Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Samuel 8:9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,
9 12. Congratulatory embassy from Toi king of Hamath
9. Toi ] The Sept. agrees with Chr. in reading his name To.
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 (1Ki 4:24; 2Ch 8:4). After his death it regained its independence until Jeroboam II. recovered it (2Ki 14:28). A century later it is reckoned among the conquests of Assyria (2Ki 19:13). The epithet “great,” applied to the city by Amos (ch. 2Sa 6:2), attests its importance. A considerable town, retaining the name of Hamah, still occupies the site.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Hamath – This appears as an independent kingdom so late as the time of Senacherib Isa 37:13. But in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, both Hamath and Arpad appear to have been incorporated in the kingdom of Damascus Jer 49:23.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
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 1Ch 18:9.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Hamath; another eminent city of Syria.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9. Toi king ofHamathCoeligle-Syria; northwards, it extended to the cityHamath on the Orontes, which was the capital of the country. TheSyrian prince, being delivered from the dread of a dangerousneighbor, sent his son with valuable presents to David tocongratulate him on his victories, and solicit his alliance andprotection.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 name is Tou in 1Ch 18:9; where in the Targum he is called king of Antioch. Hamath lay to the north of the land of Canaan;
[See comments on Nu 34:8]: it is said t to be three days’ journey from Tripoli, and that it stands in the midway to Aleppo, on a very goodly plain, replenished with corn and cotton wool, but very much in ruins, and falls more and more to decay: at this day (says my author, who travelled in those parts in the beginning of the seventeenth century) there is scarce one half of the wall standing, which hath been very fair and strong. The king of this place
heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer; the news of which soon reached him, he being in the neighbourhood.
t Cartwright’s Preacher’s Travels, p. 6.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
After the defeat of the king of Zobah and his allies, Toi king of Hamath sought for David’s friendship, sending his son to salute him, and conveying to him at the same time a considerable present of vessels of silver, gold, and brass. The name Toi is written Tou in the Chronicles, according to a different mode of interpretation; and the name of the son is given as Hadoram in the Chronicles, instead of Joram as in the text before us. The former is evidently the true reading, and Joram an error of the pen, as the Israelitish name Joram is not one that we should expect to find among Aramaeans; whilst Hadoram occurs in 1Ch 1:21 in the midst of Arabic names, and it cannot be shown that the Hadoram or Adoram mentioned in 2Ch 10:18 and 1Ki 12:18 was a man of Israelitish descent. The primary object of the mission was to salute David (“to ask him of peace;” cf. Gen 43:27, etc.), and to congratulate him upon his victory (“to bless him because he had fought,” etc.); for Toi had had wars with Hadadezer. “A man of wars” signifies a man who wages wars (cf. 1Ch 28:3; Isa 42:13). According to 1Ch 18:3, the territory of the king of Hamath bordered upon that of Hadadezer, and the latter had probably tried to make king Toi submit to him. The secret object of the salutation, however, was no doubt to secure the friendship of this new and powerful neighbour.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| David Conquers Edom. | B. C. 1042. |
9 When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, 10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: 11 Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; 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. 13 And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. 14 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
Here is, 1. The court made to David by the king of Hamath, who, it seems was at this time at war with the king of Zobah. He hearing of David’s success against his enemy, sent his own son ambassador to him (2Sa 8:9; 2Sa 8:10), to congratulate him on his victory, to return him thanks for the favour he had done him in breaking the power of one he was in fear of, and to beg his friendship. Thus he not only secured but strengthened himself. And David lost nothing by taking this little prince under his protection, any more than the old Romans did by the like policy; for the wealth he had from the countries he conquered by way of spoil he had from this by way of present or gratuity: Vessels of silver and gold. Better get by composition than by compulsion. 