2 Samuel 8:2
2 Samuel 8:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David subdues Moab, and the Moabites become his tributary servants.
What Does 2 Samuel 8:2 Mean?
David turns next to Moab, a nation east of the Dead Sea. The measuring line, an instrument of judgment, divides the captives, and the survivors are brought under Israel's rule, paying tribute as servants.
The scene is sobering, a window into the hard realities of ancient warfare. Yet through it the kingdom God promised takes shape, and the gifts that flow in foreshadow the day when the nations would bring their tribute to the greater Son of David.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 8:2
What does 2 Samuel 8:2 mean?
David subdues Moab, and the Moabites become his tributary servants.