1 Chronicles 18

King James Version

Full text for 1 Chronicles Chapter 18

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.

2And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.

3And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

4And 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.

5And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer king of Zobah, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men.

6Then David put [garrisons] in Syriadamascus; and the Syrians became David's servants, [and] brought gifts. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

7And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

8Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen 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;

10He 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.

11Them 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.

12Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.

13And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.

14So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.

15And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder.

16And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

17And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David [were] chief about the king.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

King David undertakes a series of successful military campaigns, subduing the Philistines, Moabites, and Hadarezer king of Zobah, extending his dominion towards the Euphrates. He also defeats the assisting Syrians of Damascus and the Edomites, making these nations tributary. David dedicates the vast spoils of war to the LORD, and establishes his administration, reigning with judgment and justice over all Israel.

Medium Summary

King David embarks on significant military campaigns, first subduing the Philistines and taking Gath. He then defeats the Moabites, who become his servants and bring gifts. David's major victory over Hadarezer king of Zobah extends his influence towards the Euphrates, capturing many chariots and men, and also decisively defeating the Syrians of Damascus who came to Hadarezer's aid. David garrisons these territories, receiving tribute, and dedicates the substantial spoils of gold, silver, and brass to the LORD, some intended for future temple use. Tou king of Hamath, an enemy of Hadarezer, sends his son to congratulate David and offer gifts. Further victories include Abishai's defeat of the Edomites, leading to their subjugation. The text emphasizes the LORD's preservation of David throughout these conquests. Finally, David establishes his reign over all Israel, executing judgment and justice, and appointing key officials to his government.

Long Summary

The eighteenth chapter of 1 Chronicles meticulously records King David's extensive military campaigns and the subsequent consolidation of his kingdom. It begins with David's decisive victory over the Philistines, resulting in their subjugation and the capture of Gath. Following this, he defeats the Moabites, who become his servants and provide tribute. A pivotal conflict arises with Hadarezer king of Zobah, whom David smites as he seeks to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates. From Hadarezer, David captures a substantial force, including a thousand chariots, seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen, houghing most of the chariot horses but reserving a hundred. When the Syrians of Damascus intervene to aid Hadarezer, David inflicts a heavy defeat upon them, slaying twenty-two thousand men. David then establishes garrisons in Syria-Damascus, making them tributary servants. The narrative explicitly states that the LORD preserved David in all his endeavors. David collects valuable spoils, including golden shields from Hadarezer's servants and a great quantity of brass from Tibhath and Chun, which would later be used by Solomon for the brazen sea and other temple vessels. Hearing of Hadarezer's defeat, Tou king of Hamath, who was Hadarezer's adversary, sends his son Hadoram to congratulate David and present gifts of gold, silver, and brass. King David dedicates all these treasures, along with silver and gold from Edom, Moab, Ammon, the Philistines, and Amalek, unto the LORD. The chapter further records Abishai's victory over eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, leading to their subjugation and the establishment of garrisons in Edom. Again, the text reiterates the LORD's preservation of David. The chapter concludes by affirming David's reign over all Israel, noting his commitment to executing judgment and justice among his people. It also lists his key administrative officials, including Joab as commander of the army, Jehoshaphat as recorder, Zadok and Abimelech as priests, Shavsha as scribe, Benaiah over the Cherethites and Pelethites, and David's sons as chief about the king.

Core Concepts

  • David's Military ExpansionThe chapter details David's successful campaigns against surrounding nations, including the Philistines, Moabites, Syrians, and Edomites, which significantly expanded his kingdom's territory and influence.
  • Divine PreservationThe text repeatedly emphasizes that "the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went," highlighting God's active protection and guidance in David's military endeavors and reign.
  • Tribute and ServitudeAs a result of David's victories, conquered nations such as Moab, Syria-Damascus, and Edom become his servants, providing gifts and tribute to the kingdom of Israel.
  • Spoils of War and DedicationDavid collects vast amounts of gold, silver, and brass from his conquered territories, which he dedicates to the LORD, with some materials specifically designated for future temple construction by Solomon.
  • International DiplomacyDavid's military success against Hadarezer leads to diplomatic overtures from Tou king of Hamath, demonstrating how David's power shifted regional alliances and relations.
  • Establishment of AdministrationThe chapter concludes by listing David's key officials, illustrating the organization of his government and the establishment of justice throughout his reign over Israel.