2 Samuel 8:14 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 8:14 mean?

2 Samuel 8:14 describes David establishing control over Edom, a neighboring land south of Israel. The narrator credits the LORD with preserving David wherever he went, presenting David’s success as something the LORD made possible.

After the fighting mentioned in verse 13, David places garrisons throughout Edom. The repeated phrase “all Edom” stresses how widely his control reached. The Edomites become subject to David’s rule.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 8:14

• “garrisons” — נְצִבִים (netsivim): The word can refer to military posts or the troops stationed at them. Here it points to a continuing presence in Edom, beyond the initial fighting.
• “servants” — עֲבָדִים (avadim): The word can describe people who serve another person or ruler. Here it describes the Edomites’ subject status under David, rather than identifying each person’s occupation.
• “preserved” — יָשַׁע (yashaʿ): The word often carries the sense of saving or giving victory. In this setting, it connects the LORD’s help with David’s success in conflict.

Why 2 Samuel 8:14 matters

• The LORD’s help extends beyond the campaign in Edom. “Whithersoever he went” gives the statement a wider reach, echoing the same words in verse 6.
• David’s rule included places beyond Israel itself. The words “throughout all Edom” show that the garrisons were spread across another people’s land.