2 Samuel 8 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Some time later, David attacked the Philistines and defeated them. He took control of Metheg-ammah from the Philistines.

He also defeated Moab. He made them lie down on the ground and measured them off with a rope — two rope-lengths to be put to death and one full rope-length to be kept alive. So the Moabites became David's subjects and paid him tribute.

David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as Hadadezer was on his way to restore his control along the Euphrates River.

David captured from him 1,700 horsemen and 20,000 foot soldiers. He hamstrung all the chariot horses, keeping only enough for 100 chariots.

When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 of them.

David then set up garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became David's subjects and paid him tribute. Yahweh gave David victory wherever he went.

David took the gold shields that belonged to Hadadezer's officers and brought them to Jerusalem.

From Betah and Berothai, cities belonging to Hadadezer, King David took a huge quantity of bronze.

When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated Hadadezer's entire army,

Toi sent his son Joram to King David to greet him warmly and congratulate him on defeating Hadadezer in battle — because Hadadezer had been at war with Toi. Joram brought with him items of silver, gold, and bronze.

King David dedicated these to Yahweh as well, along with the silver and gold he had dedicated from all the nations he had conquered —

from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. He also dedicated the plunder taken from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

David became even more famous when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

He set up garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David's subjects. Yahweh gave David victory wherever he went.

David ruled over all Israel, and he administered justice and did what was right for all his people.

Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;

Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the secretary;

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were royal advisors.