2 Samuel 8:6
New International Version
He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.

New Living Translation
Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

English Standard Version
Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

Berean Standard Bible
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

King James Bible
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

New King James Version
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became David’s servants, and brought tribute. So the LORD preserved David wherever he went.

New American Standard Bible
Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus, and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute. And the LORD helped David wherever he went.

NASB 1995
Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus, and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute. And the LORD helped David wherever he went.

NASB 1977
Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus, and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute. And the LORD helped David wherever he went.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then David placed garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus; and the Arameans became servants to David, bringing tribute. And Yahweh granted salvation to David wherever he went.

Amplified Bible
Then David put garrisons among the Arameans in Damascus, and the Arameans became his servants and brought tribute. The LORD helped David wherever he went.

Christian Standard Bible
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

American Standard Version
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went.

Contemporary English Version
He left some of his soldiers in Damascus, and the Arameans had to accept David as their ruler and pay taxes to him. Everywhere David went, the LORD helped him win battles.

English Revised Version
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought presents. And the LORD gave victory to David whithersoever he went.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David put troops in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became his subjects and paid taxes [to him]. Everywhere David went, the LORD gave him victories.

Good News Translation
Then he set up military camps in their territory, and they became his subjects and paid taxes to him. The LORD made David victorious everywhere.

International Standard Version
David erected garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, placing the Arameans under servitude to him, and they paid tribute to him.

Majority Standard Bible
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

NET Bible
David placed garrisons in the territory of the Arameans of Damascus; the Arameans became David's subjects and brought tribute. The LORD protected David wherever he campaigned.

New Heart English Bible
Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus; and the Arameans became servants to David, and brought tribute. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

World English Bible
Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David puts garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and Aram is for a servant to David, carrying a present; and YHWH saves David wherever he has gone;

Young's Literal Translation
and David putteth garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and Aram is to David for a servant, bearing a present; and Jehovah saveth David whithersoever he hath gone;

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will put garrisons in Aram of Damascus: and Aram will be to David for servants, lifting up gifts. And Jehovah saved David in all which he went.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and Syria served David under tribute: and the Lord preserved David in all his enterprises, whithersoever he went.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David positioned a garrison in Syria of Damascus. And Syria served David under tribute. And the Lord assisted David in all things whatsoever that he set out to accomplish.

New American Bible
David then placed garrisons in the Damascus region of Aram, and the Arameans became David’s subjects, paying tribute. The LORD brought David victory in all his undertakings.

New Revised Standard Version
Then David put garrisons among the Arameans of Damascus; and the Arameans became servants to David and brought tribute. The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then David put governors in Edom and in Damascus; and the Edomites became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD preserved David wherever he went.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David set up Governors at Adum, and in Darmsuq, Servants, raisers of tax for David, and LORD JEHOVAH saved David wherever he went
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus; and the Arameans became servants to David, and brought presents. And the LORD gave victory to David whithersoever he went.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David placed a garrison in Syria near Damascus, and the Syrians became servants and tributaries to David: and the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Triumphs
5When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. 6Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. 7And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 18:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Kings 11:23-25
And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah, / and had gathered men to himself. When David killed the Zobaites, Rezon captained a band of raiders and went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control. / Rezon was Israel’s enemy throughout the days of Solomon, adding to the trouble caused by Hadad. So Rezon ruled over Aram with hostility toward Israel.

1 Kings 4:21
And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

1 Kings 4:24
For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates—over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides.

1 Chronicles 18:13
He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

Psalm 60:8
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

Psalm 108:9
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”

2 Samuel 7:9
I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like that of the greatest in the land.

2 Samuel 7:11
and have done since the day I appointed judges over My people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that He Himself will establish a house for you.

2 Samuel 22:44
You have delivered me from the strife of my people; You have preserved me as the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.

2 Samuel 22:51
Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”

1 Chronicles 22:18
“Is not the LORD your God with you, and has He not granted you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land has been subdued before the LORD and His people.

1 Chronicles 29:25
The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.

Isaiah 14:2
The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland. Then the house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the LORD’s land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors.

Isaiah 60:12
For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed.


