The Way
The Valley of Salt
The Lord who gave victory wherever he went
Story
After that David's army went out in every direction. To the west he struck the Philistines and subdued them; to the east he struck Moab and made them pay tribute. To the north he defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah, who was on his way to restore his power toward the Euphrates. The Arameans of Damascus came to help, but they too were broken. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.
The gold shields carried by Hadadezer's officers were brought to Jerusalem, along with a great amount of bronze taken from his towns. Toi king of Hamath sent his son Joram to greet David, with gifts of silver, gold and bronze vessels. David did not keep them for himself. Together with the silver and gold taken from the nations he had conquered, he dedicated it all to the Lord.
In the Valley of Salt, south below the Dead Sea, David struck down eighteen thousand Edomites, and his name became widely known. David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. Joab was over the army, and Zadok and Ahimelech over the sacrifices. In those days David sang, “Human help is worthless; with God we will fight bravely.”
Walk this scene on the map →Words of God and David
The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.
David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.
I have been with you wherever you went, and I have cut off all your enemies before you. Now I will make your name great.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Sam 8:1–18
Background
The Valley of Salt is thought to be the salty land south of the Dead Sea, between Judah and Edom. The heading of Psalm 60 remembers the time when Joab, on his return, struck down the Edomites in the Valley of Salt.
Pause and Reflect
Before I boast about what I have done, do I thank God?