2 Samuel 8:1

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2 Samuel 8:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines.

King James Version KJV

And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

American Standard Version ASV

And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And it came about after this that David made an attack on the Philistines and overcame them; and David took the authority of the mother-town from the hands of the Philistines.

Free Bible Version FBV

Sometime after this, David attacked and subdued the Philistines, taking Metheg-ammah from the them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

After this now, Dauid smote the Philistims, and subdued them, and Dauid tooke the bridle of bondage out of the hand of the Philistims.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass afterwards that David smiteth the Philistines, and humbleth them, and David taketh the bridle of the metropolis out of the hand of the Philistines.

World English Bible WEB

After this, David struck the Philistines and subdued them; and David took the bridle of the mother city out of the hand of the Philistines.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it came to pass after this that David defeated the Philistines, and brought them down, and David took the bridle of tribute out of the hand of the Philistines.

Translation for Translators T4T

Some time later, David’s army attacked the Philistia army and defeated them. They took control over the entire Philistia area.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 8:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 8:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יְהִי֙ אַֽחֲרֵי כֵ֔ן וַ/יַּ֥ךְ דָּוִ֛ד אֶת פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים וַ/יַּכְנִיעֵ֑/ם וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח דָּוִ֛ד אֶת מֶ֥תֶג הָ/אַמָּ֖ה מִ/יַּ֥ד פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים

וַֽ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַֽחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 after Prep

כֵ֔ן kên H3651 right Adv

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa

וַ/יַּכְנִיעֵ֑/ם kânaʻ H3665 be humble Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מֶ֥תֶג Metheg hâ-ʼAmmâh H4965 Metheg-ammah N-ms

הָ/אַמָּ֖ה Metheg hâ-ʼAmmâh H4965 Metheg-ammah Art | N-fs

מִ/יַּ֥ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 Philistines Ngmpa

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 8:1

וַֽ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

אַֽחֲרֵי ʼachar H310 "after" Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

כֵ֔ן kên H3651 "right" Adv

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

וַ/יַּ֥ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa

A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.

Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

וַ/יַּכְנִיעֵ֑/ם kânaʻ H3665 "be humble" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

To be humble means to bend your knee and submit to someone or something, like God. In the Bible, it's about being lowly and under God's authority. It appears in books like Proverbs and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to be humble, be humbled, be subdued, be brought down, be low, be under, be brought into subjection 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to humble oneself 1a2) to be humbled, be subdued 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to humble 1b2) to subdue

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self), subdue. See also: Leviticus 26:41; 2 Chronicles 12:12; Psalms 81:15.

וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

דָּוִ֛ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֶ֥תֶג Metheg hâ-ʼAmmâh H4965 "Metheg-ammah" N-ms

Metheg-ammah is another name for the city of Gath, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:1 and 1 Chronicles 18:1. It means mother city, indicating Gath's importance. The word is used in the stories of King David's conquests.

Definition: This name means mother city Another name of gat (גַּת "Gath" H1661)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Metheg-ammah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:1.

הָ/אַמָּ֖ה Metheg hâ-ʼAmmâh H4965 "Metheg-ammah" Art | N-fs

Definition: This name means mother city Another name of gat (גַּת "Gath" H1661)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Metheg-ammah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:1.

מִ/יַּ֥ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים Pᵉlishtîy H6430 "Philistines" Ngmpa

Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 8:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 8:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:1
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:1
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1

Context — David’s Triumphs

1Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines.

2David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. 3David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Chronicles 18:1–17	Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. When the Arameans of Damascus came to help King Hadadezer 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. And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. And from Tibhath and Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David took a large amount of bronze, with which Solomon made the bronze Sea, the pillars, and various bronze articles. When King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer king of Zobah, he sent his son Hadoram to greet King David and bless him for fighting and defeating Hadadezer, who had been at war with Tou. Hadoram brought all kinds of articles of gold and silver and bronze, and King David dedicated these to the LORD, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all these nations—from Edom and Moab, and from the Ammonites, Philistines, and Amalekites. Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.
2	2 Samuel 7:9	I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like the greatest in the land.
3	2 Samuel 21:15–22	Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines; but David became exhausted. Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha. Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. And there was still another battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him. So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.
4	2 Samuel 2:24	But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner. By sunset, they had gone as far as the hill of Ammah opposite Giah on the way to the wilderness of Gibeon.

