Bible Commentaries

8. David’s Wars and Successful Reign

CHAPTER 18

1. War with the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1)

2. War with Moab (1 Chronicles 18:2)

3. War with Zobah (1 Chronicles 18:3-4)

4. War with Damascus (1 Chronicles 18:5-11)

5. Wars with Edom (1 Chronicles 18:12-13)

6. David’s administration (1 Chronicles 18:14-17)

After such glorious experiences David went forth as the victorious warrior-king to conquer the enemies of Israel. He first smote the Philistines, subdued them and took Gath and her towns. Gath, the chief city of the Philistines, is called in 2 Samuel 8:1 “Metheg-aminah,” which means “the bridle of the mother city.” Then he smote Moab and they became his servants and brought presents. Great are the conquests and victories of David recorded in this chapter. From Hadarezer, King of Zobah, he took 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen and 20,000 footmen. (2 Samuel 8:4 has 700, which is a copyist’s error.) Then the Syrians came to help the King of Zobah and lost 22,000 men. Then the Syrians also became his servants and brought presents. “And the LORD gave victory to David whithersoever he went.” In all this we see foreshadowed the triumphs of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He comes as the victorious King and His enemies shall all be subdued.

All the spoil taken, the shields of gold, were brought to Jerusalem. From Tibhath and from Chun, cities which belonged to Hadarezer, David took very much brass. The brazen sea, the pillars and the vessels of brass for the temple were made by Solomon out of this material. Silver and gold which he carried away from all the conquered nations were all dedicated unto the Lord. And in a future day shall the silver and the gold of the Gentiles be brought to Jerusalem (Isaiah 60:6; Isaiah 60:17; Psalms 72:10). So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people.