Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 8:6
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
6. garrisons ] Military posts to secure the country. Some render the word officers for the collection of the tribute, but the E. V. is probably right. Cp. note on 1Sa 10:5.
brought gifts ] See note on 2Sa 8:2.
preserved ] Or saved, as in ch. 2Sa 3:18, 2Sa 22:3-4.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Garrisons – The word is used for officers in 1Ki 4:5, 1Ki 4:19, and some think that that is its meaning here. Perhaps, however, it is best to take it with the King James Version in the same sense as in 1Sa 10:5; 1Sa 13:3.
Brought gifts – Rather, tribute (and in 2Sa 8:2); meaning they became subject and tributary.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Sa 8:6-14
And David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus.
The garrison of the graces
He that buildeth a ship doth not make his work of such a sort that it may avoid all waves and billows, that is impossible; but he so builds it that it may be tight and staunch, and able to endure all weathers. Even so the very frame and construction of the spiritual life were formed with a view to trials. Jerusalem was walled because enemies were expected; David built towers and armouries because he looked for war; and what mean the graces of faith and patience unless affliction is to be reckoned on? Our glorious Leader would never have armed and armoured all his followers if there had not been allotted to them a wrestling with principalities and powers. See how Paul, in the same chapter in which he tells us of the panoply of God, reminds us of the adversaries whom we shall surely encounter. Has the Lord made thee to be strong in faith and brave in heart? Then be not surprised if thy stout ship is sent to traverse stormy seas. God doth not throw away strength by putting it where it will never be needed. Storms will surely come where grace is given to bear them, and through these storms grace will develop into glory (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.—
God over man
I. The employment in which David was engaged.
(1) In the service of God, in which he was engaged
(2) with a single eye to Gods glory
(3) with all his heart,
(4) and under the Divine direction.
II. The care which David experienced.
(1) Special, as to his person, circumstances, etc.
(2) Complete, in going out, returning, etc.
(3) Constant, by day and by night, in youth, manhood, age, health, sickness, etc.
Application. Who will this day consecrate his service unto the Lord? Those who do so will find it
(1) delightful,
(2) honourable,
(3) easy,
(4) profitable. (Pulpit Analyst.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 6. Brought gifts] Paid tribute.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Brought gifts, to purchase their peace, and acknowledge their subjection to him.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus,…. Which was Coele-Syria, and lay between Libanus and Antilibanus, the chief city of which was Damascus; which Curtius q calls Damascus of Syria, being the head of it, Isa 7:8; in the principal places of which he put garrisons of soldiers to keep the country in subjection to him; or he put commanders or governors, as the Targum, in the, chief cities, and so Ben Gersom and R. Isaiah interpret it:
and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts; or paid him tribute by way of homage, acknowledging themselves his subjects:
and the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went; he covered his head in the day of battle, and saved him from the hurtful sword.
q Hist. l. 3. c. 8.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(6) Garrisons.The primary meaning of this word in the original is something placed, and then placed over. Hence it comes to have the different derived meanings of officer in 1Ki. 4:5; 1Ki. 4:19; 2Ch. 8:10, and garrison (1Sa. 10:5; 1Sa. 13:3), which is probably its meaning here.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
6. Garrisons Large military forces. David wisely took measures to preserve order and maintain his authority over the subjugated provinces.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Sa 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
Ver. 6. Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus. ] Which lay north of Judea, as the Moabites did east, the Philistines west, and the Edomites 2Sa 8:14 south. Thus he laid about him lustily; beating his enemies on all sides; himself the chief actor; for as Virgil hath it –
“ Urget praesentia Turni. ”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
gifts: i.e. tribute.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
garrisons: 2Sa 8:14, 2Sa 23:14, 1Sa 13:3, 1Sa 14:1, 1Sa 14:6, 1Sa 14:15, 2Ch 17:2, Psa 18:34-46
became: 2Sa 8:2
the Lord: 2Sa 8:14, 2Sa 7:9, 1Ch 18:13, Psa 5:11, Psa 5:12, Psa 121:7, Psa 121:8, Psa 140:7, Psa 144:1, Psa 144:2, Pro 21:31
Reciprocal: 2Sa 10:19 – feared 1Ki 2:3 – whithersoever 2Ki 14:28 – Damascus 2Ki 17:3 – presents 2Ki 18:7 – he prospered 1Ch 17:8 – I have been 1Ch 18:5 – the Syrians Psa 144:10 – that giveth Son 7:4 – Damascus Isa 7:8 – For the head Isa 36:16 – Make an agreement with me by a present Mat 4:24 – Syria Act 21:3 – Syria Act 22:6 – Damascus
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
8:6 Then David put garrisons in {c} Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, {d} [and] brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
(c) In that part of Syria, where Damascus was.
(d) They paid yearly tribute.