1 Chronicles 18:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H7760} garrisons {H5333} in Edom {H123}; and all the Edomites {H123} became David's {H1732} servants {H5650}. Thus the LORD {H3068} preserved {H3467} David {H1732} whithersoever he went {H1980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David stationed garrisons in Edom, and all the people of Edom became subject to him. ADONAI gave victory to David wherever he went.

Berean Standard Bible

He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

American Standard Version

And he put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became servants to David. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 18:13 encapsulates a pivotal moment in King David's reign, detailing his decisive military victory over the nation of Edom. This verse highlights David's strategic establishment of military control over the conquered territory and the subsequent subjugation of the Edomites, who became his servants. Crucially, the verse concludes with a profound theological declaration, attributing David's consistent success and preservation in all his campaigns not to his own might, but directly to the sovereign hand of the LORD, underscoring divine favor as the ultimate source of his expanding kingdom and security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader narrative summary of King David's extensive military conquests following his consolidation of power in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 18:1-17). The Chronicler meticulously details David's victories over surrounding nations, including the Philistines, Moabites, and the Arameans (Syrians) from Zobah and Damascus, before focusing on Edom. This chapter serves to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David, portraying him as a divinely empowered king who successfully establishes and expands the kingdom of Israel, bringing peace and tribute. The placement of the Edomite conquest after other major victories emphasizes the comprehensive nature of David's dominion and the strategic importance of securing all borders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites, descendants of Esau (as noted in [Genesis 25:30](/genesis/25-30 "Genesis 25:30 - Esau's Descendants")), were a long-standing rival of Israel, maintaining an often antagonistic relationship. Their territory, located south-east of Judah, was strategically vital as it controlled the "King's Highway," a major ancient trade route connecting Egypt to Mesopotamia and Arabia. David's subjugation of Edom, marked by the placement of "garrisons," signifies not only military dominance but also control over this crucial economic artery, providing significant economic benefits and securing Israel's southern flank. The act of making the Edomites "David's servants" implies the imposition of tribute and forced labor, a common practice for conquered peoples in the ancient Near East, solidifying Israel's regional hegemony.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Chronicles 18](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18 - David's Victories and God's Preservation") is **Divine Preservation and Sovereignty**. The concluding phrase, "Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went," serves as the theological anchor, asserting that David's military successes were not merely due to his strategic brilliance or military might, but were a direct result of God's active protection and guidance. This theme resonates throughout David's life, emphasizing that God was fulfilling His covenant promises to him (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")) and was his ever-present help and deliverer (echoing David's own declaration in [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - David's Trust in God")). Another key theme is **David's Expanding Kingdom**, where the establishment of "garrisons in Edom" and the Edomites becoming "David's servants" signifies the significant territorial expansion and consolidation of the Israelite kingdom under David's rule. This demonstrates the fulfillment of prophecies concerning Israel's dominion and influence over surrounding nations, showcasing the strength and authority of his kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Garrisons (Hebrew, _netzivim'_):** This plural noun (נְצִיבִים) derives from a root meaning "to stand, set up, appoint." In this context, it refers to military outposts, appointed governors, or military commissioners strategically placed by David to maintain control over the conquered territory of Edom. It signifies a permanent military presence and administrative oversight, ensuring the submission of the Edomites and the secure collection of tribute, thus solidifying Israel's dominion.
* **Servants (Hebrew, _'avadim'_):** The word (עֲבָדִים) denotes those who are subjected to another's authority, often implying forced labor, tribute, or political submission. When the Edomites became "David's servants," it meant they were no longer independent but were brought under Israelite control, obligated to serve David's kingdom, likely through tribute payments or corvée labor. This highlights the complete subjugation and integration of Edom into David's sphere of influence.
* **Preserved (Hebrew, _yasha'_):** The verb (יָשַׁע) means "to save, deliver, give victory, rescue." It is a powerful theological term that conveys divine deliverance and assistance. In the context of David's military campaigns, it unequivocally attributes his success and safety not to his own skill or strength, but to God's active intervention and protection. This emphasizes that God was the ultimate source of David's triumphs and security in all his endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put garrisons in Edom;":** This clause details David's immediate and practical action following the conquest of Edom. The establishment of "garrisons" indicates a strategic military occupation designed to enforce control and prevent rebellion. This was a standard practice in ancient warfare to consolidate power over newly acquired territories, ensuring their continued submission and the flow of resources or tribute back to the conquering kingdom.
* **"and all the Edomites became David's servants.":** This clause describes the direct consequence of the military victory and the establishment of garrisons. The Edomites, as an entire nation, were subjugated and brought under David's authority. This signifies a complete loss of their independence and autonomy, becoming subservient to the Israelite king, likely involving the payment of tribute and perhaps forced labor, thereby expanding the economic and political reach of David's kingdom.
* **"Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.":** This concluding statement is the theological climax of the verse. It shifts the focus from David's actions to God's sovereign involvement. The phrase "Thus the LORD preserved David" functions as a divine commentary on all of David's successes, not just the Edomite conquest. It asserts that every victory, every secure border, and every expansion of his kingdom was ultimately due to God's active protection, guidance, and provision. This declaration reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theme that David's reign was divinely ordained and sustained, establishing him as God's chosen instrument.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Narrative Summary** is evident as the verse concisely encapsulates a major military campaign and its outcome, providing a succinct overview rather than a detailed account. This brevity allows the Chronicler to quickly move through David's conquests while highlighting their cumulative effect. The phrase "Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went" functions as a **Divine Formula** or **Theological Interpretation**, serving as a recurring refrain throughout the Chronicler's account of David's reign. This formula explicitly attributes all of David's success and safety directly to God's sovereign hand, emphasizing divine agency over human effort. This **Repetition** of the divine preservation theme across various conquests (e.g., [1 Chronicles 18:6](/1_chronicles/18-6 "1 Chronicles 18:6 - God Preserves David in Syria")) reinforces the theological message that God is the true source of David's strength and prosperity, shaping the reader's understanding of David's reign as a divinely orchestrated enterprise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Chronicles 18:13 powerfully underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and preservation, presenting David's military successes as direct evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The Chronicler consistently highlights that David's victories were not merely the result of his strategic brilliance or military might, but were divinely enabled and sustained. This theological perspective elevates God as the ultimate actor in history, guiding His chosen king and fulfilling His purposes for Israel. The subjugation of Edom, like the other conquests, serves as a tangible demonstration of God's power working through David to establish and secure the promised land, bringing about a period of peace and prosperity under a divinely appointed ruler.