2 Samuel 8:1 Summary

This verse tells us that David, with God's help, was able to defeat the Philistines and take control of one of their strongholds, Metheg-ammah. This was a big deal because the Philistines had been a thorn in the side of the Israelites for a long time. It shows us that when we trust in God, He can give us victory over our enemies, just like He promised in Deuteronomy 23:14. It also reminds us that our strength comes from God, not from ourselves, as we read in Psalm 28:7, which says, 'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of David defeating the Philistines in 2 Samuel 8:1?

This victory marked a significant milestone in David's reign, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His people and fulfilling the promise made in Deuteronomy 23:14, that God would give the Israelites victory over their enemies.

What is Metheg-ammah, and why is it important?

Metheg-ammah is a city or stronghold that was under Philistine control, and its capture by David symbolized the beginning of the end of Philistine dominance over Israel, as prophesied in Genesis 9:27 and reiterated in 2 Samuel 3:18.

How does this verse relate to the rest of 2 Samuel 8?

This verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which describes David's military campaigns and the expansion of his kingdom, ultimately fulfilling the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 and reaffirmed in Psalm 89:3-4.

What can we learn about David's character from this verse?

David's actions in this verse demonstrate his trust in God and his obedience to God's will, as expressed in Psalm 20:7, which says, 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.'

Reflection Questions

How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's power and provision in my own life?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God for victory, just as David did against the Philistines?
How can I apply the principles of faith and obedience demonstrated by David in this verse to my own relationships and challenges?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and dependence on God, as seen in David's willingness to trust and obey?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:1

And after this it came to pass,.... After David had rest from his enemies for a time, and after the conversation he had had with Nathan about building the house of God, and after the message sent to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:1

And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Metheg'ammah out of the hand of the Philistines.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1

2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 8 David subdueth the Philistines and the Moabites; smiteth the king of Zobah, and the Syrians; placeth a garrison in Damascus, . Toi sendeth Joram with presents to bless him; which with the spoil he dedicateth to God, : smiteth the Edomites, and placeth a garrison in their land, 2 Samuel 14. David’ s government and officers, . Metheg-ammah, i.e. Gath and her towns, as it is expressed in the parallel place, , which are called Metheg-ammah, or the bridle of Ammah, because Gath was situate in the mountain of Ammah; and because this being the chief city of the Philistines, and having a king, which none of the rest had, was the bridle which had hitherto kept the Israelites in subjection, but now was taken out of their mouths.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1

2 Samuel 8:1 And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines.Ver. 1. And after this it came to pass, that David smote.] Out of action he would not be; but seeing he might not build God a house, he would, by subduing his enemies on all hands, provide for his son Solomon both peace - the daughter of war - and spoils for materials great store. And it is observable that he assailed no nation which he overcame not, besieged no city which he took not; the same which our chronicles affirm of the Black Prince. And David took Methegammah.] That is Gath with her precincts, called Methegammah, or the bridle of the angle, or corner, because it kept that part of the country in awe and order. This David took from the Philistines; so hath Christ taken away the dominion of sin.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1

(1) Subdued them.—In its connection this implies not merely the victory of a single battle, but the reversal of the former relation of the Philistines to Israel, and their reduction to a condition of inferiority and tribute. Took Metheg-ammah.—No place of this name is known. The first word means bridle, and the other is probably, although not certainly, a derivation from the word mother, and has the sense metropolis. The translation will then be, took the bridle (i.e., the key) of the metropolis, and this seems sustained by the parallel phrase in 1 Chronicles 18:1, “took Gath and her towns (lit daughters).” Gath appears to have been already the principal among the five Philistine cities (1 Samuel 27:2), and with the rest of the country remained tributary to Solomon (1 Kings 4:21; 1 Kings 4:24).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1

