And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

2 SAMUEL 8:7KJV
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2 Samuel 8:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 8:7 mean?

2 Samuel 8:7 says that David took the gold shields that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. This verse records David’s act of claiming valuable items from a defeated enemy and bringing them back to his own city.

David is the king of Israel at this point, and he has just defeated Hadadezer, a powerful enemy ruler. The verse highlights a specific detail: David does not just win the battle, but also takes the golden shields—symbols of wealth and military pride—from Hadadezer’s servants. Bringing these items to Jerusalem shows both his victory and his intention to dedicate the spoils to his own people or possibly to God.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 8:7

  • שָּׁלָל (shields, transliterated as "shiltei"): This word refers to large, protective shields, often used by soldiers of high rank. The fact that they are made of gold (זָהָב, "zahav") suggests they were ceremonial or royal, not just practical weapons.
  • עַבְדֵי (servants, "avdei"): This word means servants or officials. The shields belonged to the high-ranking men serving Hadadezer, not ordinary soldiers, which underlines the importance of what David captured.
  • הֲדַדְעֶזֶר (Hadadezer, "Hadadezer"): Naming Hadadezer directly connects this event to a specific historical enemy, showing the scale of David’s victory.

Why 2 Samuel 8:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s victories were not just military but also involved taking valuable symbols of power from his enemies, which would have increased his prestige.
  • The mention of Jerusalem as the destination for the gold shields ties David’s conquests to the city that would become the religious and political center of Israel.
  • By specifying that the shields came from Hadadezer’s servants, the verse emphasizes the high status of the defeated foes, highlighting the significance of David’s triumph.

Where else these words appear

“shields” Hebrew H7982 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Kings 11:10 And to the captains over hundreds did the priest give king David's spears and shields, that were in the temple of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:9 Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David's, which were in the house of God.
  • Jeremiah 51:11 Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

“Hadadezer” Hebrew H1909 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:3 David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Samuel 8:8 And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.
  • 2 Samuel 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: