2 Samuel 8:13-14
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
{ "references": [ { "reference": "1 Chronicles 18:12", "connection": "This parallel account highlights that David's military success was attributed to the Lord, reinforcing the idea that his fame wasn't solely his own doing but a result of God's favor." }, { "reference": "Psalm 44:3", "connection": "This psalm speaks of ancestors gaining victory not by their own sword or arm, but by God's right hand and outstretched arm, echoing the sentiment that David's military triumphs were divinely enabled." }, { "reference": "2 Samuel 7:9", "connection": "God promised David that He would make a name for himself, a promise that is clearly being fulfilled through these victories, showing that David's personal renown was part of God's larger plan for him." }, { "reference": "1 Samuel 18:7", "connection": "This verse demonstrates the pattern of women singing praises about Saul and David's victories, showing that the practice of 'making a name' through military success was a recognized way to gain honor in that culture." } ] }
David is on a roll, consolidating his kingdom and defeating Israel's enemies left and right after becoming king. This victory over the Edomites, detailed right after his military successes against the Philistines and Moabites, further solidifies his reputation as a powerful and divinely favored ruler, paving the way for his extensive and prosperous reign. Following this, the narrative will shift to him appointing officials and establishing his administration, showing the fruits of these conquests.
David was a man on a mission, building an empire and solidifying his rule. But what was the real source of his fame?
Building a Legacy
This verse highlights how David's military victories cemented his reputation. Verse 13 specifically mentions his success against the Edomites, a significant feat that would have been widely known.
More Than Just Skill
While David was undoubtedly a skilled warrior and leader, the Bible consistently points to God's favor as the ultimate reason for his success and growing fame. His 'name' wasn't just built by his own strength, but by the powerful hand of God working through him.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Samuel 8:13-14 is available in the Sola app.
The 'Valley of Salt' sounds like a desolate place, but it became a stage for a pivotal moment in David's reign. What's the significance of this location and victory?
A Strategic Triumph
The Valley of Salt was likely a strategic location, possibly near the Dead Sea, known for its salt pans or mineral deposits. Controlling it would have offered economic and military advantages.
Divine Judgment and Deliverance
This wasn't just any battle; it was a significant military engagement where David's forces decisively defeated the Edomites. The sheer number of slain (18,000) underscores the magnitude of this victory and perhaps the severity of God's judgment against Israel's enemies, with David serving as His instrument.
Understand the original words
shem · Hebrew Noun
A phrase signifying one's reputation, fame, or renown. In a biblical context, having a name is often associated with divine blessing, authority, or historical significance.
netsib · Hebrew Noun
A military outpost or stationed force used to secure control over a conquered territory. It represents the assertion of authority and the maintenance of political order.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Those who are under the authority or service of another. Biblically, it refers to both voluntary service and involuntary subjugation under a ruling power.
yesha · Hebrew Noun
The act of conquering or the state of being delivered from enemies. Biblically, victory is ultimately attributed to God's intervention and providence in human affairs.
This military triumph wasn't just about defeating an enemy; it was a crucial moment that expanded Israel's territory and cemented David's reputation as a powerful, divinely favored king across the ancient Near East.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as king over Israel, though Saul still reigns.
c. 1002 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
After Saul's death, David is crowned king of Judah in Hebron, while the rest of Israel remains loyal to Saul's son Ish-Bosheth.
c. 1002-995 BC
David Unifies Israel
David wages war against the house of Saul and eventually unites all twelve tribes of Israel under his rule, establishing Jerusalem as his capital.
c. 995 BC— this verse
David's Victory in the Valley of Salt
David leads the Israelite army to a decisive victory against the Edomites, killing 18,000 soldiers and securing the southern frontier.
c. 995 BC
Installation of Garrisons
Following the victory, David establishes military garrisons throughout Edom, bringing the nation under Israelite control and further solidifying his kingdom's borders.
c. 990 BC
David's Reign at its Zenith
David's kingdom expands to its greatest extent, marked by military successes and diplomatic relations with surrounding nations, establishing his reputation as a mighty ruler.
This passage sets the stage for God's promise to make David's name great, which is then fulfilled in 2 Samuel 8:13 through his military victories.
1 Chronicles 18:12This parallel account offers a slightly different perspective, highlighting David's success in the Valley of Salt and reinforcing the significance of this victory for his reputation.
Psalm 60:1Many scholars believe this Psalm is a reflection on a military defeat David experienced, likely before his later triumphs like the one in the Valley of Salt, showing that greatness often follows struggle.
1 Kings 9:4-5Centuries later, Solomon is reminded of the promise made to David about establishing his dynasty and name forever, directly linking David's legacy of 'making a name' to God's enduring faithfulness.
{ "references": [ { "reference": "1 Chronicles 18:12", "connection": "This parallel account highlights that David's military success was attributed to the Lord, reinforcing the idea that his fame wasn't solely his own doing but a result of God's favor." }, { "reference": "Psalm 44:3", "connection": "This psalm speaks of ancestors gaining victory not by their own sword or arm, but by God's right hand and outstretched arm, echoing the sentiment that David's military triumphs were divinely enabled." }, { "reference": "2 Samuel 7:9", "connection": "God promised David that He would make a name for himself, a promise that is clearly being fulfilled through these victories, showing that David's personal renown was part of God's larger plan for him." }, { "reference": "1 Samuel 18:7", "connection": "This verse demonstrates the pattern of women singing praises about Saul and David's victories, showing that the practice of 'making a name' through military success was a recognized way to gain honor in that culture." } ] }
David is on a roll, consolidating his kingdom and defeating Israel's enemies left and right after becoming king. This victory over the Edomites, detailed right after his military successes against the Philistines and Moabites, further solidifies his reputation as a powerful and divinely favored ruler, paving the way for his extensive and prosperous reign. Following this, the narrative will shift to him appointing officials and establishing his administration, showing the fruits of these conquests.
David is on a roll, consolidating his kingdom and defeating Israel's enemies left and right after becoming king. This victory over the Edomites, detailed right after his military successes against the Philistines and Moabites, further solidifies his reputation as a powerful and divinely favored ruler, paving the way for his extensive and prosperous reign. Following this, the narrative will shift to him appointing officials and establishing his administration, showing the fruits of these conquests.
"And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. Then he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom he put garrisons, and all the Edomites became David’s servants. And the LORD ga…" — { "references": [ { "reference": "1 Chronicles 18:12", "connection": "This parallel account highlights that David's military success was attributed to the Lord, reinforcing the idea…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
