John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 18:1-17
See Chapter Introduction read more
See Chapter Introduction read more
1 Chronicles 18:14. So David reigned, and executed judgment and justice among the people And therefore answered the end of his elevation; and served the purposes of the kingdom of providence, and of that God who sits in the throne judging right. Thus also he became an eminent type of the Messiah, the sceptre of whose kingdom is a right sceptre. read more
David’s fame (18:1-22:1)Before speaking further of the temple, the writer lists a number of David’s victories in war. These records show how God was strengthening David’s kingdom according to his promise, but they show also why God would not allow David to build the temple. One who had caused so much bloodshed was not a suitable person to build the nation’s sacred place of worship (see 22:7-10).The writer records victories over miscellaneous enemies (18:1-17; see notes on 2 Samuel 8:1-18);... read more
A LIST OF DAVID'S ADMINISTRATORS"And David reigned over all Israel; and he executed justice and righteousness unto all his people. And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar were 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."These verses are parallel with 2 Samuel... read more
David’s Wars and Officers of StateThis chapter is closely parallel to 2 Samuel 8:1-18, but with some variations in names and numbers.1. Gath] probably meant to explain the difficult phrase ’Metheg-ammah’ which occurs in 2 Samuel 8:1. Gath was independent in the time of Solomon: 1 Kings 2:39. 3. Hadarezer] 2 Samuel 8:3 has ’Hadadezer,’ which is more correct,’ Hadad’ being the name of a Syrian god and ’Hadadezer’ being a formation parallel to ’Eliezer.’4. An hundred chariots] RV ’for an hundred... read more
(14) Executed.—Was doing; a permanent state of things.Judgment and justice.—Right and justice. The former is the quality, the latter the conduct which embodies it.Among.—For, or unto. read more
(14-17) David’s internal administration and high officers of state. read more
8. David’s Wars and Successful Reign CHAPTER 18 1. War with the Philistines (1 Chronicles 18:1 ) 2. War with Moab (1 Chronicles 18:2 ) 3. War with Zobah (1 Chronicles 18:3-4 ) 4. War with Damascus (1 Chronicles 18:5-11 ) 5. Wars with Edom (1 Chronicles 18:12-13 ) 6. David’s administration (1 Chronicles 18:14-17 ) After such glorious experiences David went forth as the victorious warrior-king to conquer the enemies of Israel. He first smote the Philistines, subdued them and took... read more
DAVID ’S REIGN THE DOWNFALL OF SAUL (1 Chronicles 10:0 ) In reading this chapter with whose general contents we became familiar in 1 Samuel 31:0 , it is important to note the inspired comment at its close (1 Chronicles 10:13-14 ). DAVID’S HEROES (1 Chronicles 11-12) In the history of David in this book, the writer dwells chiefly on its prosperous side, passing over the rest as lightly as possible. His anointing at Hebron (1 Chronicles 11:1-3 ) reveals nothing of what we learned earlier of... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Chronicles 18:9-17
Here let us learn, 1. That it is our interest to make those our friends who have the presence of God with them. The king of Hamath, hearing of David's great success, sent to congratulate him and to court his favour with a noble present, 1 Chron. 18:9, 10. It is in vain to contend with the Son of David. Kiss the Son, therefore, lest he be angry; let the kings and judges of the earth, and all inferior people too, be thus wise, thus instructed. The presents we are to bring him are not vessels of... read more