Useful Bible Studies > 2 Samuel Commentary > chapter 8
David's success in these wars brought great wealth to him. However, David did not fight these wars in order to become rich. He fought because he had to defend Israel from its many enemies. It was the only way that Israel could become a safe and peaceful country.
David decided that he did not want to keep this wealth for himself. Instead, he gave it for God's work. In particular, he wanted to give generously for the construction of the temple, God's great house in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 29:1-5). God had provided this wealth, and David was pleased to be able to give it back to him (1 Chronicles 29:12 and 29:16-17). In fact, David considered it a great honour to be able to give to God (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Although David fought many wars, at least one nation, Hamath, preferred instead to make peace with Israel. Hamath had been at war with Zobah when David defeated Zobah. The king of Hamath, Tou, was grateful, and he sent generous gifts to David.
God's law directed Israel's people to offer peace to the people in distant countries. They even had first to offer peace when they intended to attack a city (Deuteronomy 20:10-15). So of course, when the king of Hamath asked for a peace agreement, David accepted. David took his gifts, and David then gave these gifts also, to God.
Next part: David defeats Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14)
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