Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 8:9
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Toi was a Syrian king who lived during the time of King David, and is mentioned in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. His name means 'wander'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.9; father of: Joram (H3141); also called Tou at 1Ch.18.9,10; § Toi or Tou = "wander" king of Hamath in the time of David
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Toi, Tou. See also: 2 Samuel 8:9; 1 Chronicles 18:9; 1 Chronicles 18:10.
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Hamath is an ancient city in Syria, mentioned in 2 Kings as a key location. It was a major city in the region, known for its fortress.
Definition: § Hamath = "fortress" the principle city of upper Syria in the valley of the Orontes
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Hamath, Hemath. See also: Numbers 13:21; 1 Chronicles 18:9; Isaiah 10:9.
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
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.
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.
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.
This word refers to a strong wall or fortress that protects a city or a group of people. It is used in the Bible to talk about armies, walls, and other kinds of strong defenses, and is translated as 'army', 'rampart', or 'wall'.
Definition: 1) rampart, fortress, wall 1a) rampart 1b) fortress Also means: che.lah (חֵילָה "bulwark" H2430)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: army, bulwark, host, [phrase] poor, rampart, trench, wall. See also: 2 Samuel 8:9; 2 Chronicles 26:13; Psalms 10:10.
Hadadezer was a Syrian king who ruled over Zobah, and his name means Hadad is help. He was defeated by David's army, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:3, and was the son of Rehob.
Definition: A man of Zobah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.3; son of: Rehob (H7340I) § Hadadezer = "Hadad is help" son of Rehob, a king of Syria-Zobah defeated by David's army
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Hadadezer. Compare H1928 (הֲדַרְעֶזֶר). See also: 2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Kings 11:23; 1 Chronicles 19:19.
Context — David’s Triumphs
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
1 Kings 8:65 |
So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all. |
| 2 |
2 Chronicles 8:4 |
He built Tadmor in the wilderness, in addition to all the store cities that he had built in Hamath. |
| 3 |
1 Chronicles 18:9 |
When King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer king of Zobah, |
| 4 |
Amos 6:2 |
Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to the great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours? |
2 Samuel 8:9 Summary
This verse tells us that King Toi of Hamath heard about David's big win over Hadadezer's army. King Toi was so impressed that he sent his son to congratulate David and bring him some nice gifts, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:10. This shows that David was becoming a well-known and respected leader, not just in his own country but in other nations too (like in Genesis 12:3). It's a reminder that when we trust and follow God, He can use us to do great things and make a big impact on the world around us, just like He did with David.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was King Toi of Hamath and why is he important in this verse?
King Toi of Hamath was a king who heard about David's victory over Hadadezer, and he responded by sending his son to greet and bless David, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:9-10. This shows that David's reputation as a strong leader was spreading to other nations, similar to what is written in Genesis 12:3, where God promises that Abraham's name will be great among the nations.
What can we learn from King Toi's response to David's victory?
King Toi's response shows that he recognized David's strength and authority, and he sought to make peace with him, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:10. This can teach us the importance of humility and recognizing the authority of those God has placed in leadership, as written in Romans 13:1-2.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of David's life and reign?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of David's military campaigns and victories, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:1-14. It shows how David's power and influence were growing, and how he was becoming a dominant force in the region, similar to what is written in 1 Samuel 18:13-14.
What can we learn from David's interactions with other kings and nations?
David's interactions with other kings and nations, such as King Toi of Hamath, show that he was a skilled diplomat and leader who was able to navigate complex international relationships, as seen in 1 Kings 5:1-12. This can teach us the importance of wisdom and discernment in our own relationships with others, as written in Proverbs 24:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can recognize and respond to the authority and influence of those God has placed in leadership in my own life?
- How can I cultivate humility and a willingness to make peace with others, even if we have been at odds in the past?
- What are some ways that I can use my own influence and authority to bless and serve others, as King Toi sought to do by sending his son to greet and bless David?
- How can I trust God to work through my own strengths and weaknesses to accomplish His purposes, just as He did through David's life and reign?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:9
When Toi king of Hamath,.... Which was another small kingdom in Syria, perhaps lately erected to defend themselves against Hadadezer, and this the first king of it, at least the first we hear of; his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, Toi king of Hamath - Coele-Syria. Northwards it extended to the city Hamath, on the Orontes, which was the capital of the country.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:9
Hamath; another eminent city of Syria.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:9
2 Samuel 8:9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,Ver. 9. When Toi king of Hamath.] Called afterwards Antiochia, as the Chaldee Paraphrast hath it, of King Antiochus; as Methegammah or Gath, was called Diocaesarea.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:9
(9) Toi king of Hamath.—The Vatican LXX. has the name, in accordance with Chron., Tau. Hamath, the capital of the kingdom of the same name, was situated on the Orontes. According to 1 Chronicles 18:3. David’s victory was on the borders of this kingdom. It was tributary to Solomon (1 Kings 4:24, 2 Chronicles 8:3-4), subsequently became independent, and was recovered by Jeroboam II. (2 Kings 14:28), and was finally captured by Assyria (2 Kings 19:13). It is described as “the great” by Amos (6:2), and a considerable town still occupies its site.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:9
Verse 9. Toi king of Hamath] Hamath is supposed to be the famous city of Emesa, situated on the Orontes, in Syria. This was contiguous to Hadadezer; and led him to wage war with Toi, that he might get possession of his territories. For a comparison of the 10th verse, see 1 Chronicles 18:9.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:9
9–12. Congratulatory embassy from Toi king of Hamath 9. Toi] The Sept. agrees with Chr. in reading his name Toü. Hamath] A kingdom north of Zobah, with a capital of the same name situated on the Orontes. Hamath was one of the kingdoms which were tributary to Solomon, who built cities there (1 Kings 4:24; 2 Chronicles 8:4). After his death it regained its independence until Jeroboam II. recovered it (2 Kings 14:28). A century later it is reckoned among the conquests of Assyria (2 Kings 19:13). The epithet “great,” applied to the city by Amos (ch. 2 Samuel 6:2), attests its importance. A considerable town, retaining the name of Hamah, still occupies the site.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:9
Hamath - This appears as an independent kingdom so late as the time of Senacherib Isaiah 37:13. But in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, both Hamath and Arpad appear to have been incorporated in the kingdom of Damascus Jeremiah 49:23.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:9
9. Hamath — A very ancient city of Syria situated on the Orontes river, about sixty miles southeast of Antioch. See on Numbers 13:21, and Joshua 13:5. Its king was glad to have David for an ally.