1 Chronicles 18:3

And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

And David {H1732} smote {H5221} Hadarezer {H1928} king {H4428} of Zobah {H6678} unto Hamath {H2574}, as he went {H3212} to stablish {H5324} his dominion {H3027} by the river {H5104} Euphrates {H6578}.

David, on his way to establish his dominion as far as the Euphrates River, also defeated Hadar'ezer king of Tzovah near Hamat.

As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River.

And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 18:3 recounts a significant military victory of King David, detailing his defeat of Hadarezer, the powerful king of Zobah. This verse highlights David's strategic expansion of the Israelite kingdom, extending its influence towards the traditional borders of the promised land near the Euphrates River.

Context

This verse is part of a broader section (1 Chronicles 18-20) that chronicles David's military successes and the establishment of his kingdom's dominion over surrounding nations. Having consolidated his power within Israel and taken Jerusalem, David now turns his attention to securing and expanding the nation's borders, fulfilling the prophetic vision of Israel's influence. The account here is a parallel to 2 Samuel 8:3, providing a concise summary of this crucial campaign against Zobah, a powerful Aramean (Syrian) kingdom located north of Israel. David's campaign "unto Hamath" and "by the river Euphrates" signifies a significant reach into northern territories, bringing him into contact with regions historically associated with the full extent of the land God promised to Abraham.

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: David's expansion to the Euphrates directly correlates with God's covenant promises to Abraham, where the boundaries of the promised land were specified to reach the great river, the river Euphrates. This victory underscores God's faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition through His chosen king.
  • David's Military Prowess and Kingdom Establishment: The phrase "David smote Hadarezer" emphasizes David's strength and strategic leadership as a warrior king. His objective was not merely conquest but to "stablish his dominion," meaning to firmly establish his authority and secure the borders of the kingdom of Israel, bringing stability and control to these regions.
  • Geopolitical Significance: The defeat of Hadarezer of Zobah was a major geopolitical event. Zobah was a formidable rival, and its subjugation allowed Israel to control key trade routes and extend its influence, laying the groundwork for the prosperity and peace that characterized much of David's later reign and Solomon's kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "smote" is nakah (ื ึธื›ึธื”), which often implies a decisive blow, a defeat, or a striking down. It conveys the completeness of David's victory over Hadarezer. The phrase "to stablish his dominion" uses the Hebrew l'haแนฃแนฃรฎb yฤแธรด (ืœึฐื”ึทืฆึผึดื™ื‘ ื™ึธื“ื•ึน), literally meaning "to set his hand" or "to place his hand." This idiom signifies establishing firm control, authority, and sovereignty over a territory or people, underscoring David's intent to secure lasting peace and influence.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, often through human instruments. Just as God used David to expand and secure the earthly kingdom of Israel, He works through believers today to advance His spiritual kingdom. The concept of "establishing dominion" can be applied to our lives:

  • Spiritual Warfare: Believers are called to stand firm against spiritual adversaries, establishing Christ's dominion in their hearts and spheres of influence.
  • Purposeful Living: Like David, who diligently pursued God's purposes for his kingdom, we are encouraged to live with intentionality, seeking to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives, trusting in His strength for our victories.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: David's success was ultimately by God's hand. This teaches us to rely on God's sovereignty and strength when facing challenges, knowing that He is faithful to accomplish His plans.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 8:3

    David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates.

  • Psalms 60:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

  • Genesis 15:18

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • 1 Samuel 14:47

    ยถ So Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed [them].

  • 2 Samuel 10:6

    ยถ And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.

  • Exodus 23:31

    And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.
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