2 Samuel 8:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and David houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for an hundred chariots.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David captures Hadadezer's forces and disables most of the chariot horses.
What Does 2 Samuel 8:4 Mean?
David seizes a vast army, chariots, horsemen, and foot soldiers. He hamstrings nearly all the chariot horses, keeping only a small number, and so removes the enemy's most fearsome weapon of war.
Chariots were the tanks of the ancient world, and to disable them was to trust in something greater than armaments. Israel's king was not to multiply horses but to lean on the Lord, who is the true strength of His people in every battle.
2 Samuel 8:4 in the Original Language
houghed -- an old English word meaning to cut the hamstrings, disabling the horses for chariot warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 8:4
What does 2 Samuel 8:4 mean?
David captures Hadadezer's forces and disables most of the chariot horses.