John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Chronicles 18:1-17
See Chapter Introduction read more
See Chapter Introduction read more
Joab - was over the host - General-in-chief. Jehoshaphat - recorder - The king's remembrancer, or historiographer royal. read more
Recorder . The word is of the same root with that in 1 Chronicles 16:4 , "to record." The exact duties and position of this officer are not stated in any one place, but may be gathered from 2 Samuel 8:16 ; 2 Samuel 20:24 ; 1 Kings 4:3 ; 2 Kings 18:18 , 2 Kings 18:37 ; 2 Chronicles 34:8 . From these notices, belonging to somewhat separate times, we may gather the dignity and responsibility and trust of the office which the recorder filled, altogether in excess of his duty as... 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
recorder: or remembrancer. 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
(14-17) David’s internal administration and high officers of state. read more
(15) Recorder.—Literally, Remembrancer. LXX and Vulg. render the word “over, or writer of, memoranda.” Syriac and Arabic of Samuel have “leader,” “director;” here they render literally. (Comp. 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:8.) 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
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