II Samuel 8:13 · Bible study
2 Samuel 8:13 Commentary: David's Reputation and the Valleys of Salt
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Examine the textual tension between Syrians and Edomites in David's valley of Salt victory, and what it reveals about his legacy and God's faithfulness.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David gained international fame by defeating a coalition that included Edom, with the victory attributed to him even though his generals led the battle.
- Key words: “Name” (שֵׁם) = reputation, fame; “Valley of Salt” = region south of Dead Sea bordering Edom; “Aram” is likely a textual error for “Edom.”
- Main debate: Why does the Hebrew read “Syrians” when the location and parallel texts point to Edomites? Most scholars see a scribal mistake; some argue for a combined campaign.
- Theological theme: God gives victory to His anointed king; the king’s renown serves God’s purposes, not personal ambition.
- Best use: A case study in how to read Old Testament narrative with historical precision, trusting the text’s substance even where details require careful harmonization.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
WEB World English Bible 2000
David earned a reputation when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand men of the Syrians in the Valley of Salt.
KJV King James Version 1769
And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, even eighteen thousand men.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And David maketh a name in his turning back from his smiting Aram in the valley of Salt--eighteen thousand;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And David made him a name when he returned, after he had smitten the Syrians in the valley of salt, eighteen thousand [men].
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
David also made himself a name, when he returned after taking Syria in the valley of the saltpits, killing eighteen thousand:
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y ganó David fama cuando, volviendo de la rota de los Siros, hirió diez y ocho mil hombres en el valle de la sal.
E ganhou Davi fama quando, voltando da derrota dos sírios, feriu dezoito mil homens no vale do sal.
Au retour de sa victoire sur les Syriens, David se fit encore un nom, en battant dans la vallée du sel dix-huit mille Édomites.
Auch machte sich David einen Namen da er wiederkam von der Syrer Schlacht und schlug im Salztal achtzehntausend Mann,
Ook maakte zich David een naam, als hij wederkwam, nadat hij de Syriers geslagen had, in het Zoutdal, achttien duizend.
Al ritorno dalla sua vittoria sui Siri, Davide s’acquistò ancor fama, sconfiggendo nella valle del Sale diciottomila Idumei.
A tak uczynił sobie Dawid imię, gdy się wrócił poraziwszy Syryjczyki w dolinie solnej, gdzie pobił ośmnaście tysięcy ludu.
И сделал Давид себе имя, возвращаясь с поражения восемнадцати тысяч Сирийцев в долине Соленой.
大衛 在鹽 谷 擊殺了 亞蘭（或譯：以東，見詩篇六十篇詩題）一萬 八 千 人回來，就得了 大名；
And David got great honour for himself, when he came back, by the destruction of Edom in the valley of Salt, to the number of eighteen thousand men.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Samuel 8:13
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this verse records a decisive victory that enhanced David's reputation across the ancient Near East. The Hebrew phrase “gat him a name” (שֵׁם) means to win renown, not to erect a monument, as Cambridge Bible clarifies. But nearly every scholar notes a serious textual problem: the valley of Salt was located on the border of Judah and Edom (2 Kings 14:7), far from Syria. The Septuagint and the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 18:12 read “Edomites” instead of “Syrians.” Keil and Delitzsch argue that the Masoretic text lost the words “and smote Edom” due to a copyist’s eye skipping from אֶת־אֲרָם (Syria) to אֶת־אֱדוֹם (Edom). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown and Barnes flatly say “Syrians” is a copyist error that should read “Edomites.” The narrative in 2 Samuel 8:14 then logically follows: David puts garrisons in Edom. The consensus holds that David’s army, probably under Abishai and Joab, crushed an Edomite invasion while David was occupied with Aram. The victory was credited to David as king, even though his generals led the charge.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Textual corruption view: The Valley of Salt is in Edom, 2 Sam 8:14 mentions Edom, and 1 Chr 18:12 reads Edomites; the Hebrew letters for Aram and Edom are similar, suggesting a scribal error.
- Combined alliance view: Some commentators (Gill, Lange) argue that Syrians and Edomites fought together as allies, so ‘Syrians’ could stand for the whole coalition, or there were two separate battles in different locations.