Treasury of Scripture

Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. And the LORD preserved David wherever he went.

garrisons

2 Samuel 8:14
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

2 Samuel 23:14
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 13:3
And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

became

2 Samuel 8:2
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.

the Lord

2 Samuel 8:14
And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

2 Samuel 7:9
And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.

1 Chronicles 18:13
And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

Jump to Previous
Aram Aramaeans Aramean Arameans Armed Bearing Damascus David Garrisons Gifts Helped Kingdom Offerings Overcome Presents Preserved Putteth Servant Servants Syria Syrians Tribute Victory Wherever Whithersoever
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Aram Aramaeans Aramean Arameans Armed Bearing Damascus David Garrisons Gifts Helped Kingdom Offerings Overcome Presents Preserved Putteth Servant Servants Syria Syrians Tribute Victory Wherever Whithersoever
2 Samuel 8
1. David subdues the Philistines and the Moabites
3. He smites Hadadezer, and the Syrians
9. Toi sends Joram with presents to bless him
11. David dedicates the presents and the spoil to God
14. He puts garrisons in Edom
16. David's officers














Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus
David's strategic placement of garrisons in Aram of Damascus signifies his military and political control over the region. Damascus, a significant city in ancient Syria, was a vital trade and military hub. By establishing garrisons, David ensured a continued Israelite presence and influence, preventing rebellion and securing trade routes. This action reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people establishing dominion over the Promised Land and its surrounding territories, as seen in the conquest narratives of Joshua.

and the Arameans became subject to David
The subjugation of the Arameans under David's rule highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel victory over its enemies. Historically, the Arameans were a powerful group in the Near East, often in conflict with Israel. Their subjection indicates a significant shift in regional power dynamics, with Israel emerging as a dominant force. This aligns with the covenantal promises made to Abraham about his descendants possessing the gates of their enemies (Genesis 22:17).

and brought him tribute
The tribute brought by the Arameans symbolizes their acknowledgment of David's authority and Israel's supremacy. In the ancient Near East, tribute was a common practice, signifying submission and alliance. This act of bringing tribute not only enriched Israel but also reinforced David's status as a powerful and respected king. It echoes the prophetic vision of nations bringing wealth to God's people, as seen in Isaiah 60:5-6.

So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went
This phrase underscores the divine favor and providence that accompanied David's reign. The victories attributed to the LORD's intervention highlight the theological theme of God as the ultimate source of success and protection for Israel. This divine assistance is reminiscent of God's promise to Joshua that He would be with him wherever he went (Joshua 1:9). It also prefigures the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who triumphs over sin and death, establishing an eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The King of Israel, anointed by God, who led Israel to military victories and expanded its territory.

2. Aram of Damascus
A region in modern-day Syria, which was a significant power in the ancient Near East. David's victory over Aram signifies the expansion of Israel's influence.

3. Arameans
The people of Aram, who became subjects to David after his military conquest.

4. Garrisons
Military outposts established by David to maintain control over conquered territories.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, who granted David victory and success in his military campaigns.
Teaching Points
Divine Favor and Leadership
David's victories were not solely due to his military prowess but were a result of God's favor. As believers, we should seek God's guidance and favor in our endeavors, recognizing that true success comes from Him.

Establishing God's Kingdom
David's establishment of garrisons symbolizes the expansion of God's kingdom. In our lives, we are called to expand God's influence by living out our faith and sharing the Gospel.

Obedience and Blessing
David's obedience to God's commands led to blessings and victories. Similarly, our obedience to God's Word can lead to spiritual victories and blessings in our lives.

God's Sovereignty in Success
The LORD's role in David's victories reminds us of God's sovereignty. We should acknowledge His hand in our successes and remain humble, giving Him the glory.(6) Garrisons.--The primary meaning of this word in the original is something placed, and then placed over. Hence it comes to have the different derived meanings of officer in 1Kings 4:5; 1Kings 4:19; 2Chronicles 8:10, and garrison (1Samuel 10:5; 1Samuel 13:3), which is probably its meaning here.

Verse 6. - Garrisons. This is the word used in 1 Samuel 10:5 and 1 Sam 13:3. The Arameans were left free to manage their internal affairs themselves, but they had to pay tribute (see on ver. 2); and to prevent the assembling of troops to contest David's authority and shake off his yoke, garrisons were stationed in such places as commanded the country. The Philistines had done the same in Israel when they were masters there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then he
דָּוִ֤ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

placed
וַיָּ֨שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

garrisons
נְצִבִים֙ (nə·ṣi·ḇîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5333: Something stationary, a prefect, a military post, a statue

in Aram
בַּאֲרַ֣ם (ba·’ă·ram)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

of Damascus,
דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק (dam·me·śeq)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834: Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)

and the Arameans
אֲרָם֙ (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

became
וַתְּהִ֤י (wat·tə·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

subject
לַעֲבָדִ֖ים (la·‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

to David
לְדָוִ֔ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and brought him
נוֹשְׂאֵ֣י (nō·wś·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

tribute.
מִנְחָ֑ה (min·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

So the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

made David
דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

victorious
וַיֹּ֤שַׁע (way·yō·ša‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

wherever
בְּכֹ֖ל (bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

he went.
הָלָֽךְ׃ (hā·lāḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT History: 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 8:5
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