Why does the Chronicler summarize David's victories so briefly here, compared to the more detailed accounts sometimes found elsewhere?

The Chronicler's primary purpose in writing was not to provide an exhaustive historical chronicle of every battle or political maneuver. Instead, his focus was largely theological, aiming to highlight David's legitimacy as king, the divine blessing on his reign, and the establishment of the kingdom as a precursor to the building of the temple. Therefore, passages like 1 Chronicles 18:2 serve to demonstrate the *results* of God's favor on David's reign—the widespread subjugation of enemies and the expansion of Israel's dominion—rather than the intricate details of the military campaigns themselves. The brevity emphasizes the *certainty* and *completeness* of God's hand in David's success, quickly moving through these triumphs to underscore the stability and prosperity that enabled the later preparations for the temple.

What was the historical and theological significance of Moab to Israel?

Moab was a nation with a long and complex relationship with Israel, often marked by both kinship and conflict. Descended from Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19:37), the Moabites were distant relatives of the Israelites. Their territory east of the Dead Sea was strategically important. Throughout Israel's history, Moab was sometimes a place of refuge (as for Ruth in the book of Ruth) but more often an adversary, engaging in hostilities with Israel from the time of the Exodus (Numbers 22-25) through the period of the Judges (Judges 3) and the early monarchy (1 Samuel 14:47). David's decisive subjugation of Moab in 1 Chronicles 18:2 was therefore a significant assertion of Israel's regional dominance, securing its eastern border and demonstrating the extent of David's God-given authority over surrounding nations. Theologically, it underscored God's faithfulness to His promises to David, establishing his kingdom and giving him rest from his enemies.

18:1 18:1

1 Chronicles 18:2

18:3 18:3

Bible Versions

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

And he smote {H5221} Moab {H4124}; and the Moabites {H4124} became David's {H1732} servants {H5650}, and brought {H5375} gifts {H4503}.

He also defeated Mo'av, so that the people of Mo'av became subjects of David and paid tribute.

David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute.

And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

1 Samuel 10:27

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.
1 Kings 10:25

And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
2 Kings 3:4

And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.
2 Kings 3:5

But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
Isaiah 16:1

¶ Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.
Isaiah 11:14

But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.
Judges 3:29

And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.

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