2 Samuel 8:4
2 Samuel 8:4 in Multiple Translations
David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.
And David took from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David hocked all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for a hundred chariots.
And David took from him one thousand, seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand footmen: and David had the leg-muscles of the horses cut, only keeping enough of them for a hundred war-carriages.
David captured from him 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses—except he saved enough for 100 chariots.
And Dauid tooke of them a thousand and seuen hundreth horsemen, and twenty thousande footemen, and Dauid destroyed all the charets, but he reserued an hundreth charets of them.
and David captureth from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and David destroyeth utterly the whole of the charioteers, only he leaveth of them a hundred charioteers.
David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. David hamstrung the chariot horses, but reserved enough of them for one hundred chariots.
And David took from him a thousand chariots , and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot -horses , but reserved of them for a hundred chariots.
And David took from him a thousand and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, and houghed all the chariot horses: and only reserved of them for one hundred chariots.
David’s army captured 1,700 of Hadadezer’s soldiers who rode on horses, and 20,000 of his other soldiers. They also crippled/hamstrung most of the horses that pulled the chariots, but they left/spared enough horses to pull 100 chariots.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 8:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 8:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֨ד
דָּוִ֜ד
מִמֶּ֗/נּוּ
אֶ֤לֶף
וּ/שְׁבַע
מֵאוֹת֙
פָּרָשִׁ֔ים
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
אֶ֖לֶף
אִ֣ישׁ
רַגְלִ֑י
וַ/יְעַקֵּ֤ר
דָּוִד֙
אֶת
כָּל
הָ/רֶ֔כֶב
וַ/יּוֹתֵ֥ר
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
מֵ֥אָה
רָֽכֶב
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֨ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִ֜ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
מִמֶּ֗/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
אֶ֤לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וּ/שְׁבַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
מֵאוֹת֙
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
פָּרָשִׁ֔ים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
N-mp
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Conj | Adj
אֶ֖לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
רַגְלִ֑י
raglîy
H7273
on foot
Adj
וַ/יְעַקֵּ֤ר
ʻâqar
H6131
to uproot
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/רֶ֔כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Art | N-ms
וַ/יּוֹתֵ֥ר
yâthar
H3498
to remain
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
מֵ֥אָה
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
רָֽכֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 8:4
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֨ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
דָּוִ֜ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
מִמֶּ֗/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
אֶ֤לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וּ/שְׁבַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
מֵאוֹת֙
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
פָּרָשִׁ֔ים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Conj | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
אֶ֖לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רַגְלִ֑י
raglîy
H7273
"on foot"
Adj
This word means on foot or a foot soldier, like when David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:51. It describes someone who travels or fights without a horse or vehicle.
Definition: 1) on foot 1a) man on foot, footman, foot soldier
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (on) foot(-man). See also: Exodus 12:37; 2 Samuel 10:6; Jeremiah 12:5.
וַ/יְעַקֵּ֤ר
ʻâqar
H6131
"to uproot"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hamstring means to cut or pluck up something, especially by the roots. In the Bible, it can also mean to exterminate or destroy something completely, like in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to pluck up, root up 1a) (Qal) to pluck up, root up 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked up Aramaic equivalent: a.qar (עֲקַר "be uprooted" H6132)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dig down, hough, pluck up, root up. See also: Genesis 49:6; 2 Samuel 8:4; Zephaniah 2:4.
דָּוִד֙
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/רֶ֔כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וַ/יּוֹתֵ֥ר
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
מִמֶּ֖/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
מֵ֥אָה
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
רָֽכֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 8:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 8:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 8:4
Context — David’s Triumphs
2David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.
3David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River.
4David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots.
5When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of their men. 6Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 11:6 | Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn up their chariots.” |
| 2 | Joshua 11:9 | Joshua treated them as the LORD had told him; he hamstrung their horses and burned up their chariots. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 18:4 | David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 10:26 | Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 17:16 | But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ |
| 6 | Psalms 20:7 | Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. |
| 7 | Psalms 33:16–17 | No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. |
2 Samuel 8:4 Summary
In 2 Samuel 8:4, David captures a large number of chariots, charioteers, and foot soldiers from King Hadadezer of Zobah, and he hamstrings the horses to prevent them from being used against him. This act shows David's trust in God for his victories, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 20:7. By following God's commands, like the one in Deuteronomy 17:16, David is able to experience great success and expansion of Israel's borders, as promised in Genesis 12:2-3. This verse reminds us to trust God for our own victories and to follow His commands, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David hamstring the horses in 2 Samuel 8:4?
David hamstrung the horses to prevent them from being used in battle against him in the future, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:4, and this act is also in line with God's command in Deuteronomy 17:16 to not accumulate horses for military might.
What is the significance of the number of chariots, charioteers, and foot soldiers captured by David?
The large number of chariots, charioteers, and foot soldiers captured by David in 2 Samuel 8:4 signifies the greatness of the victory God gave him over King Hadadezer of Zobah, demonstrating God's power and David's obedience to Him, as stated in 2 Samuel 8:6.
Why did David keep a hundred horses for the chariots?
David kept a hundred horses for the chariots, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:4, likely for his own use in battle or for other practical purposes, while still following God's command to not accumulate horses in excess, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:16.
