Bible Commentaries

1 Chronicles 18:1-12

Now after this it came to pass that David smote the Philistines.

Spoils from Edom

If we have conquered an enemy we must hold the conquest as an illustration of the power of God rather than of the skill of our own might or hand. The idols which we bring away from the lands of darkness are to be set up in God’s house, and are to mark points in the progress of Christian civilisation. They are to be regarded as indications of a universal conquest which Christ has yet to win over the nations of the whole world. If we have brought back spoils--such as art, music, or any form of pleasure by which the popular mind can be touched and moved in an upward direction--we are to remember that in all these spoils we are to see the Divine power, and not proofs of our own military genius. (J. Parker, D. D.)

1 Chronicles 18:14

So David reigned over all Israel, and executed Judgment and Justice.

I. The victories of peace are nobler and more enduring than those of war. We are very familiar with David the warrior. His early triumph over Goliath put his name into the mouth and songs of Israel. It had been a little thing if he had only vanquished the enemies of Israel. When this was done his truest, noblest works began. He encouraged the people to careful cultivation of their fields by carefully cultivating his own. He would have nothing lost. The waste land must be reclaimed. His stewards must give exact account of their stewardship. Commerce, with its increase of comforts, is quickened. Architecture is improved; huts give way to houses. Arrangements are made for due and prompt administration of justice in all parts of the country. The health and education of the people the king remembers and provides for. These were right royal undertakings, and “became” David “better than his crown.” Wars fill a large and loud place in history. The works of peace are silent, unobtrusive. Picturesque pens may describe a battle in which thousands perish, but how little can they describe the battle waged by sanitary officers and medical men against disease and its causes by which thousands, ten thousands, are saved!

II. The blessing of a wise administrator to a nation. David was a true ruler of men. Not only by possession of a personal charm which attached trusty friends to him, but also by devising those measures which were for the wider well-being of the people. He had eminently the faculty of government like many other great men of his nation--Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Hezekiah, Daniel. When rulers are wise, and, like David, know “what they ought to do,” this, too, is one of God’s gifts to men.

III. The importance of psalmody in Divine worship. Psalmody, as an institution, owes its origin to David. In chap. 25. we can see with what care it was instituted.

IV. The beauty of friendship is seen in david’s treatment of mephibosheth.