What is clear: David gained a great reputation through a decisive military victory in the Valley of Salt, which God granted as part of His promise to establish David’s kingdom.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Identity of the enemy | The battle occurred in the Valley of Salt, which is in Edom. David’s forces defeated a large enemy force there. | Some affirm the Masoretic reading ‘Syrians,’ suggesting a Syrian-Edomite alliance (Gill). Most modern commentators (Cambridge, Keil, Barnes) argue the original text read ‘Edomites’ and was corrupted by a scribe’s eye skip. |
| Who led the battle | David is credited as king with the victory. The campaign was part of David’s reign. | 1 Chronicles 18:12 names Abishai as the striker; Psalm 60 mentions Joab. Some see a contradiction, others see different phases: Abishai began, Joab finished, and David as king received overall credit (Gill, Cambridge). |
| Number of slain | A very large number of enemies were killed, in the thousands. | Here 18,000, Psalm 60 says 12,000. Proposed resolutions include textual error, different phases of the battle, or different counting methods (only those killed by Joab vs total). |
| Meaning of ‘gat him a name’ | The phrase indicates David gained a great reputation or fame. | Some Jewish interpreters (cited in Gill) connect it to David’s humanity in burying the dead. Most moderns see it simply as renown from military success. The Targum renders it ‘collected troops,’ which is a minority view. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Valley of Salt (גֵיא מֶלַח) is widely identified with the Ghor, the steep ravine south of the Dead Sea that separates Judah from Edom. This was the same battlefield where King Amaziah later struck ten thousand Edomites (2 Kings 14:7). Edom had been a vassal under Saul but likely rebelled during David’s wars with the Ammonites and the Aramean coalition. The chronological context places this event after David defeated Hadadezer of Zobah (2 Samuel 8:3-8). While David campaigned in Syria, Edom seized the opportunity to attack from the south. Psalm 60’s heading says David fought “Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah” while Joab returned and “killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.” First Kings 11:15-16 adds that Joab remained in Edom six months to destroy every male. The numbers vary, 18,000 here, 12,000 in the Psalm, Abishai given credit in 1 Chronicles 18:12, likely reflecting different phases or troop detachments. David’s victory secured the southern border and fulfilled the ancient prophecy that Edom would serve Israel (Numbers 24:18). The spoils and tribute from these campaigns, including gifts from King Toi of Hamath, were dedicated to the Lord for the future temple (2 Samuel 8:10-11).
Textual Notes
The primary textual issue in this verse is the identification of the enemy. The Masoretic Hebrew reads “Aram” (Syrians), but the Valley of Salt is located in Edom, and the surrounding context (2 Samuel 8:14) speaks of David putting garrisons in Edom. The Septuagint, followed by the Syriac and Old Latin, reads “Edom” in place of “Aram.” Keil and Delitzsch argue that the original had “and he smote Edom” but a copyist’s eye jumped from אֶת־אֲרָם to the similar-looking אֶת־אֱדוֹם, causing the loss of the clause. The parallel in 1 Chronicles 18:12 explicitly says “Abishai struck eighteen thousand Edomites.” The consulted sources note no other significant textual variants in this verse.
Reception History
Jewish tradition, reflected in the Targum, interpreted “gat him a name” as David collecting troops to replenish his army, emphasizing mercy toward the dead. Early Christian readers like Theodoret saw the verse as evidence of David’s typological role as a warrior-king pointing to Christ’s victory over spiritual enemies. Medieval exegetes such as Hugh of St. Cher focused on the dedication of spoils to the temple as a model for using worldly success to honor God. Reformation commentators (Geneva Bible, Matthew Henry) highlighted God’s providence in David’s triumphs and the importance of giving God the glory. In modern scholarship, the textual difficulty has dominated discussion, with most critical commentaries (Cambridge, ICC) positing an original Edomite reading. The verse continues to be used in preaching to illustrate how God builds reputation through humble dependence on Him.
Preaching This Verse
Three-Point Outline
- The Victorious King, David’s reputation grew because God gave him success. The text credits David as the ultimate leader, yet allows that Abishai and Joab executed the battle. True leadership takes responsibility for both victory and the soldiers who achieve it.
- The Hidden Enemy, While David fought the Syrians in the north, Edom struck from the south. This reminds us that opposition can come from unexpected quarters. David had to be ready for a two-front war, but God’s deliverance covered both.
- The Giver of Fame, David did not seek his own glory; he dedicated the spoils to the Lord. His “name” was a by‑product of obedience. God makes a name for those who honor Him (2 Samuel 7:9).
Five-Point Outline
- Conquest in Two Theaters, David subjugated Syria and then Edom, showing that God’s sovereignty extends over all nations.
- Leadership through Delegation, The campaign involved Abishai and Joab; David reigned as the anointed king while his commanders carried out the strategy.
- The Valley of Salt: A Place of Judgment, Salt symbolizes covenant and permanence (Numbers 18:19). The defeat of Edom sealed their subjugation, a judgment for their hostility to Israel.
