Philistines (v 1)

2 Samuel chapter 8 explains how the kingdom of David was established. The first event mentioned is the conquest of the Philistines. (1) The Philistines had long been a threat to Israel. But at last, David subdued them and took Metheg-ammah (which refers to the major Philistine city of Gath and its surrounding villages; ref. 1 Chron. 18:1) from their control. (2) If we take the Philistines as a symbol of the kingdom of darkness and David as a symbol of the Lord Jesus, we can draw a lesson from this victory. The Lord Jesus, the “Son of David” (the Messiah), will one day subdue all enemies and lead us, His saints, in a procession of victory. Paul says, “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37). Are you feeling crushed by trials? If so, remain in the love of “Him who loved us (Jesus Christ)” and receive new strength. The day will surely come when we will be “overwhelmingly victorious.”

Moab (v 2)

Next, the victory over Moab is recorded. (1) When David conquered Moab, he killed two-thirds of the Moabites (likely the male soldiers) and left one-third alive. (2) Moab originally had a friendly relationship with David. During his time as a fugitive, David even entrusted his parents to the king of Moab (1 Sam. 22:3-4). Therefore, the background of such a massacre is unclear. It is likely that some form of rebellion took place. (3) Those who measured two lengths of the measuring line were put to death, while those who measured one length were kept alive. The former received severe judgment, and the latter received mercy. Paul gives this warning: “See then the kindness and severity of God: to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; for otherwise you too will be cut off.” (Rom. 11:22). Let us continue to remain in the grace of God.