1. 2 Samuel 8:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean that David administered justice and equity to all his people?

2 Samuel 8:15 (ESV)

15 So David reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people.

On the whole, David exercised his royal office in the proper manner, acting in accordance with God’s law and the demands placed on the king (see Psalm 72:1–20, Psalm 101:1–8).1 When he did what was just and right, he behaved in a way that reflected the Lord's character (Job 37:23; Psalm 33:5; Psalm 36:6; Psalm 99:4; Psalm 103:4; Isaiah 5:16; Jeremiah 9:24; Micah 7:9), a manner which was expected from all Israelites (Ezekiel 18:5, Ezekiel 19:1–14, Ezekiel 21:1–32, Ezekiel 27:1–36)2 and especially those called to serve in office (Deuteronomy 16:18–19; 1 Kings 10:9; 2 Chronicles 9:8; Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 22:3).3