2. The offering David made to God of the spoils of the nations and all the rich things that were brought him. He dedicated all to the Lord, 2Sa 8:11; 2Sa 8:12. This crowned all his victories, and made them far to out-shine Alexander’s or Caesar’s, that they sought their own glory, but he aimed at the glory of God. All the precious things he was master of were dedicated things, that is, they were designed for the building of the temple; and a good omen it was of kindness to the Gentiles in the fulness of time, and of the making of God’s house a house of prayer for all people, that the temple was built of the spoils and presents of Gentile nations, in allusion to which we find the kings of the earth bringing their glory and honour into the new Jerusalem, Rev. xxi. 24. Their gods of gold David burnt (2 Sam. v. 21), but their vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus in the conquest of a soul, by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated and the property of it altered. Even the merchandise and the hire must be holiness to the Lord (Isa. xxiii. 18), the gain consecrated to the Lord of the whole earth (Mic. iv. 13), and then it is truly our own and that most comfortably. 3. The reputation he got, in a particular manner, by his victory over the Syrians and their allies the Edomites, who acted in conjunction with them, as appears by comparing the title of the 60th Psalm, which was penned on this occasion, with v. 13. He got himself a name for all that conduct and courage which are the praise of a great and distinguished general. Something extraordinary, it is likely, there was in that action, which turned very much to his honour, yet he is careful to transfer the honour to God, as appears by the psalm he penned on this occasion, v. 12. It is through God that we do valiantly. 4. His success against the Edomites. They all became David’s servants, v. 14. Now, and not till now, Isaac’s blessing was accomplished, by which Jacob was made Esau’s Lord (Gen. xxvii. 37-40) and the Edomites continued long tributary to the kings of Judah, as the Moabites were to the kings of Israel, till, in Joram’s time, they revolted (2 Chron. xxi. 8) as Isaac had there foretold that Esau should, in process of time, break the yoke from off his neck. Thus David by his conquests, (1.) Secured peace to his son, that he might have time to build the temple. And, (2.) Procured wealth for his son, that he might have wherewith to build it. God employs his servants variously, some in one employment, others in another, some in the spiritual battles, others in the spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all. All David’s victories were typical of the success of the gospel against the kingdom of Satan, in which the Son of David rode forth, conquering and to conquer, and he shall reign till he has brought down all opposing rule, principality, and power: and he has, as David had (v. 2), a line to kill and a line to save; for the same gospel is to some a savour of life unto life, to others a savour of death unto death.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Summary of Conquests: Hamath, Edomites, 2Sa 8:9-18 AND 1Ch 18:9-17
Hamath was one of the leading city states of Bible times. It was located more than a hundred miles north of Damascus, in what was known as upper Syria. At one time it controlled some ninety smaller, tributary cities. David’s gaining the friendship of the king of this country added great prestige to his kingdom. Hamath had been at war with Hadad-ezer and was pleased with David’s defeat of his enemy. He sent his son with tributary gifts to congratulate David in the victory. Thus he brought his own realm into that of David and wisely avoided war with him. Toi (in Chronicles, Tou) sent rich presents of silver, gold, and brass, which David dedicated to the Lord for later use in construction of the temple. The spoil of all the nations David overcame was dedicated to the Lord.
Notice is made next of Abishai’s defeat of Edom, in which eighteen thousand were slain. David celebrated this defeat in Psalms 60, wherein it is revealed he suffered an initial setback, but turned to the Lord and won the victory. There the victory is ascribed to Joab, and the number slain given at twelve thousand. This probably notes a second battle which occurred after Abishai’s victory, with Joab coming to the rescue of the besieged David and slaying an additional twelve thousand.
David occupied the land of Edom and stationed his garrisons there. The Edomites were tributary to Judah for several centuries thereafter. The Samuel account relates that “David gat him a name” from this incident. This means that he acquired fame among the nations because of it. It was clearly the hand of God which enabled David to accomplish these great victories, and is so noted in 2Sa 8:14. But he did not rule despotically, justice and right being the intent of his government (see 2Sa 23:3; cf. 1Ti 1:12).
