This verse, 2 Samuel 8:8, describes a victory of King David over Hadadezer, king of Zobah, and the acquisition of a large quantity of bronze (or brass) from two of Hadadezer's cities, Betah and Berothai. Let's break it down:
"From Betah and from Berothai..." These are identified as cities belonging to Hadadezer. This indicates that David's military campaign extended beyond just defeating Hadadezer in a single battle; he also took control of some of his cities.
"...cities of Hadadezer..." This clarifies that Betah and Berothai were under the dominion of King Hadadezer, establishing that David seized these cities as spoils of war.
"...king David took a great quantity of brass." This is the key point. Bronze (often referred to as "brass" in older translations) was a valuable metal in that era. It was used for making weapons, tools, and ornaments. The verse implies that David seized a significant amount of this metal, indicating the wealth and resources that Hadadezer possessed and that David gained through his victory.
In summary:
The verse means that after King David defeated Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, he captured the cities of Betah and Berothai and took a large amount of bronze from them as war booty. This highlights David's military success and the enrichment of his kingdom through conquest. The bronze would likely have been used to strengthen David's army, infrastructure, or even to construct religious structures.
Significance:
Military Victory: It underscores David's military prowess and the expansion of his kingdom's power and influence.
Economic Resources: The acquisition of a large quantity of bronze would have significantly boosted David's kingdom's economy and military capabilities.
Spoils of War: It illustrates the common practice of taking valuable resources from conquered enemies.
Historical Context: It provides insight into the political landscape of the ancient Near East and the conflicts between different kingdoms.
This verse, 2 Samuel 8:8, describes a victory of King David over Hadadezer, king of Zobah, and the acquisition of a large quantity of bronze (or brass) from two of Hadadezer's cities, Betah and Berothai. Let's break it down:
"From Betah and from Berothai..." These are identified as cities belonging to Hadadezer. This indicates that David's military campaign extended beyond just defeating Hadadezer in a single battle; he also took control of some of his cities.
"...cities of Hadadezer..." This clarifies that Betah and Berothai were under the dominion of King Hadadezer, establishing that David seized these cities as spoils of war.
"...king David took a great quantity of brass." This is the key point. Bronze (often referred to as "brass" in older translations) was a valuable metal in that era. It was used for making weapons, tools, and ornaments. The verse implies that David seized a significant amount of this metal, indicating the wealth and resources that Hadadezer possessed and that David gained through his victory.
In summary:
The verse means that after King David defeated Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, he captured the cities of Betah and Berothai and took a large amount of bronze from them as war booty. This highlights David's military success and the enrichment of his kingdom through conquest. The bronze would likely have been used to strengthen David's army, infrastructure, or even to construct religious structures.
Significance:
Military Victory: It underscores David's military prowess and the expansion of his kingdom's power and influence.
Economic Resources: The acquisition of a large quantity of bronze would have significantly boosted David's kingdom's economy and military capabilities.
Spoils of War: It illustrates the common practice of taking valuable resources from conquered enemies.
Historical Context: It provides insight into the political landscape of the ancient Near East and the conflicts between different kingdoms.