2 Samuel 8:15

Authorized King James Version

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And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ reigned H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ reigned
Strong's: H4427
Word #: 1 of 12
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
דָוִ֗ד And David H1732
דָוִ֗ד And David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 2 of 12
david, the youngest son of jesse
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 3 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל over all Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל over all Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 5 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיְהִ֣י H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דָוִ֗ד And David H1732
דָוִ֗ד And David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 7 of 12
david, the youngest son of jesse
עֹשֶׂ֛ה executed H6213
עֹשֶׂ֛ה executed
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט judgment H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּצְדָקָ֖ה and justice H6666
וּצְדָקָ֖ה and justice
Strong's: H6666
Word #: 10 of 12
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
לְכָל H3605
לְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמּֽוֹ׃ unto all his people H5971
עַמּֽוֹ׃ unto all his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 12 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Military Victories, emphasizing God granting victory and expansion. David's military campaigns demonstrate God's promise-keeping (Genesis 15:18-21) regarding territorial boundaries. The Hebrew emphasizes that "the LORD gave David victory wherever he went," attributing success to divine enablement rather than mere military prowess. Theological themes include God's sovereignty over nations, the legitimacy of defensive/offensive warfare under certain circumstances, and proper use of conquered wealth for God's purposes.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 8 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding God granting victory and expansion provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

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