And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.
Read it in contextDavid’s Officers
Start reading at 2 Samuel 8:15 (2 Samuel 8:15 to 2 Samuel 8:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
8:15And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.
8:16And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
8:17And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;
8:18And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The final compiler is unknown. Jewish tradition connects the continuation of Samuel's history with Nathan and Gad; Chronicles also names their records concerning David. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 29:29. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Samuel 8:1–8:18): David, his forces, the defeated neighboring peoples, and his appointed officers are described in the summary of his rule. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israelite readers learning about David's kingship, God's promise to his house, and the consequences of his family's actions. Biblical references: 2 Samuel 7:12; 2 Samuel 12:10; 2 Samuel 23:1. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? David’s Officers. Read 2 Samuel 8:15 through 2 Samuel 8:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account follows Saul's death and concerns David's reign. Its final collected episodes and songs are not all presented as a strictly sequential diary. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? David first reigns in Hebron and then in Jerusalem; campaigns and rebellions range beyond the capital. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in David’s Officers (2 Samuel 8:15 to 2 Samuel 8:18).
Start reading at 2 Samuel 8:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promise concerning David's house is taken up in the New Testament's account of Jesus' kingship. Keep the nearer historical setting of David's family and the later messianic application distinguishable. See 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Take responsibility for sin and its effects on others. God's promises should not be used to excuse a leader's conduct or silence a truthful rebuke. interpretation
Cited: 2 Samuel 8:15, 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 7:12, 2 Samuel 7:16, Luke 1:32, Luke 1:33
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nathan and Gad (traditional)From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. Chronicles refers to written records of Nathan and Gad. 1 Chronicles 29:29
Early traditionJewish tradition credits Nathan and Gad.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated in Scripture.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel 8
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The kingdom is consolidated and the promise concerning David's house becomes central to the account.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Samuel
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Second Samuel follows David's reign, his household, and the consequences of his actions. Promises concerning his house and reports of his sins must both remain in view.
Connection to the wholeThe final collection brings together episodes and songs that reflect on David's reign rather than supplying a simple uninterrupted chronology.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.