“Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Which in 2 Sam. 8:1 , is called the bridle of bondage, because it was a strong town, and kept the country round about in subjection.
“And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen : David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots. seven: or, seven hundred”
Cross references: : 2 Sam. 8:4
“Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus ; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.”
Or, Darmesek. That is, in all things that he enterprised.
“Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. Tibhath: called in the book of Samuel Betah, and Berothai”
Which in 2 Sam. 8:8 , are called Betah and Berothai. 1 Kings 7:23 ; Jer. 52:20
“He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and smitten him; (for Hadarezer had war with Tou;) and with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass. Hadoram: also called, Joram to enquire: or, to salute to congratulate: Heb. to bless had war: Heb. was the man of wars”
Called also Joram, 2 Sam. 8:10 .
“Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.”
Because the Edomites and the Syrians joined their power together, it is said, 2 Sam. 8:12 , that the Aramites were spoiled.
“Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand. Abishai: Heb. Abshai”
Which is understood that Joab slew twelve thousand, as is in the title of the threescore Psalm and Abishai the rest.
“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king. about: Heb. at the hand of the king”
2 Sam. 8:17 , 18 Read 2 Sam. 8:18 .