What does 2 Samuel 8:7 mean?
"And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem." - 2 Samuel 8:7
2 Samuel 8:7 - "And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem."
The Bible verse 2 Samuel 8:7 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem." This verse is found in the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel, which recounts the life and reign of King David.
In order to truly understand the significance of this verse, it is important to examine its context within the larger narrative of 2 Samuel. In the preceding verses, we see that David has been victorious in battle against the Philistines, Moabites, Amalekites, and the King of Zobah. In verse 7, we find David taking the shields of gold from the servants of Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, and bringing them to Jerusalem as spoils of war.
From a historical perspective, shields were an essential piece of ancient warfare equipment. They were used for defense, protecting soldiers from arrows, spears, and other incoming projectiles. In this verse, the shields of gold represent the wealth and strength of the defeated enemy, symbolizing David's military prowess and dominion over his enemies.
On a deeper level, this verse serves as a testament to David's success as a military leader. The act of taking the shields of gold not only demonstrates his triumph in battle but also signifies his authority and power as the king of Israel. Bringing the spoils of war to Jerusalem, the capital city, further solidifies David's position as a victorious and prosperous ruler.
In addition to its historical and political significance, this verse also holds spiritual and symbolic meaning. Throughout the Bible, gold is often associated with divine value, purity, and royalty. In this context, the shields of gold can be seen as a representation of the divine favor and blessing that David received in his conquests. The fact that David brought these valuable spoils to Jerusalem, the holy city, suggests his desire to honor and glorify God for his victories.
Furthermore, this verse points to the fulfillment of God's promises to David. In 2 Samuel 7, God made a covenant with David, promising to establish his kingdom forever and build a house for his name. The spoils of war, including the shields of gold, serve as a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness to David and his divine support in his reign as king.
From a theological perspective, the shields of gold can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual protection and provision that God offers to his people. Just as the shields protected soldiers in battle, God serves as our shield and refuge in times of trouble. David's act of taking the shields of gold serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and protection amid the challenges and conflicts we face in life.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 8:7 is a verse rich in historical, political, spiritual, and symbolic significance. It speaks to David's military triumph, divine favor, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It also serves as a reminder of God's provision and protection for his people. As we reflect on this verse, may we be encouraged by the example of David and trust in God as our ultimate shield and defender.
2 Samuel 8:7 Artwork
2 Samuel 8:7 - "And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem."
1 Samuel 8:7
1 Samuel 8:7 - "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."
1 Samuel 7:8 - "And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines."
2 Samuel 8:8 - "And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass."
2 Samuel 8:9 - "¶ When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,"
2 Samuel 8:15 - "And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people."
2 Samuel 5:7 - "Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David."
2 Samuel 7:8 - "Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:"
2 Samuel 8:16 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;"
2 Samuel 7:4 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,"
2 Samuel 22:8 - "Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth."
2 Samuel 2:8 - "¶ But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;"
2 Samuel 8:17 - "And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;"
2 Samuel 8:18 - "And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers."
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 10:7 - "And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men."
1 Samuel 2:7 - "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
2 Samuel 14:8 - "And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee."
2 Samuel 8:12 - "Of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king of Zobah."
2 Samuel 8:3 - "¶ David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates."
2 Samuel 8:13 - "And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men."
2 Samuel 7:13 - "He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."
2 Samuel 8:5 - "And when the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men."
2 Samuel 7:2 - "That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains."
1 Samuel 8:2 - "Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba."
1 Samuel 7:15 - "And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."
2 Samuel 1:8 - "And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I answered him, I am an Amalekite."
2 Samuel 7:17 - "According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David."