- Numbers as Theology, The differing casualty counts (18,000, 12,000, etc.) do not undermine trust in Scripture; they point to different phases or perspectives of the same war, all under God’s providence.
- From Battle to Worship, David consecrated the spoils to God. The ultimate purpose of every victory is the glory of God and the building of His house.
Illustration Hooks
- A corporate leader whose company wins a contract thanks to a team of engineers. The CEO gets the award, but the real work was done by others. David’s “name” includes the work of his soldiers.
- A student who wins a scholarship after her parents worked extra jobs to pay for prep courses. The student’s success is rightly hers, but it depends on many behind her.
- A sports team where the captain receives the trophy but the entire squad contributed. Biblical reputation often has this shared dimension.
Questions Your Congregation Is Asking
- Why does the Bible sometimes seem to have contradictions, like Syrians vs Edomites? How do we handle these without losing trust in Scripture?
- Does God care about a person’s reputation? Is it okay to want to be well‑known?
- How can I know whether the success I achieve is from God or from my own effort?
Leading a Discussion
This passage invites us to see how God works through human leaders, complex battles, and even textual puzzles to accomplish His purposes. As you discuss, keep the focus on God’s faithfulness to David and to His people.
Discussion Questions
- Read 2 Samuel 8:13 slowly. What immediate impressions do you have about David? About the enemy?
- Compare the wording in 1 Chronicles 18:12. Why do you think the same event is described with different names for the enemy? What does this teach us about how Scripture reports history?
- The Valley of Salt is south of the Dead Sea, far from Syria. How does the geography affect your understanding of the campaign?
- David “earned a reputation” (or “made a name”). In what ways is a good reputation a gift from God? When does the desire for reputation become dangerous?
- David dedicated the spoils to the Lord. What does this say about his priorities? How can we dedicate our own successes to God today?
- Verse 14 says God gave David victory “wherever he went.” Does this mean God always gives believers victory in everything? How do you reconcile this with experiences of failure or struggle?
- If your group had to write a one‑sentence “takeaway” from this verse, what would it be?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 7:9 | I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. |
| II Kings 14:7 | He killed ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called its name Joktheel, to this day. |
| I Chronicles 18:12 | Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah struck eighteen thousand of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt. |
| II Chronicles 25:11 | Amaziah took courage, and led his people out and went to the Valley of Salt, and struck ten thousand of the children of Seir. |
| Psalms 60:1 | For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes a possible alternative to David simply becoming famous: the Targum indicates David gathered troops to rebuild his army after heavy losses from his Syrian campaigns. He also identifies the valley of salt as a mineral-rich plain near Palmyra.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes argues that the Syrians named in this passage are actually the Edomites, as the context and cross-references indicate. He notes this was a long, hard war of extermination with serious setbacks for Israel, and the different biblical accounts likely describe separate phases of the campaign.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible identifies a textual problem: the Valley of Salt is in Edom, not Syria, so the phrase about returning from smiting the Syrians is likely corrupt. The original probably included a clause stating David smote Edom,
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note emphasizes that David’s widespread reputation came directly from this victory: slaughtering eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt. The comment highlights both the scale of the slaughter and the specific location, presenting the event as the occasion that established David’s fame.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill reconciles the different accounts of this battle by explaining that the 18,000 men slain were Edomites serving as allies to the Syrians. He notes that Abishai first killed 6,000 and Joab later killed 12,000, so the total is credited to David as king. This solves the apparent contradictions in the numbers and who fought.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
The commentator notes that the Septuagint reads "Edomites" here, not "Syrians," making this a conquest of Edom. The victory came through the skilled generalship of Abishai and Joab, and the valley mentioned is the ravine of salt near the Dead Sea.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch identifies a copyist error in the Hebrew text: words describing Edom were accidentally dropped because the scribe's eye skipped from "Aram" to the similar-looking "Edom." The geography confirms the correction, since Aram was never defeated in the valley of Salt, but Edom was. Different numbers and leaders in parallel accounts simply reflect approximate counts and various command levels.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange reads David's wars not as mere history but as God's theocratic work, where David acts as the Lord's instrument to establish Israel's kingdom. He highlights that these victories fulfill the divine promise of 2 Samuel 7 and lay the foundation for Messianic prophecy about a future king who will conquer all enemies.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights David's wisdom in gaining more through peaceful gifts from the king of Hamath than by conquest, and his piety in dedicating all the spoils to the Lord. David's policy of receiving tribute rather than taking by force secured both alliances and resources for God's service.