1 Chronicles 18:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then David {H1732} put {H7760} garrisons in Syriadamascus {H758}{H1834}; and the Syrians {H758} became David's {H1732} servants {H5650}, and brought {H5375} gifts {H4503}. Thus the LORD {H3068} preserved {H3467} David {H1732} whithersoever he went {H1980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David put [garrisons] among the people of Aram in Dammesek; Aram became subject to David and paid tribute. ADONAI gave victory to David wherever he went.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

American Standard Version

Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. And Jehovah gave victory to David whithersoever he went.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 18:6 recounts King David's decisive victory over the Arameans of Damascus, leading to their subjugation and the establishment of Israelite garrisons in their territory. The verse highlights the practical outcomes of this conquest—the Syrians becoming tributary servants to David—and, more significantly, attributes David's consistent success and safety to the direct, active preservation of the LORD, emphasizing divine enablement over human strength in the expansion of God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal point within a larger section (1 Chronicles 18:1-17) that meticulously details David's military campaigns and the consolidation of his kingdom. It immediately follows [God's unconditional covenant with David](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David"), where the LORD promised to build David a lasting dynasty and to be with him wherever he went. The victories described in chapter 18, including the subjugation of Philistia, Moab, Zobah, and Aram (Syria), are presented as direct fulfillments of God's promises, demonstrating His faithfulness to David. The narrative in Chronicles often emphasizes the theological implications of events, portraying David's success not as a result of his own prowess but as a testament to God's active presence and power, a theme consistently reinforced throughout this chapter. This account also parallels the narrative found in [2 Samuel 8](/2_samuel/8 "2 Samuel 8 - David's Victories"), though Chronicles often provides a more focused theological interpretation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early Iron Age in the ancient Near East, a period characterized by frequent warfare and the establishment of regional empires. Damascus (Syriadamascus) was a significant Aramean city-state, strategically located on major trade routes, and its subjugation would have granted David control over crucial economic and military pathways to the north. The practice of placing "garrisons" (military outposts) was a common strategy for occupying powers to maintain control, enforce tribute, and secure newly conquered territories. The "gifts" mentioned are not voluntary presents but rather tribute, a regular payment of resources or wealth exacted from a conquered people as a sign of their vassalage and submission. This established a stable economic and political order for Israel, demonstrating David's dominion and the extent of his kingdom's influence, which was a direct reflection of God's blessing upon him and his reign.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is [Divine Preservation and Sovereignty](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The LORD will keep you from all evil"), powerfully encapsulated in the final clause: "Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went." This highlights that David's military and political achievements were not merely human triumphs but were divinely orchestrated and enabled. Another significant theme is the [Expansion of God's Kingdom](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Increase of His Government"), as David's victories, including the subjugation of Syriadamascus and the receipt of tribute, signify the geographical and political expansion of the kingdom of Israel under God's blessing. This expansion is a tangible sign of God fulfilling His promises to David regarding his lineage and reign, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant. Furthermore, the theme of [Tribute and Submission](/isaiah/60-10-11 "Isaiah 60:10-11 - Nations Bringing Tribute") underscores the acknowledgment of David's sovereignty, which was ultimately granted by God, establishing a stable economic and political order for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Garrisons (Hebrew, מִצָּבֹות, _mitsavot'_):** This plural noun refers to military posts, outposts, or stations. In the context of ancient warfare, placing garrisons in conquered territory was a standard procedure for maintaining control, enforcing tribute, and securing strategic locations. It signifies a firm and lasting occupation, ensuring the subjugated people remained under the authority of the conqueror. David's action here demonstrates his strategic military acumen, but more importantly, it shows the practical outcome of God's enablement.
* **Preserved (Hebrew, יָשַׁע, _yasha'_):** This verb means "to save," "to deliver," "to grant victory," or "to bring to safety." It is a strong theological term that emphasizes divine intervention. The use of _yasha'_ here is crucial, as it explicitly attributes David's consistent success and safety in all his campaigns not to his own military genius or strength, but directly to the active, protective hand of the LORD. It underscores that God was the primary agent behind David's triumphs, providing deliverance and security in every endeavor.
* **Gifts (Hebrew, מִנְחָה, _minchah'_):** While _minchah_ can refer to a voluntary offering or present, in the context of conquered nations bringing "gifts" to a victorious king, it invariably signifies tribute. This was a mandatory payment, often in the form of precious metals, goods, or resources, exacted from a vassal state as a sign of their submission and acknowledgment of the suzerain's authority. The bringing of _minchah_ here confirms the subjugation of the Syrians and their status as servants, contributing to the wealth and power of David's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then David put garrisons in Syriadamascus;":** This clause describes David's strategic military action following his victory over the Arameans of Damascus. By establishing military outposts, David secured control over this vital region, which was a significant power in the northern Levant. This act demonstrates the practical implementation of his conquest, ensuring stability and preventing future rebellion, all undergirded by divine enablement.
* **"and the Syrians became David's servants, and brought gifts.":** This part details the immediate consequences of David's victory and occupation. The term "servants" indicates their submission as a vassal state, no longer independent but subject to David's authority. The "gifts" they brought were tribute, a regular payment acknowledging their subjugation and contributing to the wealth of David's kingdom. This outcome signifies the expansion of Israel's political and economic influence, directly fulfilling God's promise to make David's name great.
* **"Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went.":** This concluding clause is the theological lynchpin of the verse. The word "Thus" (וַיּוֹשַׁע, _vayyosha'_) directly links the previous events—David's victories and the subjugation of his enemies—to the LORD's active preservation. It explicitly states that David's consistent success, safety, and triumph in all his military campaigns and endeavors were not due to human strength or strategic brilliance alone, but were the direct result of God's unwavering protection and deliverance. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David, ensuring his security and the expansion of his kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to convey the profound theological message of 1 Chronicles 18:6. **Divine Intervention** is the most prominent, explicitly stated in the final clause, "Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went." This direct attribution of success to God's hand elevates the narrative beyond a mere chronicle of military victories, underscoring that David's power and dominion flowed from divine favor and active protection. The structure of the verse itself, moving from David's actions to their consequences and then to the ultimate divine cause, serves as a form of **Climactic Emphasis**, building to the theological punchline. There is also an element of **Repetition and Reinforcement** when considering the broader context of [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David"), where God promises to be with David, and then in chapter 18, where this promise is repeatedly shown to be fulfilled in David's numerous victories. This consistent emphasis on God's preservation serves as a **Theological Commentary**, guiding the reader to understand that human success, particularly in the context of God's chosen king, is ultimately dependent on divine enablement and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 18:6 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine sovereignty and active preservation in the life of God's chosen leader. David's military successes and the expansion of his kingdom are not presented as mere achievements of human strategy or strength, but as direct manifestations of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true security, victory, and prosperity come not from human might or shrewdness, but from the LORD's unwavering presence and protective hand. It encourages believers to trust in God's active involvement in their lives, knowing that He is the ultimate source of their preservation and success in all their righteous endeavors.

