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2 Samuel 8:9
When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer,

Toi

that David had defeated
David's military prowess is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, showcasing his role as a warrior king chosen by God. His victories were seen as divinely ordained, fulfilling God's promises to Israel. David's defeat of his enemies not only secured Israel's borders but also established his reputation as a formidable leader. This phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, promising him success over his adversaries.

the entire army of Hadadezer
Hadadezer was a powerful king of Zobah, a region north of Israel. The defeat of his entire army signifies a comprehensive victory, emphasizing David's strategic and military capabilities. This victory would have disrupted the balance of power in the region, weakening Zobah's influence. The complete defeat of Hadadezer's forces underscores the theme of divine intervention and support for David, as seen in other biblical accounts of Israel's battles.

king of Zobah
Zobah was an Aramean kingdom located in the region of modern-day Syria. It was a significant power during the time of David, often in conflict with Israel. The mention of Zobah highlights the geopolitical landscape of the time, with various city-states and kingdoms vying for dominance. The defeat of Zobah's king by David not only expanded Israel's territory but also demonstrated the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel rest from its enemies. This victory is part of the broader narrative of David's consolidation of power and the establishment of a united Israelite kingdom.

• Hamath was a significant Aramean city-state north of Israel. By introducing Tou, the verse highlights that David’s reputation now reached well beyond Israel’s borders (cf.2 Samuel 8:9-10).

• Tou’s notice of David signals a shift in regional power. The Lord’s promise in1 Chronicles 17:8—“I have been with you wherever you have gone and have cut off all your enemies”—is visibly unfolding.

• Kings watched each other closely in the ancient Near East; Tou’s response anticipates diplomatic overtures that follow in verse 10.

• News traveled by merchants, messengers, and returning soldiers. Tou’s immediate reaction shows how decisive David’s victory was; it echoed far enough to alter foreign policy (compareJoshua 9:3-4, where the Gibeonites respond to Israel’s conquests).

• God’s works through His people are meant to be heard and acknowledged, fulfillingPsalm 46:10, “I will be exalted among the nations”.

• The chronicler underscores David’s role as the Lord’s anointed warrior-king (1 Samuel 16:13).

• Every victory validates God’s covenant promise in2 Samuel 7:9. David’s success is not self-made but divinely granted (1 Chronicles 18:6, “The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went,”).

• Total defeat means no remaining threat. The phrase recalls God’s pattern of complete deliverance—seeExodus 14:28, where Pharaoh’s forces are likewise wiped out.

• Such sweeping triumph serves as a testimony to Israel and her neighbors that “salvation belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:8).

• Hadadezer ruled an expansive Aramean kingdom north of Damascus. He had pressed southward toward the Euphrates, threatening Israel’s dominance (2 Samuel 8:3).

• By naming both king and kingdom, the text emphasizes the magnitude of David’s conquest. It mirrors earlier victories over well-known oppressors like Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 29:7).

•Psalm 60’s title links David’s clashes with Aram-Zobah to his cry for God’s help, underlining that spiritual dependence accompanied military success.

1 Chronicles 18:9 records the moment regional powers realized that David, under the Lord’s hand, had decisively crushed a formidable northern coalition. Tou’s reaction foreshadows peaceful tribute, illustrating how God’s favor on His king not only secured Israel’s borders but also drew surrounding nations into respectful relationship. The verse affirms that when God grants victory, even distant rulers take notice, laying the groundwork for broader peace and the eventual expansion of God’s kingdom purposes through David’s line.

(9)Now when. . .--And Tou king of Hamath heard. Samuel, "Toi." The Hebrew letters answering tow andy are often confused in MSS. T?-? is right; so LXX. and Vulg. in Samuel; Syriac, "Th-';" Arabic, "T-'u;" The Syriac here has "Ph-l king of the Antiochenes" (!); the Arabic, "Phawil king of Antioch," an apparent allusion to Pul the Assyrian (1Chronicles 5:26). Professor Sayce believes he has read the nameTu-ve-es--that is, To--on the stones from Hamath, now in the British Museum.