2 Samuel 8:15 - Meaning and Application

David was not so caught up in his wars abroad that he neglected the government at home.

First, his care reached every part of his realm. He ruled over all Israel (2 Samuel 8:15). He did not merely have the right to rule over all the tribes, he actually did rule them. They were all safe under his protection and shared in the benefits of his good government.

Second, he did justice with a steady and fair hand. He gave judgment to all his people, and he did not wrong anyone, refuse anyone, or delay what was right. This shows both his hard work and his close attention to public duties, as well as how open he was to hearing cases and appeals. Even the poorest people, and those from the least respected tribes, were welcome to bring their matters before him. It also shows his fairness in court. He never twisted justice out of favor or personal liking, and he showed no partiality in judgment. In this, he pointed forward to Christ, who is faithful and true, and who in righteousness both judges and makes war (Revelation 19:11). See also (Psalm 72:1-2).

Third, he kept good order by setting wise officers over his court. David was the first king to establish an organized government in a lasting way, since Saul’s reign was short and unsettled, so David had to shape the system. In Saul’s time, the only major officer we read of is Abner, the commander of the army. David appointed more officers: Joab, who was commander of the field army, and Benaiah, who was over the Cherethites and Pelethites, likely the king’s guard or standing troops. They were ready for duty at home, helping keep order, assist justice, and protect the public peace. They were later involved in proclaiming Solomon king (1 Kings 1:38).

He also had two priests, Zadok and Ahimelech, who were most active in priestly duties under Abiathar the high priest. Then there were two civil officers, one a recorder, or remembrancer, whose job was to remind the king of business at the right time, and one a scribe, or secretary of state, who wrote official orders and kept records of judgments. David’s sons, as they became old enough for responsibility, were also made chief rulers. They held places of honor and trust, in the household, the camp, or the courts of justice, depending on their abilities. They were close to the king, as 1 Chronicles 18:17 explains, so they could serve under his eye.

Our Lord Jesus has also appointed officers in his kingdom, for his honor and for the good of his people. When he ascended on high, he gave these gifts (Ephesians 4:8-11), assigning to each person his work (Mark 13:34). David made his sons chief rulers, but all believers, Christ’s spiritual offspring, are given a better place. They are made kings and priests to God (Revelation 1:6).