8:1 David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. In this summary of David’s victories, pride of place is given to his defeat of the Philistines, Israel’s archenemy (3:18; 1 Sam. 9:16) and against whom David’s successes far surpass those of his predecessor, Saul (1 Sam. 14:52). See also 5:25 note.

Metheg-ammah. The name is otherwise unattested. The parallel in 1 Chr. 18:1 reads “Gath and its villages,” and “Metheg-ammah” may refer in some way to the Philistine capitals.