2 Samuel 8:7
New International Version
David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

New Living Translation
David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem,

English Standard Version
And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

Berean Standard Bible
And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

Berean Literal Bible
And David took the shields of gold that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer, and he brought them to Jerusalem.

King James Bible
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

New King James Version
And David took the shields of gold that had belonged to the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

NASB 1995
David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

NASB 1977
And David took the shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Legacy Standard Bible
And David took the small shields of gold which were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible
David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Berean Annotated Bible
And David (beloved) took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer (Hadad is help) and brought them to Jerusalem (city of peace).

Christian Standard Bible
David took the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers and brought them to Jerusalem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David took the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers and brought them to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Contemporary English Version
Hadadezer's officers had carried their arrows in gold cases hung over their shoulders, but David took these cases and brought them to Jerusalem.

English Revised Version
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David took the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer's servants, and he brought them to Jerusalem.

Good News Translation
David captured the gold shields carried by Hadadezer's officials and took them to Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
David also confiscated the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer's officers and took them to Jerusalem.

NET Bible
David took the golden shields that belonged to Hadadezer's servants and brought them to Jerusalem.

New Heart English Bible
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem, which, later on, were also taken by Shishak king of Egypt in the days of Rehoboam son of Solomon when he went up to Jerusalem.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

World English Bible
David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David takes the shields of gold which were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brings them to Jerusalem;

Berean Literal Bible
And David took the shields of gold that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer, and he brought them to Jerusalem.

Young's Literal Translation
and David taketh the shields of gold which were on the servants of Hadadezer, and bringeth them to Jerusalem;

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will take the shields of gold which were upon the servants of Hadadezer, and he will bring them to Jerusalem.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David took the arms of gold, which the servants of Adarezer wore, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And David took the armbands of gold, which the servants of Hadadezer had, and he brought them to Jerusalem.

New American Bible
David took the golden shields that were carried by Hadadezer’s attendants and brought them to Jerusalem. (These Shishak, king of Egypt, took away when he came to Jerusalem in the days of Rehoboam, son of Solomon.)

New Revised Standard Version
David took the gold shields that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David took shields of gold that were on the Servants of Hedarezar
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David took the golden bracelets which were on the servants of Adraazar king of Suba, and brought them to Jerusalem. And Susakim king of Egypt took them, when he went up to Jerusalem in the days of Roboam son of Solomon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Triumphs
6Then 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. 7And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a large amount of bronze.…

Cross References
And David took the gold shields

1 Chronicles 18:7
And David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:17
He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

1 Kings 14:26
He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made.
that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer

1 Chronicles 19:16
When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them.

2 Samuel 10:19
When all the kings who were subject to Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and became subject to them. So the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.

2 Samuel 10:16
Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them.
and brought them to Jerusalem

1 Kings 7:51
So all the work that King Solomon had performed for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the items his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:1
So all the work that Solomon had performed for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the items his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and all the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of God.

2 Samuel 6:17
So they brought the ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
1 Kings 10:16-17
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

2 Kings 14:14
He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria.

2 Chronicles 12:9
So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made.

2 Chronicles 9:15-16
King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. / He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

Isaiah 39:2
And Hezekiah welcomed the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them.

Jeremiah 52:19
The captain of the guard also took away the basins, censers, sprinkling bowls, pots, lampstands, pans, and drink offering bowls—anything made of pure gold or fine silver.

Ezekiel 28:4-5
By your wisdom and understanding you have gained your wealth and amassed gold and silver for your treasuries. / By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has grown proud because of it.


