Bible Strands
2 Samuel 8:15
Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David concludes his military campaigns by establishing his rule over all Israel and administering justice for his people. This summary statement follows the subjugation of Edom and precedes the listing of his administrative officials.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיִּמְלֹךְ (va-yimloch) denotes his active reign, while עֹשֶׂה (oseh) describes his ongoing administration of justice and righteousness. These terms frame his kingship as both a sovereign position and a continuous practice of governance.
The thread — The pairing of justice and righteousness echoes the foundation of God’s throne in Psalm 89:14 and the royal prayer in Psalm 72:2. It also anticipates the prophetic call to establish justice at the gates in Amos 5:15.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to recognize that legitimate authority is measured by fair governance rather than mere power. It demands a commitment to administering justice consistently to every segment of the community.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.
Cross-references
- Psalms 89:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.
- Amos 5:15 Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
- Psalms 72:2 May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.
- 2 Samuel 3:12 Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “To whom does the land belong? Make your covenant with me, and surely my hand will be with you to bring all Israel over to you.”
- 2 Samuel 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.
- 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,
- 1 Chronicles 18:14 Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
- Psalms 45:6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.
- Psalms 75:2 “When I choose a time, I will judge fairly.
- Psalms 78:71 from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.