13 And David became famous after he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites
13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
13 David built a victory monument on his return from defeating the Arameans.
13 And David made himself a name when he returned from killing eighteen thousand Syrians in the Valley of Salt.
13 So David became even more famous when he returned from destroying 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:13
Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:9-14
(Read 2 Samuel 8:9-14)
All the precious things David was master of, were dedicated things; they were designed for building the temple. The idols of gold David destroyed, 2 Samuel 5:21, but the vessels of gold he dedicated. Thus, in the conquest of a soul by the grace of the Son of David, what stands in opposition to God must be destroyed, every lust must be mortified and crucified, but what may glorify him must be dedicated; thus the property of it is altered. God employs his servants in various ways; some, as David, in spiritual battles; others, as Solomon, in spiritual buildings; and one prepares work for the other, that God may have the glory of all.