Treasury of Scripture

And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

shields

1 Kings 10:16,17
And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target…

1 Kings 14:26,27
And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made…

1 Chronicles 18:7
And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

Jump to Previous
Belonged Body-Covers Carried David Gold Hadadezer Hadade'zer Jerusalem Officers Servants Shields
Jump to Next
Belonged Body-Covers Carried David Gold Hadadezer Hadade'zer Jerusalem Officers Servants Shields
2 Samuel 8
1. David subdues the Philistines and the Moabites
3. He smites Hadadezer, and the Syrians
9. Toi sends Joram with presents to bless him
11. David dedicates the presents and the spoil to God
14. He puts garrisons in Edom
16. David's officers












And David took the gold shields
This phrase highlights David's victory over Hadadezer, king of Zobah. Gold shields symbolize wealth and military strength. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shields were not only used for protection but also as symbols of power and prestige. The taking of these shields signifies a transfer of power and the spoils of war, demonstrating God's favor upon David's reign.

that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer
Hadadezer was a powerful king whose officers would have been high-ranking military leaders. The mention of officers indicates the organized military structure of Zobah. By capturing these shields, David effectively dismantles a part of Hadadezer's military might. This act also fulfills God's promise to give Israel victory over its enemies, as seen in earlier scriptures where God assures David of success in battle.

and brought them to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel, becomes the repository for these symbols of victory. This act signifies the centralization of power and the unification of the nation under David's rule. Bringing the spoils to Jerusalem also foreshadows the city's future as the site of the Temple, where treasures would be dedicated to God. This action can be seen as a type of Christ, who brings the spoils of victory over sin and death to the heavenly Jerusalem, establishing His eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The second king of Israel, known for his military prowess, leadership, and heart for God. In this passage, he is expanding his kingdom and securing Israel's borders.

2. Hadadezer
A king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom. He was a formidable opponent of Israel, and his defeat by David signifies a major victory for Israel.

3. Gold Shields
These were symbols of power and wealth, used by Hadadezer's officers. Their capture and relocation to Jerusalem symbolize the transfer of power and God's favor upon David.

4. Jerusalem
The political and spiritual center of Israel, where David brought the spoils of war, signifying the consolidation of his kingdom and the centralization of worship.

5. Zobah
A region in Aram (modern-day Syria), representing the northern threats to Israel. David's victory over Zobah demonstrates God's provision and protection over Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Victory
David's success is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Believers can trust that God is in control and will lead them to victory in their spiritual battles.

Symbolism of the Gold Shields
The capture of the gold shields represents the transfer of power and God's blessing. Christians are reminded that true power and security come from God, not material wealth or military might.

Centrality of Worship
By bringing the spoils to Jerusalem, David emphasizes the importance of dedicating victories and resources to God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize worship and thanksgiving in their lives.

Legacy of Faithfulness
David's actions set a precedent for future generations. Christians are called to leave a legacy of faithfulness and obedience to God.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as David fought physical battles, believers are engaged in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages Christians to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 8:7?

2. How does 2 Samuel 8:7 demonstrate God's provision for David's victories?

3. What significance do the "golden shields" have in understanding God's blessings?

4. How can we apply David's success in 2 Samuel 8:7 to our lives?

5. What other scriptures highlight God's faithfulness in granting victory to His people?

6. How does David's obedience relate to the blessings received in 2 Samuel 8:7?

7. What is the significance of David taking gold shields from Hadadezer's officers in 2 Samuel 8:7?

8. How does 2 Samuel 8:7 reflect God's favor towards David's military conquests?

9. Why were the gold shields important in the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 8?

11. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?

12. Why does 1 Samuel 8 conflict with later passages that seem to affirm kingship, such as 2 Samuel 7?

13. Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?

14. When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)
What Does 2 Samuel 8:7 Mean
David took

“David took” (2 Samuel 8:7) records the king’s decisive act in the wake of victory. God had already promised David success (2 Samuel 7:9), and verse 6 emphasizes that “the LORD gave David victory wherever he went.” Here we see that assurance playing out in real time. The verb is simple, but it underscores:

• David’s personal involvement—no proxy warriors here, just the shepherd-king gathering the spoils he has legitimately won (cf. 1 Samuel 17:50–51).

• The fulfillment of God’s covenant faithfulness—every triumph flows from His hand (Psalm 144:10).

