Nile To Euphrates (1 Chronicles 18)

Under David did Israel finally reign from the Nile to the Euphrates as long ago promised to Abraham? Is the Gospel a far more important conquest than land? Let’s look at 1 Chronicles 18.

Did David defeat the Philistines and Moab, long time enemies of Israel?

After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Gath and its villages out of the hand of the Philistines. And he defeated Moab, and the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute. (1 Chr 18:1-2 ESV)

Did David go on to extend his control towards the Euphrates River?

David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah at Hamath when he went to establish his control at the Euphrates River. David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from him, hamstrung all the horses, and kept 100 chariots. When the Arameans of Damascus came to assist King Hadadezer of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 Aramean men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The Lord made David victorious wherever he went. David took the gold shields carried by Hadadezer’s officers and brought them to Jerusalem. From Tibhath and Cun, Hadadezer’s cities, David also took huge quantities of bronze, from which Solomon made the bronze reservoir, the pillars, and the bronze articles. (1 Chr 18:3-8 HCSB)

Did the Lord give victory to David wherever he went?

When King Tou of Hamath learned that David had conquered King Hadadezer of Zobah’s entire army, he sent his son Hadoram to King David to meet and congratulate him, because he had fought against and defeated Hadadezer. Since Hadadezer had often been to war against Tou, he sent all sorts of gold, silver, and bronze goods to King David, which David also dedicated to the Lord, along with silver and gold that he confiscated from all the surrounding nations, including Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and Amalek. Zeruiah’s son Abishai killed 18,000 Edomites in the Salt Valley. He erected garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subservient to David, while the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went. (1 Chr 18:9-13 ISV)

Who were some of the leading men in David’s administration?

So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people. And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder. And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe; And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king. (1 Chr 18:14-17 KJV)

Why did Jesus teach about loving our enemies? Is the Gospel and conquering men’s hearts a far more important victory than land?

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:43-44 LSB)

Under David did Israel finally reign from the Nile to the Euphrates as long ago promised to Abraham? Is the Gospel a far more important conquest than land? You decide!