* [Psalm 18:30](/psalms/18-30 "Psalm 18:30 - God's Way is Perfect")
* [2 Samuel 8:6](/2_samuel/8-6 "2 Samuel 8:6 - David's Victory over Aram")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The LORD Will Keep You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The truth that "the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went" offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our ultimate security and success do not rest on our own abilities, meticulous planning, or accumulated resources, but entirely on the faithful, preserving hand of God. Just as God was intimately involved in David's triumphs, He is equally committed to guiding and protecting those who walk in His ways. This calls us to a posture of humble reliance, recognizing that every victory, every moment of safety, and every step forward in our lives is a testament to His active presence. It encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that when we pursue God's purposes, His enabling power and protective care are with us, empowering us to overcome obstacles and fulfill our callings, not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to rely more on your own strength or resources than on God's preservation?**
* **How does the understanding that God "preserves" you "whithersoever you go" impact your approach to challenges or uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's protective and enabling presence in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "garrisons" David placed in Syriadamascus?**

Answer: The placement of "garrisons" (military outposts) in Syriadamascus (Aram-Damascus) was a common and crucial practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare. Its significance is multifaceted:
* **Control and Occupation:** It signified David's firm and lasting control over the conquered territory, ensuring the subjugated people remained under Israelite authority.
* **Enforcement of Tribute:** Garrisons were instrumental in enforcing the regular payment of "gifts" (tribute) from the Syrians, which contributed to the economic strength of David's kingdom.
* **Strategic Security:** Damascus was a key strategic point on major trade routes. Controlling it through garrisons secured Israel's northern frontier and provided economic and military advantages.
* **Divine Enablement:** While a human military action, the Chronicler presents this act as a tangible outcome of God's preservation and blessing upon David, demonstrating the practical effects of the LORD being with him, as promised in [1 Chronicles 17:8](/1_chronicles/17-8 "1 Chronicles 17:8 - God's Promise to David").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 18:6, with its emphasis on God's preservation of David "whithersoever he went," powerfully foreshadows the greater David, Jesus Christ, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. David, as God's anointed king, experienced divine protection and enabled victories, expanding the earthly kingdom of Israel. This serves as a type for Christ, who, though facing far greater opposition, was preserved by the Father through every trial, temptation, and even death itself, ultimately conquering sin and death through His resurrection (e.g., [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")). Jesus's mission to establish a spiritual kingdom, one not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), required the Father's constant preservation from the forces of evil, culminating in His glorious triumph. Just as the Syrians became David's servants and brought gifts, so too will every knee bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), bringing Him the ultimate tribute of worship and obedience. For believers, this verse assures us that if God preserved David for an earthly kingdom, how much more will He preserve those who are in Christ, securing their place in His eternal, unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")), ensuring their spiritual victory "whithersoever they go" in their walk with Him ([Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37-39 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

Psalms 18:43

Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; [and] thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people [whom] I have not known shall serve me.

Psalms 18:44

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 18:2

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

1 Chronicles 17:8

And I have been with thee whithersoever thou hast walked, and have cut off all thine enemies from before thee, and have made thee a name like the name of the great men that [are] in the earth.

Psalms 121:8

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.