• A clear contrast with Saul’s failures—where Saul spared what God forbade (1 Samuel 15:9), David takes what God delivers.


the gold shields

The phrase highlights both value and symbolism: shields speak of protection and gold speaks of prestige. These were not everyday military issue; they signified royal status, much like Solomon’s later gold shields (1 Kings 10:16–17). Collecting them means:

• David is stripping Hadadezer’s court of its honor (1 Chronicles 18:7 repeats the detail).

• Israel now holds tangible proof of God’s supremacy over foreign powers (cf. 2 Samuel 22:40–41).

• The wealth of the nations is beginning to flow toward Zion, foreshadowing Temple splendour under Solomon (1 Chronicles 29:2–3).


that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer

Hadadezer, king of Zobah, had stretched his power “to restore his control at the Euphrates” (2 Samuel 8:3). By seizing the personal armory of his commanders, David:

• Demonstrates total victory—he is not just pushing back an invasion, he is dismantling the leadership structure (Psalm 18:43).

• Prevents future rebellion—without elite weapons, Hadadezer’s officers cannot easily regroup (2 Samuel 10:15–19 shows how lingering alliances could still threaten).

• Fulfills God’s promise to give Israel “rest from all [its] enemies” (2 Samuel 7:11).


and brought them to Jerusalem

The journey ends in Zion, the city David had recently captured (2 Samuel 5:7–9). Bringing trophies there accomplishes several things:

• Centralizes worship and national identity—verse 11 adds, “King David also dedicated these to the LORD,” placing the wealth under divine ownership.

• Prepares resources for the future Temple (1 Chronicles 22:14)—David can’t build it, but he can stockpile what his son will need.

• Sends a message to surrounding nations that Israel’s God reigns from Jerusalem (Psalm 48:1–3; Isaiah 2:2). Even when later invaders seize gold shields (1 Kings 14:26), the loss is felt precisely because David first consecrated them there.


summary

2 Samuel 8:7 shows the victorious king personally claiming high-value, symbol-rich spoils, disarming enemy leadership, and dedicating the plunder to God in Jerusalem. The verse underscores God’s covenant faithfulness, David’s rightful authority, and the gathering of nations’ wealth to the city where the LORD’s name dwells.

(7) Shields of gold.--Solomon also "made shields of gold" (1Kings 10:17), which appear to have been a mark of oriental magnificence. Solomon's shields were ultimately carried off by Shishak (1Kings 14:25-28). The LXX. has here a curious addition, saying that Shishak carried off the shields which David captured, a manifest error, since those were made by Solomon.

Verse 7. - Shields of gold. Probably they were plated with gold, and were borne by Hadarezer's bodyguard. But it is very uncertain whether shields are really meant. The word in Syriac means "quivers." Jerome evidently could not at first find out what it signified, as he in this place translates in the Vulgate "arms," but subsequently he became better, informed. The LXX. renders "bracelets," and adds that they were carried away from Jerusalem by Shishak in the days of Rehoboam. There is no contradiction in this with what is said in 1 Kings 14:26, as what Solomon made were undoubtedly shields, such being the certain meaning of the word in the Hebrew, and its rendering in all the versions. No version renders the word used here "shield." In the parallel place (1 Chronicles 18:7) the Syriac and Vulgate render it "quivers," the LXX. "collars," and the Arabic "plates of gold hung on the trappings of the horses." As they were captured from a Syrian king, they probably retained their Syriac name, and if so they were "quivers."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And David
דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

took
וַיִּקַּ֣ח (way·yiq·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

the gold
הַזָּהָ֔ב (haz·zā·hāḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

shields
שִׁלְטֵ֣י (šil·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7982: Perhaps shield

that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

belonged
הָי֔וּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
אֶ֖ל (’el)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the officers
עַבְדֵ֣י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

of Hadadezer
הֲדַדְעָ֑זֶר (hă·ḏaḏ·‘ā·zer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1909: Hadadezer -- 'Hadad is help(er)', an Aramean (Syrian) king

and brought them
וַיְבִיאֵ֖ם (way·ḇî·’êm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


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OT History: 2 Samuel 8:7 David took the shields of gold that (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
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