This passage parallels 2 Samuel 8.
David's kingdom had beene established in the land, now it begins to expanded and influence the surrounding lands. David defeated the Philistines by taking Gath, a city David had fled to a couple different times while running from Saul (1 Sam 21:10-15; 27:1-12).
David then went on to defeat the Moabites to the east of the Dead sea. Throughout most of Israel's history Moab had been an enemy. However, back in 1 Samuel 22:3 David was on good terms with the Moabites and had entrusted them to take care of his parents. David's great grandmother was a Moabitess; for whatever reason there was a change in attitude toward them.
Then David defeated Zobah, an Aramean kingdom north of Damascus. This was accomplished as David extened his kingdom toward the Euphrates. David had a tremendous army by now. This took quite a bit of organizing and planning to feed, clothe, equip and move this size of an army. When the Syrians came to help the king of Zobah, David killed 22,000 of them. Imagine the bodies on the batttlefield that had to be dealt with. There is no mention of how many soldiers David lost. David set up garrisons in Damascus to keep Syria in submission.
David conquered Hadadezer and his cities. He took possession of large amounds of bronze that eventually was used to make the broze sea at the temple. The Lord was providing buidling materials from Israel's enemies.
Tou, the King of Hamath, had been an enemy of Hadadezer so he sent his son to pay tribute to David. In verse 14 David defeats the Edomites, not the Arameans (see Psalm 60 and 1 Chronicles 18:12). Gold, silver and bronze was dedicated to the Lord. We see the David and the nation of Israel begin to accumulate wealth. David couldn't build it but he could prepare for it.
This is a far cry from what we saw in Saul's days. Many of the Israelites were living in fear and making deals with the enemy to preserve their own lives. Their lives were characterized by fear and compromise instead of living boldy in the promises of God. David restores the land to this comfort and trust in the Lord. The neighboring countries not only respect them but they serve the Israelites.
©2016 Doug Ford
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