How does this verse relate to the rest of 2 Samuel 8?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Samuel 8, which describes David's military campaigns and victories, showcasing God's faithfulness to him as he expanded Israel's borders, as promised in Genesis 12:2-3 and reiterated in Psalm 89:24.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from David's actions in this verse about trusting God for our victories?
- How does this verse demonstrate the power and sovereignty of God in the lives of believers, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 24:8?
- What role does obedience play in experiencing God's blessings and victories, as seen in David's life and in scriptures like Jeremiah 7:23?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of this verse to our own lives, trusting God for our daily needs and challenges, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:4
And David took from him a thousand [chariots], and seven hundred horsemen,.... "Chariots" are not in the text here, it is only 1700 "horsemen"; but it is supplied from 1 Chronicles 18:4; where the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:4
And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
Chariots; which word is fitly supplied out of , such substantives being oft understood in the Hebrew language, as . Seven hundred horsemen, or seven hundred companies of horsemen, i. e. in all seven thousand; as it is ; there being ten on each company, and each ten having a ruler or captain, . Or these seven hundred were the chief and the rulers of the rest, and the remaining six thousand three hundred were the common horsemen, subject to their commanders. Houghed, i.e. cut the sinews of their legs, that they might be useless for war. Compare . All the chariot horses, except the following reserve. Chariots are here put for chariot horses, as they are . David did this because he could not keep them for his own use, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
2 Samuel 8:4 And David took from him a thousand [chariots], and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot [horses], but reserved of them [for] an hundred chariots.Ver. 4. And David took from him a thousand chariots.] As 1 Chronicles 18:4. And the seven hundred horsemen were ranks of horsemen, ten in a rank, and so make seven thousand (ib.). Josephus saith that he slew five thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen. Of David’ s houghing the horses he maketh no mention, because it might seem to have been unwisely done, though in obedience to God’ s will, and according to Joshua’ s practice. It is well observed concerning Josephus, that writing the antiquities of his own nation with an intention to communicate them to others, he described them as stately as he could; and when he thought the simplicity of the Scripture did not suffice to the commendation of things done amongst his Hebrews, he either added or detracted from the holy history; and therefore he is to be read with discretion.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
(4) A thousand chariots.—The word chariots has evidently dropped out of the text here, but is rightly inserted, following the LXX. and 1 Chron.; 700 horsemen should also be changed to 7,000, in accordance with 1 Chron., this being a more fitting proportion to 20,000 infantry in the plains of Syria, and the difference being only in two dots over the letter marking the numeral in Hebrew. Houghed, i.e., hamstrung, to render them incapable of use in war. (Comp. Joshua 11:6; Joshua 11:9.) This is meant to apply not only to the chariot horses, but to all those of the cavalry. Whether David’s reservation of the number needed for 100 chariots was wrong or not, is not said. David probably felt the need of these horses as a means of more rapid communication with the distant parts of his increasing empire; yet this act may have been the entering wedge for Solomon’s direct violation of Deu 17:16, by sending to Egypt to “multiply horses to himself.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
Verse 4. A thousand chariots] It is strange that there were a thousand chariots, and only seven hundred horsemen taken, and twenty thousand foot. But as the discomfiture appears complete, we may suppose that the chariots, being less manageable, might be more easily taken, while the horsemen might, in general, make their escape. The infantry also seem to have been surrounded, when twenty thousand of them were taken prisoners. David houghed all the chariot horses] If he did so, it was both unreasonable and inhuman; for, as he had so complete a victory, there was no danger of these horses falling into the enemy's hands; and if he did not choose to keep them, which indeed the law would not permit, he should have killed them outright; and then the poor innocent creatures would have been put out of pain. But does the text speak of houghing horses at all? It does not. Let us hear; ויעקר דוד את כל הרכב vayeakker David eth col harecheb, And David disjointed all the chariots, except a hundred chariots which he reserved for himself. Now, this destruction of the chariots, was a matter of sound policy, and strict piety. God had censured those who trusted in chariots; piety therefore forbade David the use of them: and lest they should fall into the enemy's hands, and be again used against him, policy induced him to destroy them.
The Septuagint render the words nearly as I have done, καιπαρελυσεΔαυιδπανταταἁρματα. He kept however one hundred; probably as a sort of baggage or forage wagons.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:4
4. a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen] The Heb. text as it stands can only mean a thousand and seven hundred horsemen; but it seems best to follow the text of the LXX. and of 1 Chronicles 18:4 in reading a thousand chariots and seven thousand horsemen.houghed] Or hamstrung; disabled by cutting the back sinews of their hind legs. Cp. Joshua 11:6; Joshua 11:9. reserved] To grace his triumph.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:4
Seven hundred horsemen - It should be seven thousand, as in 1 Chronicles 18:4.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:4
4. Houghed all the chariot horses — Cut the tendons of the ham, or the sinews of the hinder hoofs — a practice of ancient warfare. See Joshua 11:6; Joshua 11:9.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 8:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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How Quickly We Turn Away by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging his unworthiness to stand in the pulpit and emphasizes his reliance on the righteousness of Jesus. He prays for the conviction |
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Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who |
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"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig |
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The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo |
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Five Elements of a Victorious Life by Jim Logan | In this video, the speaker shares his experiences with the Sue Indians and their spiritual beliefs. He recounts a story of a woman who was possessed by a spirit but was eventually |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 3 - What's in a Name by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not divorcing praise and worship from the proclamation of truth. He believes that it is the truth that gives substance to o |