Topical Bible: Syria: David: Dedicated the Spoils of

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In the biblical narrative, the region of Syria holds significant historical and theological importance, particularly during the reign of King David. The account of David dedicating the spoils of war from Syria is a testament to his devotion to God and his commitment to honoring the Lord with the fruits of his military victories.

Biblical Context

The events surrounding David's dedication of the spoils from Syria are primarily recorded in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. These texts describe David's military campaigns and his subsequent actions to consecrate the gains from these victories to the Lord.

David's Military Campaigns

David's military prowess is well-documented in the Scriptures, and his campaigns against the surrounding nations, including Syria, were instrumental in establishing Israel as a dominant power in the region. The Bible records that David defeated Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom, as part of his efforts to expand and secure Israel's borders.

In 2 Samuel 8:3-8 , the text states: "David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses except a hundred he kept for himself. When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. 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."

Dedication of the Spoils

Following his victories, David's actions reflect his deep reverence for God. He dedicated the spoils of war to the Lord, acknowledging that his success was due to divine favor and guidance. This dedication was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty over Israel and its king.

1 Chronicles 18:11 provides insight into this practice: "King David dedicated these articles to the LORD, as he had done with the silver and gold he had taken from all these nations—from Edom and Moab, from the Ammonites and Philistines, and from Amalek."

Theological Significance

David's dedication of the spoils from Syria underscores several key theological themes:

1. Divine Sovereignty: David's victories and subsequent dedication of the spoils highlight the belief in God's sovereign control over the affairs of nations and His role in granting victory to His chosen leaders.

2. Stewardship and Worship: By dedicating the spoils to the Lord, David exemplifies the principle of stewardship, recognizing that all wealth and success ultimately belong to God and should be used for His glory.

3. Covenantal Faithfulness: David's actions are consistent with the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where the king acts as a representative of the people, leading them in faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.

In summary, the account of David dedicating the spoils of Syria serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's hand in all achievements and the duty to honor Him with the fruits of one's labor.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 8:11,12
Which also king David did dedicate to the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the gates of his town an inscription dedicated to the ... auxiliaries, and the united
host advanced on Coele-Syria. ... within its walls the corn and spoils of Lukhuti ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... From The Death Of David To The Death Of Ahab. ... To The Assistance Of Ahaz, And Laid
Syria Waste And ... Tongue And Set Many Captives Free, And Dedicated Many Gifts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Political and Religious Life of the Jewish Dispersion in the West ...
... Temple was adorned' with many such dedicated gifts.' Thus ... outside what the Rabbinists
designated as Syria' and still ... the King, the Son of David,' [371] having ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi political and religious.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... as of the anointed stones which were dedicated in His ... described at length in the
duel between David and Goliath (1 ... at least, of their sojourn in Syria, as well ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... On the vases of delicately-carved stone which he dedicated to the ... the army of the
invaders in Syria at the ... This was the period when David established his empire ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Prophecies
... The eternal reign of the race of David, II Chron ... of the north," (to Antiochus Deus,
King of Syria and of ... Maidens dedicated their virginity and their life to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... of the fifteenth century overran Georgia, Syria, and Anatolia ... On the 11th, a 'grand
festival,' dedicated to 'Reason ... testifies when he says to David, "Thy house ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Genuine Acts of Peter.
... hiding in Mesopotamia, and also in Syria amongst the ... Thy people." Then a certain
virgin dedicated to God ... David [2278] also, full of prophetic inspiration, when ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/the genuine acts of peter.htm

Explanatory and Biographical
... of Greece and Rome, passing thence to Syria and Egypt ... of Westmoreland, was friend
of Herrick, who dedicated to him ... to have written the 'Song to David' which he ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/explanatory and biographical.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... became apt in the execution of their functions who had been dedicated to them ... for
his brother Hirom, and Nabonidus, who was then engaged in Syria, came south ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm