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.

2 SAMUEL 8:6KJV
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2 Samuel 8:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 8:6 mean?

2 Samuel 8:6 describes how King David established control over the region of Damascus in Syria by placing military outposts there, leading the Syrians to become subject to him and bring him tribute. The verse also emphasizes that the LORD protected and gave success to David wherever he went.

This verse is part of a summary of David’s military victories. The writer is recounting how David expanded his kingdom’s influence by defeating neighboring peoples, in this case, the Syrians of Damascus. The statement that the LORD preserved David highlights that David’s success is attributed not just to his own strength, but to divine help.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 8:6

  • גַּרְנִים (matzavot, transliterated as "garrisons"): This word refers to military outposts or stations. It shows that David did not just defeat the Syrians but set up a permanent presence to maintain control.
  • מִנְחָה (minchah, transliterated as "gifts"): This word means tribute or offerings, indicating that the Syrians were required to bring regular payments to David, showing their subjugation.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, transliterated as "the LORD"): The verse’s emphasis on the LORD preserving David (יָשַׁע, yasha‘, "preserved") underlines that the biblical writer sees David’s victories as acts of God’s ongoing support.

Why 2 Samuel 8:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s rule extended beyond Israel, including foreign territories like Damascus, and that his authority was enforced through both military and political means.
  • The mention of tribute and servitude shows the practical results of David’s campaigns: not just conquest, but ongoing control and economic benefit.
  • By stating that the LORD preserved David, the text ties David’s political and military achievements directly to God’s favor, a key theme throughout the books of Samuel.

Where else these words appear

“garrisons” Hebrew H5333 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
  • 1 Samuel 13:4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

“Damascus” Hebrew H1834 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 2 Kings 16:11 And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made it against king Ahaz came from Damascus.
  • Isaiah 17:3 The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

“Syria” Hebrew H758 · used in 117 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:23 And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.