David’s Military Campaigns

18 After this, v David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from Philistine control. 2 He also defeated the Moabites, and they became David’s subjects and brought tribute.

3 David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah at Hamath when he went to establish his control at the Euphrates River. 4 David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers from him, hamstrung all the horses, and kept 100 chariots. w

5 When the Arameans of Damascus came to assist King Hadadezer of Zobah, x David struck down 22,000 Aramean men. 6 Then he placed garrisons y z in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and brought tribute. The Lord made David victorious wherever he went.

7 David took the gold shields carried by Hadadezer’s officers and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 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. a

9 When King Tou of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of King Hadadezer of Zobah, 10 he sent his son Hadoram to King David to greet him and to congratulate him because David had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Tou and Hadadezer had fought many wars. Hadoram brought all kinds of gold, silver, and bronze items. 11 King David also dedicated these to the Lord, along with the silver and gold he had carried off from all the nations—from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, and the Amalekites.

12 Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13 He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. The Lord made David victorious wherever he went.

14 So David reigned over all Israel, b administering justice and righteousness for all his people.

15 Joab c son of Zeruiah was over the army;

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was court historian;

16 Zadok son of Ahitub

and Ahimelech d e son of Abiathar were priests;

Shavsha was court secretary;

17 Benaiah son of Jehoiada f was over

the Cherethites and the Pelethites;

and David’s sons were the chief officials at the king’s side.