spirit. The first enemies David defeats are the Philistines. Samson was long ago the man who had been told he would begin to defeat the Philistines ( ), but Samson himself was defeated by them. The same goes for Saul. David has already begun to defeat the Philistines ( ) and is now completing his work. This brings to an end a long period in which the people of God were delivered into the power of the Philistines. Taking control of “the chief city” – by which is probably meant Gath – seems to be an act that is symbolic for the breaking of the power of the Philistines. Now he exercises his influence on the Philistines and subdues them.

‏ 2 Samuel 8:1

Introduction

It is good to see David sitting on the throne in this chapter. Yet it does not reach the scene of the previous chapter, where we saw David sitting before the LORD. As believers, we are destined to sit on thrones. But it is better to get off these thrones, to prostrate ourselves at the feet of the Redeemer and throw down our crowns there. Just as sitting in the LORD’s presence is the high point of David’s life, so is our high point that we prostrate ourselves before Him. Worshiping is greater than reigning.

In this chapter we see David as the man of faith. He breaks the power of the enemy and takes his goods. He also makes preparations for the government of peace and prosperity of his son Solomon.

We also see him as the picture of the Lord Jesus, the King of Zion, Who gains the victory over the enemies of Israel and Who gives His people the possession of the promised land right up to the Euphrates (Gen 15:18). David rules over all Israel and exercises justice and righteousness over all the people. Those who have shared his wanderings now also share in the glory of his kingdom. In everything we see a picture of the reign of Christ.

David successively overcomes the Philistines, the Moabites, the king of Zobah, the Arameans and the Edomites. He also deals with the Ammonites and the Amalekites. All these enemies represent sin in its many manifestations. All these manifestations are as many enemies who want to have influence in our lives. The Lord wants to give us the strength to overcome those enemies. The armor of God described in Ephesians 6 is given to us (Eph 6:10-18). If we put it on, without forgetting a part, we can stand and be victors.

David Beats the Philistines

“Now after” means that there is a link with the foregoing. After the house of David in the previous chapter, in this chapter comes his kingdom. When the house is established, there is also strength to fight. David has been in the sanctuary and is now coming outside to gain victories. We can overcome enemies by the Spirit. The Lord Jesus has conquered the world and we can do so in the power of His Spirit.

The first enemies David defeats are the Philistines. Samson was long ago the man who had been told he would begin to defeat the Philistines (Jdg 13:5), but Samson himself was defeated by them. The same goes for Saul. David has already begun to defeat the Philistines (2Sam 5:17-25) and is now completing his work. This brings to an end a long period in which the people of God were delivered into the power of the Philistines. Taking control of “the chief city” – by which is probably meant Gath – seems to be an act that is symbolic for the breaking of the power of the Philistines. Now he exercises his influence on the Philistines and subdues them.