The Reins of Leadership

 2 Samuel 8:1-18

As we explore 2 Samuel 8:1-18, our investigation will expose a valuable lesson that was a big part of David winning so many battles.  Chapter eight begins with David defeating the Philistines and subduing them, but then it states, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.  This writer is ignorant in many areas and was wondering what Metheg-ammah was?  I opened my Study Bible, and it has this to say on the subject; Metheg-ammah “bridle of the cubit” it is an unknown site, and some suggest the expression is figurative.  If so, David took the bridle (the reins of leadership) from his enemies.

Our leadership in the USA has not had the stomach to win a war since WW 2, but King David was a warrior and also listened to God’s direction on how to battle and what to do with those who are left.  If you are in a church that only teaches one aspect of God’s character you are going to think David was heartless and evil.  But David had a healthy, vital, growing relationship with God, and knew all about God’s character.  I believe David would have said; “Because of who God is, I can face any situation.”

So David went to war against Moab and defeated them, and the Moabites lived on Israel’s southeast border beyond the Dead Sea.  This is not going to fit the USA game plan, but it was what kings did to those they took in battle.  David made the soldiers of Moab lie on the ground and two lines of men he put to death, but one third or one line he left alive.  If you take out all the men, who are going to work, and pay tribute or pay taxes to David, or be his subject? 

Verses 3-8, give us a picture of David’s battles and victories; “David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. And David took from him, 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000-foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. 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. And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze.”

Often we give credit to the general or the leader of a nation who wins a war or a great battle, yet David always knew the source of his victories from the time he was a shepherd boy and fought the lion and the bear.  Only bad can happen to a leader who believes they are the source of the victories or the growth of a church.

Now we have recorded King Toi of Hamath sending his son Joram with both silver and gold and bronze to thank David for defeating his enemy Hadadezer, who he had battled many times.

The key to David’s victories was not found in the silver, gold, bronze, land, and people he ruled over, but in verses 11-12. “These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.”

The end of verse 14 is critical, “And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.”  And verse 15 gives this insight on David’s leadership skills, “So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.”  As you finish the chapter, you see David putting into leadership men that he had a history with, men he could trust.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice