1 Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.
2 And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts.
3 And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.
4 And David took from him a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: David also houghed all the chariot horses, but reserved of them an hundred chariots.
5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.
6 Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus; and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.
8 Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brazen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.
9 Now when Tou king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer king of Zobah;
10 He sent Hadoram his son to king David, to enquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, and smitten him; (for Hadarezer had war with Tou;) and with him all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.
11 Them also king David dedicated unto the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.
12 Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.
13 And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.
14 So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.
15 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder.
16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;
17 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.
The book of 1 Chronicles is a historical account of the Israelites, focusing on the lineage of King David and the establishment of the kingdom of Israel. Chapter 18 continues this narrative, detailing the victories and successes of King David as he expands his kingdom and strengthens his rule.
The chapter begins with a description of David's military campaigns and conquests. It mentions how he defeated the Philistines and the Moabites, and how he established garrisons in those lands. This demonstrates David's military prowess and his ability to expand his kingdom through strategic battles and conquests.
Additionally, the chapter describes David's victory over Hadarezer, the king of Zobah. Hadarezer had gathered a large army to fight against David, but David was able to defeat him and take control of his chariots and horses. This victory further solidified David's power and showed his strength as a king.
After his victories, David turns his attention to expanding his kingdom. He conquers territories belonging to the Arameans, the Ammonites, and the Amalekites. These conquests not only increase David's wealth and power, but they also fulfill the promise made by God to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land.
David also establishes alliances with neighboring kingdoms, such as the king of Hamath and the king of Edom. This further strengthens his position as a leader and solidifies his kingdom's borders.
The chapter also mentions David's administration and the officials who served under him. These officials were responsible for various aspects of the kingdom, such as overseeing the treasury, managing the vineyards, and serving as priests and scribes. This shows that David not only excelled as a military leader but also as an administrator and ruler.
The chapter also highlights David's wealth and the abundance of gold, silver, and precious stones that he amassed. This wealth was not only a sign of David's success as a king but also a fulfillment of God's promise to bless him and his descendants.
Chapter 18 of 1 Chronicles is a testament to David's success as a king and a leader. It showcases his military victories, his ability to expand his kingdom, and his prosperity. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to David and his ancestors.
One of the main themes of this chapter is God's faithfulness to His promises. Throughout the chapter, we see how God fulfills His promise to bless and establish the kingdom of David. This serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His people and will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing.
Another theme is the importance of leadership and administration. David's success as a king was not just due to his military prowess, but also his ability to govern and manage his kingdom effectively. This serves as a lesson for leaders to not only focus on their strengths but also to be well-rounded and capable in all aspects of leadership.
Furthermore, the chapter also emphasizes the significance of alliances and diplomacy in establishing a strong and stable kingdom. David's alliances with neighboring kingdoms helped him expand his rule and maintain peace within his borders. This is a reminder that cooperation and diplomacy can be powerful tools for leaders to achieve their goals and maintain stability.
Overall, chapter 18 of 1 Chronicles showcases the greatness of King David as a leader, his faithfulness to God, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership, administration, and alliances in building a strong and prosperous kingdom.
Share this page