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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

1 Chronicles 18:6 is situated within a series of accounts detailing King David's significant military victories and the expansion of his kingdom. Following God's unconditional covenant promises to David in 1 Chronicles 17, David embarks on campaigns that solidify his rule and extend Israel's influence. This particular verse describes David's triumph over the Arameans (Syrians) of Damascus, securing his northern frontier and establishing them as tributaries, a narrative also found in 2 Samuel 8.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation and Protection: The central message is encapsulated in the phrase, "Thus the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went." This highlights that David's success was not merely a result of his military skill, but the direct and active intervention of God, who ensured his safety and victory in every endeavor.
  • Expansion of God's Kingdom through David: 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.
  • Tribute and Servitude: The Syrians becoming "David's servants" and bringing "gifts" (tribute) indicates their submission and acknowledgment of David's sovereignty, which was ultimately granted by God. This established a stable economic and political order for Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "garrisons" (Hebrew: ืžึดืฆึธึผื‘ึนื•ืช, mitsavot) refers to military posts or outposts, indicating David's strategic occupation and control over the conquered territory of Syriadamascus. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare to maintain authority. The phrase "the LORD preserved David" uses the Hebrew verb ื™ึธืฉึทืืข (yasha'), which means "to save," "to deliver," or "to grant victory." It strongly emphasizes that God was the active agent in David's successes, providing deliverance and safety in every battle.

Practical Application

This verse offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness: Just as God was faithful to His covenant with David, we can trust in His unwavering faithfulness to His promises to us. He is our ultimate preserver and protector.
  • Divine Partnership in Endeavors: David's victories were a partnership between his leadership and God's power. Similarly, believers are called to act in faith, knowing that God's presence and enabling power are with them "whithersoever they go" in their callings and daily lives.
  • True Source of Security: The verse reminds us that true security and success do not come from human strength, strategic planning, or accumulated wealth alone, but from the Lord's active preservation. This encourages a posture of humble reliance on God in all circumstances, knowing that His way is perfect.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 18:43 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 21:31 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 18:2 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 17:8 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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