The passage concludes with a listing of David’s chief officers. Joab, the captain of the host, has been considered before. Jehoshaphat, the recorder, had the responsibility of preserving the annals of the kingdom. He continued into the reign of Solomon, and is not further notable. Zadok continued in the office of high priest, jointly with Abimelech (or Ahimelech) the son of Abiathar,.who succeeded his father. Seraiah (Shavsha in Chronicles) was scribe, or secretary. Here is the first mention of Benaiah, captain of the special forces known as the Cherethites and Pelethites.
These elite forces served as David’s personal guard and were around him at all times. In Solomon’s time Benaiah replaced Joab as captain of the host. The many sons of David were appointed to positions of rulership under their father.
There are lessons to be gleaned from this factual account: 1) The complete subjugation of the Philistines proves that God’s promises ultimately come to pass, though they seem long in coming. 2) one’s material accumulations should be put at the Lord’s disposal; 3) in the will of the Lord one can always win the victory (2Co 10:4); 4) leaders should employ those capable of helping in the Lord’s service.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(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 1Ch. 18:3. Davids victory was on the borders of this kingdom. It was tributary to Solomon (1Ki. 4:24, 2Ch. 8:3-4), subsequently became independent, and was recovered by Jeroboam II. (2Ki. 14:28), and was finally captured by Assyria (2Ki. 19:13). It is described as the great by Amos (6:2), and a considerable town still occupies its site.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. Hamath A very ancient city of Syria situated on the Orontes river, about sixty miles southeast of Antioch. See on Num 13:21, and Jos 13:5. Its king was glad to have David for an ally.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
David’s Prestige Recognized
v. 9. When Toi, king of Hamath, v. 10. then Toi sent Joram, his son v. 11. which also, v. 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.
v. 13. And David gat him a name, v. 14. And he put garrisons in Edom; through out all Edom put he garrisons, v. 15. And David reigned over all Israel, v. 16. And Joab, the son of Zeruiah, v. 17. and Zadok, the son of Ahitub, v. 18. and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
(9) When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, (10) Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: (11) Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued; (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.
Here is another sweet and interesting relation of David’s zeal for the Lord, in his dedicating the spoils of his enemies to the service of his best of friends. It was the Lord that made David victorious; and therefore, David thankfully consecrates the whole of his gain to the Lord’s service. And if I do not mistake, in all this he was a type of the Lord Jesus; of whom it is said, in allusion to the gospel church; that the multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah: that gold and incense shall be brought; for brass, gold; and for iron, silver; and for wood, brass; and for stones, iron: meaning, no doubt, that such revenues of praise should pour in upon the church of the Lord Jesus, that in every place incense should be offered unto his name, and a pure offering. See Isa_60:5-6; Isa_60:16-17 ; Mal 1:11 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Sa 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, 2Sa 8:1 was called Diocaesarea.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Toi. Septuagint and Vulgate read “Tou” throughout. Compare 1Ch 18:9. He was a Hittite king.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Toi: 1Ch 18:9, Tou
Hamath: Amo 6:2
Reciprocal: Gen 10:18 – Hamathite Num 13:21 – Hamath Num 34:8 – the entrance 2Ki 18:34 – the gods Isa 10:9 – Hamath Isa 36:19 – Hamath Jer 39:5 – Hamath Jer 49:23 – Hamath Jer 52:27 – Riblah
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Sa 8:9-11. King of Hamath This city was also in Syria, and lay north of Judea. To salute him, and bless him To congratulate him on his good success in the war with Hadadezer, and to wish him continued prosperity. Joram brought with him vessels, &c. As a present to King David, whose friendship he sought by this embassy. Which David did dedicate to the Lord These words seem to import, that he was so far from multiplying silver and gold for himself, (which Moses forbade, Deu 17:16,) that he put all his spoil, or the greatest part of it, into Gods treasury, for the building of the temple, which he designed, and his son was to accomplish, chap. 2Sa 7:13. A rare instance of his piety and gratitude to God, by whose aid he conquered; too seldom imitated by kings!