CHAPTER VIII David subdues the Philistines, 1; and the Moabites, 2; and the king of Zobah, 3, 4; and the Syrians in general, 5-8. Toi, king of Hamath, sends to congratulate him on his victories over the king of Zobah, and sends him rich presents, 9-10. David dedicates all the spoils to God, 11-13. He garrisons Edom, 14; and reigns over all Israel, 15. An account of his chief officers, 16-18. NOTES ON CHAP. VIII Verse 1. David took Metheg-ammah] This is variously translated. The Vulgate has, Tulit David fraenum tributi, David removed the bondage of the tribute, which the Israelities paid to the Philistines. Some think it means a fortress, city, or strong town; but no such place as Metheg-ammah is known. Probably the Vulgate is nearest the truth. The versions are all different. See the following comparison of the principal passages here collated with the parallel place in 1 Chr: - 2 Samuel 8:1 - David took Methegammah 1 Chronicles 18:1 - David took Gath and her towns. 2 Samuel 8:3. David smote Hadadezer 1 Chronicles 18:3. David smote Hadarezer 2 Samuel 8:4. And David took from him 1000 and 700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot. 1 Chronicles 18:4. And David took from him 1000 chariots, and 7000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot. 2 Samuel 8:6. Then David put garrisons in Syria 1 Chronicles 18:6. Then David put in Syria 2 Samuel 8:8. And from Betah and Berothai cities of Hadadezer. 1 Chronicles 18:8. And from Tibhath and Chun cities of Hadarezer. 2 Samuel 8:9. When Toi heard that David had smitten Hadadezer 1 Chronicles 18:9. When Tou heard that David had smitten Hadarezer 2 Samuel 8:10. Then Toi sent Joram his son 1 Chronicles 18:10. He sent Hadoram his son 2 Samuel 8:12 - Syria and Moab 1 Chronicles 18:11 - Edom and Moab 2 Samuel 8:13. - Syrians, in the valley of salt, 18,000 1 Chronicles 18:12. - Edomites, in the valley of salt, 18,000 2 Samuel 8:17 - Ahimelech - and Seraiah was the scribe. 1 Chronicles 18:16 - Abimelech - and Shausha was scribe. 2 Samuel 10:16. Shobach the captain 1 Chronicles 19:16. Shophach the captain 2 Samuel 10:17. David passed over Jordan, and came הלאמה to Helam. 1 Chronicles 19:17. David passed over Jordan and came אלהם upon them 2 Samuel 10:18. David slew 700 chariots of the Syrians, 1 Chronicles 19:18. David slew of the Syrians 7000 chariots, 2Sa. and 40,000 horsemen; 1Ch. and 40,000 footmen; 2Sa. and smote Shobach, &c. 1Ch. and killed Shophach, &c.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:1

Chap. 8. The Development of David’s Kingdom = 1 Chronicles 18 1, 2. Conquest of the Philistines and Moabites 1. And after this it came to pass] This chapter contains a summary account of the wars by which David established the supremacy of Israel among the surrounding nations. At what periods of his reign they were waged is not stated. As has been already implied in the note on ch. 2 Samuel 7:1, it seems best to consider the words “and after this it came to pass” as a general formula of transition and connexion, not necessarily indicating a strict chronological sequence. It may possibly be derived from the annals which were the original source of the history. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 10:1, 2 Samuel 13:1. took Metheg-ammah, &c.] The most probable explanation of this obscure expression is took the bridle of the metropolis out of the hand of the Philistines, i.e. wrested from them the control of their chief city. This is equivalent to the statement in 1 Chronicles 18:1 that “David took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines;” and it may be noticed that the metaphor of the ‘mother-city’ is employed there, for the word translated “towns” literally means daughters. Gath was allowed to retain its king as a tributary (1 Kings 2:39). On its site and history see note on 1 Samuel 5:8.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:1

Metheg-ammah must be the name of some stronghold which commanded Gath, and the taking of which made David master of Gath and her towns.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:1

SUMMARY OF DAVID’S , 2 Samuel 8:1-14.We are not to suppose that these victories all occurred after the events recorded in the last chapter, nor that they are here recorded in exact chronological order.