* [2 Samuel 8:14](/2_samuel/8-14 "2 Samuel 8:14 - David's Conquest of Edom")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord's Preservation")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory is from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Chronicles 18:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that our ultimate security and success do not rest on our own strength, wisdom, or resources, but on the unfailing preservation of the LORD. Just as God actively preserved David in all his ways, guiding him through battles and establishing his kingdom, we can trust in His faithfulness to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of our lives. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on God, recognizing that true flourishing—whether in our personal lives, spiritual journeys, or professional endeavors—comes from acknowledging His sovereign hand. It invites us to release the burden of self-reliance and instead lean into His divine protection, knowing that His presence ensures our safety and His power secures our triumphs, prompting us to give Him all the glory for every step of our journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the source of David's preservation challenge our own perceptions of success and achievement?**
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to trust in God's preservation and guidance?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently acknowledge God's sovereignty in your daily decisions and outcomes?**

### FAQ

**Why was the conquest of Edom particularly significant for David's kingdom?**

Answer: The conquest of Edom was highly significant for several reasons. Geographically, Edom controlled the vital "King's Highway," a major ancient trade route that connected Egypt with Mesopotamia and Arabia. By establishing garrisons and making the Edomites servants, David gained control over this lucrative trade route, providing significant economic benefits to Israel through tolls and trade. Strategically, Edom was located south-east of Judah, and its subjugation secured Israel's southern border, preventing potential incursions and allowing for greater stability and peace within the kingdom. Furthermore, the Edomites, as descendants of Esau, had a long history of antagonism with Israel (see [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Passage to Israel")), making their subjugation a crucial step in establishing Israel's regional dominance and fulfilling the prophetic promises of dominion over surrounding nations (e.g., [Genesis 27:29](/genesis/27-29 "Genesis 27:29 - Isaac's Blessing to Jacob")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 18:13 speaks of David's earthly kingdom and God's preservation of him, it ultimately points to a greater King and a more profound preservation found in Jesus Christ. David's victories and the expansion of his kingdom foreshadow the spiritual dominion of Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world yet extends over all creation (as declared in [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The "garrisons" David placed in Edom to secure his reign find their ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual authority Christ exercises over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, establishing His reign in the hearts of believers (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The Edomites becoming "David's servants" prefigures the universal submission to Christ, where every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (as prophesied in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Most significantly, the declaration that "the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went" finds its ultimate and perfect expression in Christ. Jesus, the true Son of David, was perfectly preserved by the Father through His life, death, and resurrection, securing not just an earthly kingdom but eternal salvation for all who believe (as affirmed in [Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8-9 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Christ's Obedience and Salvation")). His preservation was not merely for earthly success but for the cosmic victory over sin, offering true and lasting preservation to His people from spiritual death and eternal separation from God (as promised in [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). Thus, David's story serves as a shadow, pointing to the perfect and eternal preservation offered by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 18:6

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

Genesis 27:37

And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?

2 Corinthians 11:32

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

Psalms 144:10

[It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

Psalms 18:48

He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalms 18:50

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Numbers 24:18

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.