8:1  AFTER THIS David smote the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Metheg-ammah out of the hands of the Philistines.

8:2  He defeated Moab, and measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground; two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.

8:3  David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river [Euphrates].

8:4  David took from him 1,700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers; and David hamstrung all the chariot horses, except he reserved enough of them for 100 chariots.

8:5  And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew 22,000 of them.

8:6  David put garrisons in Syrian Damascus, and the Syrians became [his] servants and brought tribute. The Lord preserved {and} gave victory to David wherever he went.

8:7  And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

8:8  And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David exacted an immense amount of bronze.

8:9  When Toi king of Hamath heard about David's defeat of all the forces of Hadadezer,

8:10  [He] sent Joram his son to King David to salute {and} congratulate him about his battle and defeat of Hadadezer. For Hadadezer had had wars with Toi. Joram brought vessels of silver, gold, and bronze.

8:11  These King David dedicated to the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all the nations he subdued:

8:12  From Syria, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

8:13  David won renown. When he returned he slew 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

8:14  He put garrisons throughout all Edom, and all the Edomites became his servants. And the Lord preserved {and} gave victory to [him] wherever he went.

8:15  So David reigned over all Israel, and executed justice and righteousness for all his people.

8:16  Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was recorder;

8:17  Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the [chief] priests, and Seraiah was the scribe;

8:18  Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and Pelethites [the king's bodyguards]; and David's sons were chief [confidential] assistants to the king.